Fast Facts

The Human Resources Generalist – Benefits and Compensation will manage employee benefits and compensation programs, ensuring compliance with regulations and optimizing employee experience.

Responsibilities: Key responsibilities include administering employee benefits, facilitating open enrollment, processing benefit changes, administering compensation programs, conducting salary assessments, and supporting HR operations.

Skills: Candidates must have 3+ years of HR generalist experience with a focus on benefits and compensation, proficiency in HRIS systems, strong analytical skills, and excellent communication skills.

Qualifications: A BA degree in Human Resources or a related field is desired, along with relevant HR experience and knowledge of applicable labor laws.

Location: This position is located in San Francisco, CA, with no specified travel requirements.

Compensation: $85000 - $90000 / Annually

SUMMARY

The Human Resources Generalist – Benefits and Compensation is responsible for the effective administration of the organization's employee benefits and compensation programs. This role ensures compliance with applicable regulations, maintains accurate employee data, and provides high-quality support and guidance to employees regarding their pay and benefit options. The position plays a key role in optimizing the employee experience and supporting the organization's overall HR strategy. This position reports to the Director of Human Resources.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Benefits Administration

• Manage and administer employee benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible Spending Accounts, Life Insurance and Long-Term Care, Disability Insurance, Employee Assistance Program, IGOE, LegalShield and ScholarShare
• Lead annual open enrollment processes and benefit fair, including vendor coordination, employee communication, and system updates.
• Process benefit changes due to qualifying life events (e.g., marriage, birth, loss of coverage).
• Maintain up-to-date and accurate benefits data within the HRIS system.
• Conduct new hire benefit orientations and ongoing benefit education for staff.
• Ensure compliance with benefits-related laws and regulations (ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, ACA, etc.).
• Support audits and reporting related to benefits usage, compliance, and cost tracking.
• Facilitate and respond to inquiries regarding Leaves of Absences (LOA) including disability, family and medical and personal leaves and Accommodations. 
• Respond to employee questions related to compensation, benefits, LOA and accommodations with a high level of service and professionalism

Compensation Administration

• Assist in administering the organization’s compensation programs, including job analysis, job evaluations, and salary assessments.
• Partner with the HR Director and Chief People Officer to support the development and implementation of the organization’s compensation strategy.
• Maintain compensation structures, including job classifications, pay grades, and salary ranges.
• Conduct compensation benchmarking and market analysis to ensure competitive and equitable pay practices.
• Ensure confidentiality and accuracy of all employee compensation records.

HR Operations and Team Support

• Handle on-going administration of policies, procedures and employment practices. Ensuring compliance with all federal, state and local employment laws
• Contribute to HR operations, assisting with staff engagement tracking, reporting, and organizational development initiatives.
• Prepare regular and ad hoc reports and dashboards on benefit utilization, compensation trends, and cost analysis to support decision-making.
• Support internal audits and recommend process improvements to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and employee satisfaction.
• Participate in daily HR operations, assist with new hire orientations, benefits administration, open enrollment and employee relations as needed
• Monitor and recommend updates to benefits and compensation policies and procedures to reflect best practices and organizational needs
• Represent the HR team in internal and external meetings; collaborate with Payroll, IT, and other teams as needed.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to enhance HR operations.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• BA degree in Human Resources, Psychology, Business Administration, or a related field desired, or equivalent work experience.
• 3+ years of progressive HR generalist experience with a focus on benefits and compensation.
• Experience with job classification, job analysis, and salary benchmarking.
• Strong understanding of relevant laws and regulations (FMLA, COBRA, ERISA, ACA, FLSA, etc.).
• Proficiency in HRIS systems (ADP preferred) and Microsoft Office Suite (Word and Excel proficiency required).
• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills. Demonstrated ability to communicate with tact and diplomacy. Ability to communicate with staff at all levels.
• Strong attention to detail, analytical and problem solving skills 
• Demonstrated ability to exercise good judgment and maintain strict confidentiality.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize, meet deadlines and handle multiple priorities; highly organized.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Nonprofit experience and/or union experience
• Ability to speak a language other than English
• PHR or other Human Resources certification

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENT

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to sit or stand at a desk, use a computer and attend meetings for extended periods, both remotely and on-site.
• Must be able to communicate effectively in person, over video calls, by phone, and via email.
• Ability to lift up to 15 pounds occasionally

APPLICATION DEADLINE

This position is open until filled

HOW TO APPLY

This is a regular, full-time (37.5 hours per week), exempt non-union position that includes benefits. The salary range for this role is $85,000 to $90,000 DOE. Please, no phone calls in regards to this job. To apply, please visit the Exploratorium job page.

The Exploratorium is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and values diversity, inclusion and respect. We welcome and strongly encourage applicants from all backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.

Exploratorium

Piers 15/17, San Francisco, CA 94111

Website: https://www.exploratorium.edu/about/jobs. No phone calls, please

The Exploratorium is committed to an inclusive workforce.