Senior HR Generalist, People, Place & Culture

<h3><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>About the role:</strong></span></h3>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">The Senior HR Generalist is a hands-on individual contributor who provides broad day-to-day human resources support with particular depth in employee and labor relations. Reporting to the Managing Director, People, Place & Culture, this role serves as a trusted resource to employees and managers on workplace matters and supports consistent, equitable, and legally compliant people practices across the organization.</span> <span data-ccp-props="{"469777462":[720],"469777927":[0],"469777928":[8]}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">The Generalist will have primary responsibility for employee and labor relations intake and coordination, including workplace concerns, investigations support, performance management, corrective action, accommodations, and day-to-day administration of the collective bargaining agreement. The role will also provide generalist support across benefits and leave administration, HR operations, compliance, onboarding and offboarding, and other employee lifecycle processes.</span> <span data-ccp-props="{"469777462":[720],"469777927":[0],"469777928":[8]}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">This role works collaboratively across the People, Place & Culture (PPC) team and partners closely with the Compensation & Benefits function to support benefits administration. The role does not own Vera’s Total Rewards strategy; rather, it provides operational support and additional capacity across core HR services.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"469777462":[720],"469777927":[0],"469777928":[8]}"> </span></p>
<p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">1. Employee & Labor Relations </span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"134233279":true}"> </span></p>
<ul>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Serve as a first point of contact for employee relations concerns, conducting intake, triage, documentation, and initial assessment of complaints, grievances, workplace conflicts, and other employee concerns.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233279":true,"335559685":765}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Support and, where appropriate, lead workplace investigations, including fact gathering, interviewing parties, maintaining chain-of-custody documentation, preparing investigation summaries, and coordinating with the Managing Director and Legal.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233279":true,"335559685":765}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Administer day-to-day aspects of the collective bargaining agreement, including tracking grievances and timelines, maintaining seniority and job-classification records, coordinating labor-management meeting logistics, and supporting implementation of negotiated provisions.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233279":true,"335559685":765}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Advise managers on performance management, coaching, corrective action, conflict resolution, and consistent application of workplace policies and the CBA.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233279":true,"335559685":765}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Coordinate accommodation and leave-related employee relations matters in partnership with the appropriate PPC team member and Legal, as needed.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233279":true,"335559685":765}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Partner with Vera's Legal and Race, Equity, and Inclusion (REI) teams on anti-harassment, anti-discrimination, retaliation, and other sensitive workplace matters, ensuring consistent and equitable application of policy.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233279":true,"335559685":765}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<p><strong><span data-ccp-props="{"134233279":true,"335559685":765}">2. </span><span data-contrast="auto">Core HR Operations & Employee Lifecycle </span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233279":true}"> </span></strong></p>
<ul>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Provide day-to-day HR operational support across employee lifecycle processes, including employee records, status changes, reporting, and data integrity.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233279":true}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Partner with the Compensation & Benefits function to support benefits administration, including employee questions, enrollments, qualifying life events, vendor coordination, and routine benefits processes.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233279":true}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Provide operational support for leave administration, including FMLA, ADA, state/local leave, disability and other applicable leave programs, coordinating with employees, managers, carriers and vendors as appropriate.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233279":true}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Serve as additional PPC capacity and backup for core benefits and leave processes to support continuity of service.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233279":true}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Respond to employee questions regarding policies, pay, benefits, PTO and HR procedures, escalating complex compensation, benefits or Total Rewards matters to the appropriate PPC team member.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233279":true}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Maintain accurate HRIS and personnel records and support routine audits and reporting.  </span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233279":true}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Identify opportunities to streamline and improve recurring HR processes and escalate operational gaps or trends to the Managing Director.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233279":true}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<p><strong><span data-ccp-props="{"134233279":true}">3. </span><span data-contrast="auto">Benefits & Leave Administration   </span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"134233279":true}"> </span></p>
<ul>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Partner closely with the Compensation & Benefits function to support the day-to-day administration of Vera’s employee benefits programs and continuity of employee support.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233279":true}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Respond to routine employee benefits questions and support enrollments, qualifying life events, benefit changes, and other benefits-related transactions.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233279":true}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Support leave administration, including FMLA, ADA, state and local leave, disability, and other applicable leave programs, coordinating with employees, managers, carriers, and vendors as appropriate.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233279":true}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Maintain accurate benefits and leave records and support required documentation, tracking, reporting, and employee communications.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233279":true}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Coordinate with benefits vendors and internal partners to resolve routine employee issues and ensure timely service.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233279":true}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Serve as additional PPC capacity and operational backup for benefits and leave administration, escalating matters involving benefits strategy, plan design, compensation, or broader Total Rewards decisions to the appropriate PPC functional lead.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233279":true}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">4. Compliance, Records & HR Projects</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"134233279":true}"> </span></p>
<ul>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Conduct routine audits of personnel files, I-9s, and required trainings to ensure federal, state, and local compliance.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233279":true}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Track and support mandatory training completion (e.g., anti-harassment, code of conduct) and maintain accurate compliance records.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233279":true}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Contribute to HR projects engagement surveys, policy rollouts, HRIS improvements, and total-rewards cycles as assigned.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233279":true}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Generate metrics and dashboards on ER/LR case volume, hiring, and turnover to inform decision-making.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233279":true}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<h3><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What qualifications are we looking for?</strong></span></h3>
<p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Required</span></strong><span data-contrast="auto">:</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335557856":16777215}"> </span></p>
<ul>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Bachelor's degree and 5 plus years of relevant HR experience. In lieu of a bachelor's degree, applicable work or life experience may be considered.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335557856":16777215}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Demonstrated hands-on experience across multiple HR functions (e.g., benefits, HRIS, recruitment, compliance) as a generalist.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335557856":16777215}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Direct experience handling employee relations matters, including intake, documentation, and handling of workplace investigations from start to finish. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"335557856":16777215}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Working knowledge of federal, state, and local employment law (e.g., Title VII, ADA, FMLA, FLSA, NLRA).</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335557856":16777215}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Preferred</span></strong><span data-contrast="auto">: </span><span data-ccp-props="{"335557856":16777215}"> </span></p>
<ul>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">SHRM-CP, PHR, or other HR-related certification.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335557856":16777215}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Direct experience administering a collective bargaining agreement and supporting labor relations alongside legal counsel.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335557856":16777215}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Experience in a unionized and/or nonprofit/mission-driven environment.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335557856":16777215}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">You are committed to Vera's mission to end the overcriminalization and mass incarceration of people of color, immigrants, and people experiencing poverty.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335557856":16777215}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<h3><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span class="TextRun SCXW232907634 BCX0" lang="EN-US" data-contrast="none"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW232907634 BCX0">Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities you'll bring:</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW232907634 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":276}"> </span></strong></span></h3>
<ul>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite (or similar) and comfortable working within an HRIS/ATS.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":20,"335559740":259}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Sound judgment and discretion; able to handle confidential and sensitive matters with integrity and impartiality.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":20,"335559740":259}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Strong written and verbal communication, including clear, objective investigation and case documentation.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":20,"335559740":259}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Flexible and able to multi-task, prioritize, and manage multiple activities in a fast-paced environment.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":20,"335559740":259}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Solutions-oriented problem solver who works well with people both inside and outside the organization.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":20,"335559740":259}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<h3><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Location:</strong></span></h3>
<p>Please note this role will report to our<strong> Brooklyn, NY </strong>office. Vera employees adhere to a hybrid schedule and are in-office on an alternating schedule that generally amounts to 10 days per month.</p>
<h3><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Compensation and Benefits:</strong></span></h3>
<p>The compensation range for this position is <strong>$125,000 - $130,000</strong>. Actual salaries will vary depending on factors including but not limited to experience and performance. The salary range listed is just one component of Vera Institute’s total compensation package for employees. As an employer of choice in our field, supporting Vera staff - both personally and professionally - is a priority. To do this, we invest in the well-being of our staff through other rewards including merit pay, generous paid time off, a comprehensive health insurance plan, student loan repayment benefits, professional development training opportunities and up to $2,000 annual for education costs and fees relevant to Vera work, employer-funded retirement plan, and flexible time. <span class="TextRun Highlight SCXW74969698 BCX8" lang="EN-US" data-contrast="none"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW74969698 BCX8">To learn more about Vera’s benefits offerings, </span></span><a class="Hyperlink SCXW74969698 BCX8" href="https://online.fliphtml5.com/zmgfx/Vera-Benefits-Guide---26-27/" target="_blank"><span class="TextRun Underlined SCXW74969698 BCX8" lang="EN-US" data-contrast="none"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW74969698 BCX8" data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">click here</span></span></a><span class="TextRun Highlight SCXW74969698 BCX8" lang="EN-US" data-contrast="none"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW74969698 BCX8">.</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW74969698 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></p>
<div class="p-rich_text_section">
<h3><strong>Application Process:</strong></h3>
</div>
<div class="p-rich_text_section">To receive further consideration for this career opportunity, applicants are asked preliminary questions about logistics, their interest and qualifications. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional details about their experience via a phone screen/form in advance of an invitation for a virtual or in-person interview with the team. Some searches may explore scenarios during the interview process and/or an assessment prior to reference checks and a hiring decision.</div>
<h3><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Applications may also be faxed to:</strong></span></h3>
<p>ATTN: People, Place, and Culture / [<strong>JOBTITLE]</strong><br>Vera Institute of Justice<br>34 35th St, Suite 4-2A, Brooklyn, NY 11232<br>Fax: (212) 941-9407<br>Please use only one method (online, mail or fax) of submission.<br>No phone calls, please. Only applicants selected for interviews will be contacted.</p>
<p><em>Vera is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without unlawful discrimination based on race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, prior record of arrest or conviction, citizenship status, current employment status, or caregiver status. </em></p>
<p><em>Vera works to advance justice, particularly racial justice, in an increasingly multicultural country and globally connected world. We value diverse experiences, including with regard to educational background and justice system contact, and depend on a diverse staff to carry out our mission. </em></p>
<p><em>For more information about Vera, please visit </em><a href="http://www.vera.org/" data-cke-saved-href="http://www.vera.org/"><em>www.vera.org</em></a>.</p>