HR Operations & Special Projects Lead

Summary

The HR & Special Projects Lead is a hands-on, execution-focused role supporting two senior principals who work closely with executive leadership. This position serves as a central coordinator and follow-through owner-ensuring priorities are tracked, communications are managed, and work moves forward efficiently.

In addition to core HR coordination responsibilities (onboarding, offboarding, benefits administration, HRIS support, and compliance), this role plays a key part in special projects and operational execution. The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-driven, self-directed, and comfortable operating with limited direction in a fast-paced environment.

This is not an entry-level HR role and not an executive assistant position. It is a doer role requiring initiative, responsiveness, and accountability for outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

* Leadership & Special Projects Support

* Act as a primary coordination partner to two senior principals, helping manage priorities, workflows, and follow-up

* Serve as a gatekeeper for communications, assisting with high-volume email and ensuring urgent or high-impact items are addressed

* Attend meetings, capture clear notes, decisions, action items, owners, and deadlines

* Maintain task trackers and project lists; proactively follow up to ensure execution and completion

* Drive special projects independently from start to finish, identifying next steps without needing detailed instruction

* Coordinate across teams to keep work aligned, on track, and moving forward

* Anticipate issues, flag risks early, and propose solutions

* Maintain organized documentation, trackers, and files related to projects and decisions

HR Operations & Administration

* Administer and support HR programs including onboarding, offboarding, benefits administration, HRIS updates, employee files, and compliance tracking

* Onboarding:
Manage end-to-end onboarding processes including offer documentation, background checks, new hire paperwork, HRIS setup, orientation coordination, and 30/60/90-day check-ins

* Offboarding:
Coordinate resignation and termination processes, required documentation, exit packets, and system updates

* Benefits:
Support benefits administration including enrollments, changes, renewals, and open enrollment support; respond to employee benefit questions

* Maintain accurate and compliant employee records, including personnel files, onboarding documents, and HRIS data; assist with audits, legal requests, and reporting as needed

* Serve as a primary point of contact for the HR inbox and helpdesk, responding promptly to employee inquiries

* Compile and maintain documentation for compliance, reporting, and annual HR requirements

* Support HR projects and initiatives as needed, including recruitment coordination, job postings, offer support, and reference checks

Required Experience & Qualifications

* 2+ years of experience in HR coordination, HR operations, or a similar execution-focused role

* Strong understanding of HR processes including onboarding, offboarding, benefits, and employee records

* Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail-this role does not work without them

* Proven ability to manage multiple priorities with minimal oversight

* Strong written and verbal communication skills

* Self-starter with a bias toward action and follow-through

* Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with limited direction and evolving priorities

* High level of professionalism, discretion, and judgment

* Proficiency with Microsoft Office and HR systems; ADP experience a plus

* Bachelor's degree preferred (or equivalent experience)

Working Style & Expectations

* This role requires high responsiveness and follow-through

* Extended hours may be required during peak periods (open enrollment, audits, major projects)

* Success depends on ownership, initiative, and the ability to execute without hand-holding

Working Conditions

* In-office

* Standard workweek with flexibility based on workload demands

Physical requirements

* Ability to remain in a stationary (standing and/or seated) position more than half the time

* Ability to operate machinery and/or equipment that requires the constant use of hands/fingers/wrists more than half the time

* Ability to spend more than half the time viewing computer monitors

* Ability to move, lift, carry, push, pull, and place objects weighing less than or equal to 25 pounds without assistance