Human Resources Generalist in Rockville, Maryland at Dominique Dawes Academy

The Human Resources Generalist is responsible for providing comprehensive HR support across all stages of the employee lifecycle while serving as a trusted partner to managers and employees across multiple locations. This role manages the day-to-day administration of Human Resources, including recruiting, onboarding, employee relations, benefits administration, leave management, compliance, workers compensation, payroll support, and HRIS administration. In addition to daily HR operations, the HR Generalist leads and supports department projects focused on improving processes, strengthening compliance, enhancing the employee experience, and driving organizational initiatives. The ideal candidate is comfortable balancing routine operational responsibilities with higher-level HR initiatives in a fast-paced, growing organization.

Key Responsibilities

Employee Lifecycle

• Manage the full-cycle recruitment process for assigned positions, including job postings, candidate communication, interview coordination, offers, and onboarding.
• Coordinate and facilitate new hire onboarding, orientation, and offboarding activities.
• Monitor onboarding tasks in Paylocity to ensure timely completion.
• Maintain accurate employee records and HRIS data within Paylocity.
• Respond to employee questions through the HR inbox, phone, and in person, providing timely and professional support.

Employee Relations & Compliance

• Serve as the primary HR contact for assigned gym locations.
• Provide guidance to managers on company policies, employee relations, performance concerns, and corrective actions.
• Assist with workplace investigations and documentation of disciplinary actions, coaching conversations, and terminations.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and company policies.
• Coordinate employment verifications, reference requests, and personnel documentation.

Benefits, Leave & Payroll

• Administer benefits enrollment, qualifying life events, employee inquiries, and annual open enrollment support.
• Coordinate leave of absence administration, ADA accommodations, and workers' compensation claims.
• Review employee timecards and payroll data for accuracy prior to payroll processing.
• Assist with payroll audits and reporting.

HR Operations

• Generate HR reports and analyze workforce data using Paylocity.
• Maintain confidentiality of employee and candidate information.
• Assist with new gym openings, staffing support, and operational HR needs.
• Travel to assigned gym locations to provide on-site HR support.

Projects & Continuous Improvement

• Lead and participate in HR projects that improve department efficiency and employee experience.
• Assist with developing and updating HR policies, procedures, guides, and training materials.
• Support implementation of performance management initiatives, compensation projects, compliance audits, and process improvements.
• Identify opportunities to streamline workflows through automation and improved HR processes.
• Partner with the Director of HR on strategic initiatives and organizational growth projects.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Core Competencies

• Exceptional communication skills–both written and verbal
• Strong interpersonal skills with a high level of professionalism and patience
• Customer-service focused with a positive, solution-oriented approach
• Highly organized and detailed oriented
• Ability to multitask and manage time effectively under deadlines
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and HRIS
• Flexible and adaptable to changing procedures and workflows
• Excellent record keeping skills and the ability to handle confidential information

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
• 3-5 years of progressive Human Resources experience, preferably in a Generalist role.
• Experience supporting recruiting, onboarding, employee relations, benefits, payroll, and compliance.
• Working knowledge of federal, state, and multi-state employment laws.
• Experience with Paylocity or similar HRIS preferred.
• Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to balance strategic initiatives and daily operational responsibilities.

Work Schedule and Environment

• Standard schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Occasional adjustments to schedule may be required and must be approved by a manager.
• Travel to local DMV sites required two to three times a week (Ashburn, Clarksburg, Columbia, Rockville, Silver Spring).

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and using a computer.
• Frequent use of hands and fingers to handle or operate office equipment, such as keyboards, phones, and printers.
• Ability to read documents, spreadsheets, and computer screens for prolonged periods.
• Ability to occasionally stand, bend, reach, and lift office supplies or materials up to 25 lbs.
• Regularly required to communicate clearly and effectively via phone, email, and in person.

The company is an equal opportunity employer, drug-free workplace, and complies with ADA regulations as applicable.