Human Resources Generalist Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM

Position Summary

The HR Generalist will evaluate, craft and maintain the organization’s HR function for 30 staff members. This collaborative role is ideal for a proactive, organized HR professional who enjoys both strategy and hands-on implementation. The HR Generalist will utilize their experience to build upon current policy and procedure, while recommending and establishing compliant and supportive HR practices while fostering a positive, inclusive, and collaborative workplace that reflects our mission of nurturing young children and supporting the teachers and staff who care for them. The HR Generalist reports to ownership/senior management. We are a growing, community-based preschool and day care with two locations in the Nob Hill neighborhood of Albuquerque, NM.

Focus:

• Employee relations (first-line support)
• Benefits administration and leave management
• Recruiting, hiring and onboarding of educators and support teachers
• Staff retention and morale initiatives
• Licensing compliance and audits
• Supporting directors with performance management and disciplinary action
• Policy implementation and compliance

Key Responsibilities (not comprehensive)

• HR Administration & Compliance
• Develop and implement HR policies, procedures, and publish an employee handbook consistent with federal, state and local laws
• Maintain personnel files, records, and documentation securely and confidentially
• Manage employee onboarding, offboarding, and annual training compliance
• Ensure compliance with labor laws, licensing requirements
• Participate in in weekly administrative meetings
• Recruitment & Hiring
• Partner with senior management to assess staffing needs
• Manage full-cycle recruitment for teachers and administrative roles (posting, screening, interviewing, reference checks, etc.)
• Coordinate new hire paperwork, background checks, and other pre-employment requirements
• Design onboarding and orientation programs that align with the school’s culture and values
• Employee Relations, Engagement and Retention
• Manage employee annual review calendar and review process
• Develop/update and manage employee job descriptions and wage scales
• Serve as the first point of contact for HR-related questions and employee concerns
• Foster a positive and respectful work environment through communication, feedback, and conflict resolution
• Support initiatives that enhance morale, teamwork, and staff retention
• Coordinate staff meetings, recognition programs, professional development sessions and employee surveys
• Evaluate and propose adjustments to company policies, benefits, workflow, work conditions, etc.
• Contribute to the staff newsletter
• Payroll & Benefits Administration
• Manage the bi-weekly payroll process
• Maintain records of working hours, leave, and attendance
• Maintain and administer employee benefits programs (health insurance, PTO, etc.) and manage the annual open enrollment process
• Manage annual issuance of W2s
• Performance Management & Professional Development
• Review, update and publish staff handbook
• Develop annual performance review processes aligned with organizational goals
• Assist with coaching, performance documentation and improvement plans
• Identify training needs and assist in coordinating professional development opportunities for staff
• HR Systems & Recordkeeping
• Maintain personnel records, timekeeping, PTO, FMLA, and other documentation
• Track certifications, training, and required staff credentials
• Generate HR reports (turnover, attendance, staffing levels) for management team
• Manage unemployment and workers comp claims and insurance

Qualifications

Required experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field
• 2-4 years of HR experience with exposure across multiple HR functions
• Knowledge of HR best practices, New Mexico employment laws, and employee relations
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and problem-solving skills

Preferred but not required:

• Experience in education and/or small business settings
• PHR or SHRM-CP certification
• Coursework in labor law, compensation, or organizational behavior
• Familiarity with Quickbooks Workforce and Mineral platforms
• Bi-lingual (Spanish)

Working Requirements

• On-site in our preschool office during standard business hours
• Occasional flexibility required for special events or training sessions
• Ours is a collaborative environment with educators and administrative staff dedicated to child development and family engagement

Compensation & Benefits

• Compensation commensurate with education and experience
• Paid time off and opportunity-to-work days during scheduled closures
• Professional development support