Human Resources Associate

Job Description:

We are seeking an energetic HR Associate based out of our Dallas office to support our rapidly expanding organization. In this role, you will be the core of our day-to-day HR operations, managing everything from onboarding our new hires to administering benefits, ensuring compliance, and supporting our unique event-based workforce. This position requires a blend of traditional HR expertise and the flexibility to adapt to the fast-moving sports entertainment industry.

Responsibilities:

• Talent Acquisition & Onboarding: Partner with hiring managers to draft job descriptions, post openings, screen candidates, and coordinate interviews. Lead the onboarding experience to ensure new hires feel welcomed and integrated into the PPA culture.
• HRIS System Management: Maintain and optimize HRIS systems and employee data integrity. Prepare HR metrics and reports related to turnover, recruiting, headcount, engagement, and workforce trends.
• Payroll Administration: Assist with bi-weekly payroll processing for staff. Administer payroll and timekeeping functions for employees, including timesheet audits, PTO tracking, payroll processing, and resolution of payroll-related inquiries while ensuring compliance with wage and hour regulations.
• Benefits Administration & Support: Administer open enrollment, health benefits, 401(k), and leave-of-absence programs. Assist in any benefits inquiries for all eligible employees, remaining in compliance with state and federal laws.
• Employee Relations: Serve as a trusted point of contact for employee inquiries, resolve workplace issues empathetically and objectively, and foster a positive, inclusive team culture.
• Compliance & Risk Management: Maintain deep knowledge of federal, state (with a strong emphasis on Texas labor laws), and local employment laws. Because our tour travels nationwide and we employ some remote workers, experience with multi-state compliance is essential.
• Performance Management: Support the annual review process, guide managers on constructive feedback, and assist with employee development initiatives.
• Tour & Event Support: Collaborate with operations to manage onboarding and compliance for seasonal, temporary, or contract staff hired for specific tournament locations.

Qualifications:

• Experience: 1-2 years of progressive HR experience, preferably in a sports, entertainment, hospitality, or fast-growth startup environment.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience). PHR or SHRM-CP certification is a plus.
• Multi-State Knowledge: Experience managing HR functions across multiple states is highly preferred due to the traveling nature of the tour.
• Proficiency with HRIS systems: ADP Workforce Now Next Gen and Microsoft Office / Google Workspace experience preferred.
• Communication: Exceptional interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills. You must be able to connect authentically with everyone from professional athletes and executives to event volunteers.
• Adaptability: A proven ability to juggle multiple priorities, maintain strict confidentiality, and remain calm under pressure in a high-velocity environment.
• Location Requirement: Be located in or willing to relocate to Dallas, Texas.