Human Resources Generalist

Commonspace

Human Resource Generalist

Location: Portland, Maine

Role Presence: This is a Full-Time onsite position.

Reports to: Executive Director

Position Overview

The Human Resources Generalist serves as the sole HR professional for Commonspace and is responsible for overseeing all aspects of human resources for a growing, mission-driven nonprofit organization. This role provides both strategic leadership and day-to-day operational support in areas such as full-cycle recruitment, employee relations, benefits administration, compliance, performance management, and organizational culture.

The ideal candidate will bring strong HR expertise along with a commitment to the mission and values of Commonspace and a working understanding of the field of peer support. Because this position operates as a department of one, the Human Resources Manager must be highly organized, self-directed, and comfortable balancing strategic planning with hands-on administrative work.

Key Responsibilities

Human Resources Operations

• Manage all HR functions for the organization, including recruitment, onboarding, benefits administration, employee relations, performance management, and offboarding.
• Maintain and update HR policies, procedures, and employee handbook in compliance with federal and Maine employment laws.
• Ensure accurate HR recordkeeping and HRIS administration.
• Manage employee benefits programs including health insurance, retirement plans, leave programs, and workers’ compensation.
• Oversee payroll coordination in partnership with finance staff or payroll provider.

Recruitment and Talent Development

• Support recruitment efforts including job postings, candidate screening, interviewing coordination, and hiring recommendations.
• Design and facilitate onboarding processes that introduce new staff to the organization’s mission, values, and peer support philosophy.
• Support professional development initiatives and training opportunities for staff.
• Assist managers with performance management, coaching, and employee development plans.

Employee Relations and Organizational Culture

• Serve as a trusted resource for staff and supervisors on HR-related questions and concerns.
• Promote a healthy, inclusive, and trauma-informed workplace culture aligned with the organization’s values.
• Support conflict resolution and mediation as needed.
• Help cultivate an environment that reflects the principles of peer support such as mutuality, respect, empowerment, and shared lived experience.

Compliance and Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with all relevant employment laws and nonprofit HR regulations.
• Manage HR-related policies related to safety, confidentiality, and ethical practices.
• Coordinate HR aspects of audits, reporting requirements, and employment documentation.

Strategic Support

• Partner with leadership to support workforce planning, organizational growth, and staffing strategies.
• Provide HR insights that support organizational sustainability and employee wellbeing.
• Develop HR systems and processes that scale with the organization’s development.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Development, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 3–5 years of progressively responsible HR experience, ideally including experience as a standalone HR professional or in a small organization.
• Knowledge of HR compliance and employment law, including familiarity with Maine employment regulations.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple responsibilities independently.

Preferred

• HR certification such as SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR.
• Experience working in nonprofit organizations.
• Experience supporting mission-driven or human services organizations.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed workplace practices.

Mission Alignment

The Human Resources Generalist must demonstrate a strong commitment to the mission and values of Commonspace and a respect for the role of peer support in fostering recovery, resilience, and community. A working understanding of peer support principles—including mutuality, respect, shared experience, and empowerment—is essential for supporting staff and maintaining an organizational culture aligned with these values.

Role Presence

This is a Full-Time position, with most time spent at the central office in Portland, with occasional support at our Midcoast office in Lincoln County. Flexible time for remote work may be available post probationary period. This position’s schedule is 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday.

Physical Requirements

Some of Commonspace’s requirements include:

• Must be able to work outside for most of the day in all weather conditions.
• Must be able to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to ambulate up and down stairs.
• Must be able to lift 15 pounds as necessary.

This may vary depending on the position, as some positions are more physically demanding than others.

Working Environment

This position requires working with individuals who may be under the influence of substances, exhibiting mental health symptoms, or presenting challenging behaviors. Medical and other emergencies may occur in the working environments, including substance overdoses, suicidal ideation and/or self-harm, physical and/or verbal violence; when such events occur contacting emergency services for assistance is essential and required.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Commonspace is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, creed, disability status, protected military and veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression or any other characteristic protected by law.

Pay: $52,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid jury duty
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• Human Resources: 3 years (Required)
• HRIS: 3 years (Preferred)
• Benefits administration: 1 year (Preferred)
• Recruiting: 1 year (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• SHRM Certified Professional (Preferred)
• SHRM Senior Certified Professional (Preferred)
• Professional In Human Resources (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Portland, ME 04101 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $52,000 - $60,000