Elkus Manfredi Architects is a full-service design firm providing architecture, master planning, urban design, interior architecture, space planning, and programming. We are seeking talented individuals with unbridled curiosity, who tirelessly ask questions, are always learning, and are passionately engaged.

The Human Resource Senior Generalist is responsible for all key HR functions and programs including but not limited to benefits administration, payroll processing, record keeping, and assisting with firm-wide training, recruiting, and onboarding.

This person is able to foster positive and professional relationships with all colleagues as this position interacts with employees to handle questions, requests or problems. The position requires excellent organizational, people and time management skills. The position demands excellent interpersonal skills to collaborate across departments, provide coaching, and resolve conflicts while exercising discretion. The role requires a deep understanding of human resources best practices, including organizational effectiveness, performance management, recruitment, equity and inclusion, and employee relations. The position requires strong communication abilities, both written and verbal, to effectively convey policies and share information across the organization.

The position collaborates with leadership to align people operations with organizational goals, facilitates change management, and provides coaching and guidance on employee-related matters. The position develops performance management processes and training programs, manages recruitment practices and handles employee relations issues to ensure a high-performing, engaged workforce.

 

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Assists with administering health and welfare plans, including enrollments, changes and terminations. Processes required documents through payroll and insurance providers to ensure accurate record-keeping and proper deductions.
• Participates in the processing and auditing of payroll, benefits, or other HR programs and recommends corrective action.
• Collaborates with hiring managers for recruitment and interviews, including the coordination of candidate communications as needed, and status tracking and communication.
• Champions and facilitates the onboarding process by ensuring that it is high quality and up to date, and provide clarity and connection for new employees.
• Manages the performance review process.
• Performs customer service functions by answering employee requests and questions.
• Participates in drafting, preparing, and often deploying human resources policies, procedures, and general communications and reminders. Active role in ensuring all human resource functions are complying with local, state and federal regulations.
• Manages hard and digital copies of employee records and maintains HRIS system with accrual data.
• Serves as point of contact with Immigration Attorney for employment related immigration matters; manages, documents, and tracks all immigration employment procedures and tasks.
• Reconciles benefits invoices.
• Coordinates benefit training sessions.
• Completes Forms I‑9, verifies I‑9 documentation and maintains I‑9 files.
• Submits new-employee background checks.
• Conducts exit interviews and prepares final termination paperwork for departing staff members.
• Analyzes internal and external trends and metrics to develop solutions, interventions, initiatives, programs, and/or policies.
• Conducts employee engagement surveys and focus groups, assist in developing programs based on results.
• Facilitates change management initiatives, including communication strategies and coalition building.
• Develops and co-chairs diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies, collaborating with relevant committees.
• Communicates and shares important information, key resources, and collaboration opportunities on the Firm’s intranet.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
• Consults with employees and management on organizational policies, procedures, performance issues, and conflict resolution, providing guidance on appropriate interventions and employee relations matters.
• Manages and resolves employee relations issues, performance issues, conducts investigations, and ensures regulatory compliance.
• Assists with terminations.

 

Additional Duties & Responsibilities

• Establishes and maintains employee information database in Paylocity and/or Deltek.
• Provides HRIS support as needed.
• Assists with maintaining employee files.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

 

Required Education, Experience and Credentials

• Bachelor’s degree.

 

Preferred Education, Experience and Credentials

• HR Certification (SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR).
• Five (5) years of experience as HR Generalist, or similar role.
• Prior experience with HRIS system management/maintenance and Payroll.

 

Required Skills and Abilities

Leadership, Communication and Emotional Skills

• Ability to demonstrate the firm’s core values: Integrity, Purpose, Collaboration, Empathy, Conscientiousness, Accountability.
• Strong service orientation with the ability to proactively find solutions.
• Strong ability to listen to understand and tailor responses appropriately.
• Ability to communicate relevant information clearly and concisely, with the appropriate tone.
• Strong attention to detail, especially in written communications.
• Ability and desire to receive feedback and learn from other’s perspectives.
• Ability to be flexible and to adapt to changes in priority or direction.
• Ability and desire to self-start, ask questions, learn and grow.
• Excellent organizational skills including time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines, attention to detail, and follow-through.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure and execute in a fast-paced and at times stressful environment.
• Ability to include all, collaborate, and recognize others’ contributions.
• Ability to collaborate, communicate, build consensus, and achieve tangible firm-wide results.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively to develop and execute plans.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Strong critical thinking, judgement and creative problem-solving skills.
• Strong organizational ability including time management, prioritization, goal orientation, process building, and decision-making.

Technical Skills and Applied Knowledge

• Working understanding of human resource principles, practices and procedures.
• Ability to rapidly learn how to operate within common HR-related software and technical systems.
• Ability to acquire a thorough understanding of the organization’s hierarchy, jobs, qualifications, compensation practices, and the administrative practices related to those factors.
• Ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply the appropriate sections of applicable laws, guidelines, regulations, ordinances, and policies.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to perform work using a Windows operating system.

 

Preferred Skills and Abilities

• Familiarity with Deltek Vantagepoint.
• Familiarity with Paylocity.

 

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements

• Office environment; no adverse environmental conditions expected.
• Sedentary computer work that involves constantly sitting or standing, and occasional movement within the office.
• Constantly communicating with others to exchange information.
• Constantly assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned.

 

Benefits and Perks

• Ten (10) paid vacation days per year.
• Eleven (11) paid fixed holidays and two (2) paid floating holidays per year.
• Ten (10) paid sick days per year.
• Health insurance, 70% employer.
• Dental and vision insurance, 70% employer paid.
• Health Reimbursement Account, Health Savings Account and/or Flexible Spending Account for pre-tax medical and dependent care expenses.
• Employer paid life, AD&D, short‑, and long-term disability insurance, w/optional additional employee paid coverages.
• 401(k) with employer match.
• Employee Assistance Program for counseling, legal, and financial assistance.
• Free annual membership to Blue Bikes.
• Pre-tax commuter and parking benefits.
• Free shuttles to and from the Innovation & Design Building and South Station or North Station during peak commute hours.

 

About Elkus Manfredi Architects

Elkus Manfredi Architects is focused on creating dynamic, connected, sustainable environments that foster a sense of community, from the smallest workplace to urban neighborhoods. The firm provides a synergistic combination of services — from architecture and interior architecture to master planning and urban design. With a legacy of design distinction and commitment to our clients’ success, the firm is recognized internationally for its work with corporate, life science, higher education, hospitality, residential, and retail-entertainment clients. Located in the iconic Innovation and Design building in Boston’s Seaport District, Elkus Manfredi is committed to creating common ground that brings people and communities together.