What are the responsibilities and job description for the Human Resources Generalist position at United States Space Foundation?
DEPARTMENT: Human Resources
REPORTS TO: Director of Human Resources
POSITION SUMMARY/OBJECTIVE:
The Human Resources Generalist plays a key role in delivering core HR services across the organization with a focus on employee relations, compliance, performance management, and strategic HR support. This position serves as a primary HR partner to managers, providing guidance on employee relations, performance management, and policy interpretation while collaborating with HR leadership to ensure the effective delivery of HR programs. The role requires sound judgment, strong employment law knowledge, and the ability to coach leaders through complex workplace situations.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
The following briefly describes representative responsibilities of this job, but it is not intended to be a complete or all-inclusive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of this position:
Employee Relations & Compliance
- Serve as a point of contact for employee concerns and guide issue resolution in accordance with policy and employment law.
- Partner with leaders to proactively address workplace issues, identify patterns or trends, and recommend solutions that support employee engagement and retention.
- Conduct or support employee relations investigations and document findings.
- Interpret policies and advise leaders on application of HR-related procedures.
- Support compliance with federal, state, and local labor laws (e.g., FMLA, ADA, EEO, FLSA).
- Prepare for and support internal or external audits.
Performance Management & Development
- Provide guidance to leaders throughout the performance review cycle, ensuring consistency and effective feedback practices.
- Coach managers on feedback delivery, progressive discipline, and performance improvement plans.
- Review performance insights and partner with leaders to address performance trends, development needs, and organizational effectiveness.
- Contribute to the design and facilitation of team development initiatives.
Benefits & Leave Administration
- Serve as a resource for complex benefits, leave of absence, or accommodation matters, partnering with the HR Operations Analyst on administration and escalation of sensitive cases.
- Assist with benefit vendor management and plan evaluation alongside the HR Director.
- Participate in open enrollment communications and process improvement.
Recruiting & Onboarding
- Support hiring managers with job description creation and interview planning.
- Participate in interviews for select roles and advise on candidate selection and offer strategy.
- Recommend improvements to onboarding processes and support continuous improvement of the candidate experience.
HR Systems & Reporting
- Partner with the HR Operations Analyst to identify reporting needs and leverage HR data to support decision-making and workforce planning.
- Review HR insights and partner with HR leadership to interpret trends that support decision-making and organizational planning.
- Partner with the HR Operations Analyst to ensure data integrity and compliance tracking.
Project & Program Management
- Partner with HR leadership to design and guide HR initiatives (e.g., engagement surveys, policy updates, compensation reviews) and collaborate with the HR Operations Analyst to support successful implementation.
- Monitor trends in engagement and retention and contribute to action planning.
May perform other duties as assigned.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
- This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.
BUDGETARY RESPONSIBILITIES
- This position does not have budgetary or financial oversight responsibilities.
QUALIFICATIONS:
The following briefly describes knowledge, skills, abilities and characteristics associated with this position, including any required experience, education, licensure, certification, or combination thereof:
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field (or equivalent combination of experience and education)
- Minimum 5 years of progressive HR experience, including direct employee relations and compliance work
- Strong working knowledge of employment laws and HR best practices
- Proficiency in HRIS platforms and Microsoft Office Suite
- HR Certification preferred (PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP)
COMPETENCIES:
- Excellent interpersonal and conflict-resolution skills
- Demonstrated ability to coach managers and influence outcomes
- High attention to detail and strong organizational skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to shifting needs
- Sound judgment, discretion, and ability to maintain confidentiality
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
This position involves extended periods of sitting or standing at a workstation and frequent use of a computer and other standard office equipment. Occasional movement, including walking, lifting, or carrying items up to 15 pounds, may be required. Reasonable accommodations will be made to support individuals with disabilities in performing essential job functions.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
This role is primarily based in an office environment, with access to standard equipment and furnishings. The employee may occasionally be required to participate in offsite meetings or events, including potential travel as needed. The work environment is generally quiet to moderate in noise level. Space Foundation maintains a hybrid work policy that allows for up to two days of remote work per week, subject to business needs. Reasonable accommodations will be made for individuals with disabilities.
JOB STATUS:
- FLSA Classification: This position is exempt according to guidelines of the Fair Labor Standards Act and, as such, an individual in this position is not eligible to receive overtime pay.
- Full- or Part-Time: This position is full-time in nature. An individual in this position will regularly work a schedule consisting of 40 hours per week.
- Work Location: This position’s primary work site is the headquarters location in Colorado Springs, CO. The nature and responsibilities of this position are such that it is eligible for alternative worksite arrangements, such as working from home or telecommuting, on an occasional, infrequent and/or as needed basis. Space Foundation’s current hybrid policy allows for two work-from-home days per week.
- Regular Schedule: The position's usual business days are Monday through Friday, and its usual business hours are from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. in the time zone in which it is located.
BENEFITS:
Space Foundation offers a comprehensive benefits package including:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Employer-paid basic life and AD&D coverage
- Short- and long-term disability insurance
- 401(k) plan with employer contribution
- Paid holidays and generous paid time off
- Access to employee assistance program (EAP)
EEO STATEMENT
Space Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.
Salary : $89,000 - $95,000