Director People Operations Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

The OpportunityInclined is seeking an experienced People Operations Specialist to fully own the day-to-day people operations of our organization. This hands-on role is the primary point of contact for employees across all things people-related, from benefits and onboarding to compliance and employee relations, and will play a critical role in building scalable, well-documented HR infrastructure as we continue to grow.The ideal candidate is a hands-on, roll-up-your-sleeves HR professional who is comfortable navigating both tactical execution and process improvement. You are someone who has worked in HR operations in a small-to-mid-sized organization, understands the nuances of the government contracting (GovCon) environment, and takes genuine pride in creating a seamless employee experience from day one. You will report directly to and work closely with the Chief Operating Officer (COO), taking over operational HR responsibilities and putting your mark on the systems, processes, and workflows that support our growing team. This is a hybrid role, requiring 2–3 days per week in our Arlington, VA office (we are flexible on which days). Key Responsibilities:Employee Support & HR Point of ContactServe as the primary HR resource for employee questions on health insurance, benefits, leave, accommodations, and general HR mattersConduct initial intake for employee relations (ER) needs and escalate appropriately, with the Chief Operating Officer leading resolution on complex or sensitive mattersOnboarding & OffboardingTake full ownership of the new hire onboarding process and ensure a best-in-class experienceBuild out and fully utilize the onboarding module within iSolved (ATS/HRIS), including workflows for government-specific onboarding steps such as EUA ID setupManage all offboarding steps, documentation, and exit processes in a thorough and compliant mannerHR Systems & Tools OwnershipOwn and operate core HR systems: ATS (iSolved), timekeeping (Unanet), and associated workflowsConfigure and maintain ATS candidate tracking and recruiting coordination processesSupport employees on timekeeping and related system questions in UnanetCompliance, HR Records & DocumentationManage multi-state tax registration, compliance tracking, and reporting deadlinesEnsure HR practices and recordkeeping align with applicable federal, state, and local regulationsMaintain HR files and recordkeeping practices in accordance with company standards and applicable compliance requirements Complete the transition to electronic HR recordsImprove and maintain HR documentation standards, checklists, retention schedules, and SOPsDevelop and maintain HR SOPs, internal process guides, and compliance hygiene practices across HR operationsBenefits AdministrationGuide employees through open enrollment and serve as the day-to-day point of contact for benefits questionsHelp employees navigate health insurance and other benefit plans, ensuring a clear and supportive experienceServe as the first point of contact for ADA/disability, FMLA, and similar leave and accommodation requests; conduct intake and escalate to COO as neededRecruiting SupportCoordinate and support recruiting activities, including potential sourcing, interview scheduling, candidate communications, and ATS managementOwn the operational and candidate tracking side of the ATS in partnership with the hiring teamPerformance Management AdministrationProvide operational and administrative support to performance management cyclesWhat You Will BringA hands-on, self-directed approach, taking initiative, and rolling up your sleeves without needing to be askedDeep familiarity with the full HR operations lifecycle: onboarding, offboarding, benefits, compliance, employee relations, and HR recordkeepingExperience navigating government contracting (GovCon) HR requirements, including government-specific onboarding processes, compliance obligations, and the culture of a mission-driven, contract-based environmentA strong systems mindset-you have owned or significantly operated HRIS and ATS platforms and can configure, improve, and train others on themComfort operating in a small, dynamic organization where you wear many hats and build things from scratch or take over from predecessorsStrong judgment when it comes to employee relations-you can conduct a professional intake, know what to escalate, and approach sensitive matters with discretion and empathyHighly organized with a strong attention to detail - you maintain accurate records, stay ahead of compliance deadlines, and proactively build processes that keep the team running smoothlyGenuine interest in building an excellent employee experience, especially around onboarding and day-to-day HR interactionsA collaborative working style and comfort partnering with leadership while owning execution independentlyRequirementsBachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, Information Systems, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience 5–8 years of HR operations or people operations experience, ideally within a government contracting (GovCon) or federal contractor environmentDemonstrated experience managing multi-state HR compliance, including state tax registrations, reporting requirements, and employment law obligationsHands-on experience running onboarding programs end-to-end and managing HRIS/ATS platforms (iSolved experience is a strong plus)Familiarity with government-specific onboarding requirements (e.g., EUA ID, clearance coordination, or equivalent GovCon processes)Experience supporting or conducting HR audits and transitioning to electronic HR recordkeepingProven ability to manage benefits administration, including open enrollment, and to serve as an employee-facing resource for benefits questionsStrong written and verbal communication skills, including comfort explaining HR processes to employees at all levelsExperience supporting FMLA, ADA/disability accommodations, or leave administration processesComp and BenefitsCompetitive base salaryPerformance-based bonus10% employer 401(k) contribution / profit sharing100% employer-paid health premiums (less deductible)Metro stipend or free parking11 federal holidays and paid time offEligibility:You must be eligible to work in the U.S. Unfortunately, we are unable to sponsor work visas at this time. Inclined is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, genetic information or other applicable legally protected characteristics.About UsInclined is a woman-owned small business committed to helping public sector and public good organizations create long-lasting progress and forward momentum. Our diverse team of technical experts brings advanced analytics to challenges large and small, delivering more than clients expect-and often more than they thought possible.Our company traces its roots back more than 40 years to Fu Associates, founded by technologist and former public servant Edward Fu on the belief that public sector organizations deserve better. Fu's civic-centered mission and guiding principles became the foundation of the company's culture and approach. In 2024, former public servant and technology industry veteran Lena Trudeau acquired and reimagined the organization, relaunching it as Inclined while building on decades of experience using modern technology to solve complex problems. It's no wonder the average tenure on our team is over a decade. We love what we do and the people we work with. If you're an intellectually curious problem-solver with the can-do attitude necessary in a "small but mighty" shop, drop us a line!Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws.