The Human Resources Generalist supports the day-to-day operations of the Human Resources (HR) department, with responsibilities spanning from onboarding and offboarding, benefits administration, leave management, internal file maintenance, and the consistent application of company policies and practices.

Reporting to the Director of Human Resources, this role plays a key part in delivering HR services and initiatives including training and development, benefits enrollment, employee engagement events, and internal communications. The Human Resources Generalist also helps maintain a positive and inclusive workplace culture, fostering strong employee relations and supporting staff satisfaction. This position requires a high level of organization, attention to detail, and most importantly, a warm, approachable, and people-focused attitude.

Talent Acquisition & Onboarding

• Assist the Human Resources Director with full-cycle recruitment for assigned positions, including job postings, applicant tracking, screening, coordination of interviews, and candidate communications. 
• Create and maintain company-wide job descriptions and write job-posting ads for open requisitions.
• Maintain and update applicant database and manage applicant tracking as part of the recruitment process.
• Partner with hiring managers to ensure an efficient and compliant hiring process.
• Procure background checks and reference checks as part of the hiring process.
• Coordinate and facilitate new hire onboarding, including orientation and system setup, ensuring a positive employee experience.

Employee Relations & Manager Support

• Serve as the Human Resources point of contact for staff for general questions and inquiries, including assisting with benefits, technical issues with Human Resources portals or apps, personnel changes and updates, paid time off, employment verifications, Employment Development Department (EDD) correspondence, workers’ compensation, and other miscellaneous requests.
• Conduct exit interviews and analyze trends to support retention efforts.
• Promote consistent application of policies and fair employment practices.
• Attend and participate in employee relations and disciplinary meetings and investigations. Properly document and file all proceedings.
• Handle employment-related inquiries from applicants, employees, and management, referring complex and/or sensitive matters to the appropriate staff.

Performance Management & Employee Engagement

• Support the administration of performance review cycles, including tracking completion and assisting managers with documentation.
• Assist in goal-setting processes and performance evaluations.
• Contribute to employee engagement initiatives, surveys, and culture-building activities.
• Support recognition programs and employee events as needed.

Compensation & Benefits Administration

• Assist in the administration of employee compensation programs, including market benchmarking and salary adjustments.
• Support annual compensation planning processes as needed.
• Administer employee benefits programs, including enrollment, eligibility, and employee education.
• Manage open enrollment in partnership with HR leadership and external vendors.
• Assist Human Resources Director with administration of the employee benefits program, including advising employees on eligibility and providing support.
• Reconcile monthly benefit invoices and route to Accounts Payable for processing, following up with carriers on any billing problems.
• Partner with Human Resources Director on annual open enrollment process.
• Work effectively and maintain relationships with outside partners such as benefits vendors, insurance brokers, and investment managers.

Leave Administration & Payroll Support

• Manage all leaves of absence for administrative staff and coordinate EDD’s integration of wages with support from Payroll, ensuring compliance with applicable laws (FMLA, CFRA, ADA, etc.)
• Coordinate with payroll to ensure accurate wage integration and leave tracking.
• Partner with Payroll to ensure accuracy of employee data, deductions, and benefits.
• Partner with Payroll to ensure accurate employee data, deductions, and leave integration.
• Support internal and external audits (benefits, I-9, workers’ comp, etc.)

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with federal, state (including California), and local employment laws and regulations.
• Maintain accurate and audit-ready employee records, including I-9 compliance and personnel files.
• Oversee workers’ compensation claims and case management.
• Manage OSHA reporting requirements and safety compliance tracking.
• Track and ensure completion of required employee training (e.g., harassment prevention, workplace safety).
• Assist with audits, subpoenas, litigation support, and agency requests.

HR Operations & Systems

• Maintain and update HRIS systems (Paylocity), including employee data, reporting, and workflow management.
• Support HRIS implementations and system enhancements (recruiting, onboarding, performance modules).
• Generate HR reports and analytics (turnover, headcount, recruiting metrics) to support decision-making.
• Maintain organizational charts and employee directories.
• Manage and update HR SharePoint or intranet content (Employee Resource Center).

Policies, Processes & Continuous Improvement

• Maintain and update the employee handbook and HR policies to ensure compliance and alignment with organizational needs
• Interpret and apply policies consistently across the organization
• Identify opportunities to improve HR processes, systems, and employee experience
• Create standard operating procedures for department processes.
• Maintain company organization charts and employee listings. 

General Administration

• Respond to employment verifications, EDD inquiries, and general HR documentation requests.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive employee and organizational information.
• Assist in planning company events, recognition programs, or culture-building activities.
• Generate regular HR reports and dashboards (turnover, headcount, hiring metrics).
• Identify and implement process improvements to increase efficiency and employee experience.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of various federal and state laws including but not limited to: workplace discrimination laws (ADA, ADEA, EPA, PDA), wage and hour (FLSA), Employee benefit laws (ACA, ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA), leave laws (FMLA, CFRA, PDL), workplace safety/labor laws (OSHA), and wage replacement benefit programs (SDI, PFL).
• Strong skills using Microsoft Office Suite: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, Visio.
• Highly organized and efficient; skilled at multi-tasking with good time management.
• Meticulous about detail; thorough and accurate in completing tasks.
• Ability to handle stressful situations and heavy workloads.
• Strong verbal communication skills; exceptional written communication.
• Willing to take initiative and work independently when needed; highly self-sufficient.
• Ability to maintain sensitive information. high level of discretion and maturity. 
• Display professional integrity and sense of responsibility and accountability.
• Willing to be flexible, displaying a pleasant, good-natured, and cooperative attitude.
• Comfortable working in a highly visible role.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field required.
• PHR or SHRM certification highly preferred.
• Minimum 5+ years Human Resources experience.
• Experience using HR software and HRIS databases (Paylocity experience preferred)
• General familiarity with payroll processes and procedures.
• Trained in federal and state employment laws and application of Human Resources polices and compliance.
• Proven experience in successful automation/digitalization of human resources processes.
• Experience utilizing SharePoint as a company intranet and file repository.

 General Requirements:  

• Able to sit or stand for long periods of time.
• Able to pick up and move a minimum of 20 lbs.

Working Conditions:  

• Regular, predictable attendance required as well as evening and weekend work shifts.
• Normal office working conditions: sitting at a desk and computer terminal for long periods of time, typing and computer work, light to moderate lifting.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage
• Life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D)
• Short- and long-term disability insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Paid sick leave, vacation, and holidays
• 401(k) retirement plan

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The San Diego Symphony is an equal opportunity employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

We are committed to fostering a workplace where every employee has equitable access to opportunities and support, and feels a strong sense of belonging. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences to apply.

Salary Description 

$70,000.00 - $82,000.00/annually

About San Diego Symphony Orchestra

San Diego Symphony Orchestra – Changing Lives Through Music The San Diego Symphony, through unquestionable commitment to the highest levels of artistic achievement, seeks to elevate human potential by providing a shared sense of pride and belonging to something bigger than any of us can achieve alone. We offer audiences the wonder of live music and transformative learning experiences that develop an understanding and passion for the arts. To ensure we are an enduring force in the region we commit to fiscal responsibility. We serve and shape the culture of the region, by being for all and with all, the musical heart of San Diego. •Strive: Always the Best •Learn: Creative, Expressive, Curious •Reach: Music for Everyone •Ignite: Spark Passion An Introduction The San Diego Symphony Orchestra performed its first concert on December 6, 1910. In the 100-plus years since its inception, the SDSO has become one of the leading orchestras in the United States and was designated a Tier 1 Orchestra by the League of American Orchestras in 2010. It is committed to providing musical experiences of superior quality for the greater San Diego community and beyond. Through a rich mixture o...f innovative and educational programming designed to appeal to all ages and cultures, the Symphony makes music an integral part of the cultural and intellectual fabric of Southern California, valued by and relevant to all its residents. The Music Director of the San Diego Symphony is Rafael Payare. The Symphony comprises 82 full-time musicians. The Orchestra offers a wide range of concert experiences and performs more than 140 concerts each year. The SDSO's performances at the Jacobs Music Center, The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park and beyond include: Jacobs Masterworks offers traditional classical repertoire and features guest artists such as Joshua Bell, Yuja Wang, Pacho Flores, Lang Lang and Gil Shaham. Broadway @ The Jacobs focuses on Broadway hits and the Great American Songbook; it features popular guest artists such as Michael Feinstein, Lea Salonga and Patti Lupone. (Note: this series is currently suspended.) Family Concerts feature family-friendly concerts and an opportunity to expose children to classical music. The Fox Theatre Film Series shows classic Silent Era films and contemporary favorites. The Hall’s built-in, mighty Fox Theatre Robert Morton Theater Organ often accompanies the classics of the Silent Film Era while modern films are screened with the San Diego Symphony providing the musical soundtrack. (Note: this series is currently suspended.) Jazz @ The Jacobs brings together the finest local and international artists of modern jazz music at the Jacobs Music Center. Each summer the Orchestra presents an outdoor season of concerts at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, mixing classical favorites and pop music on San Diego’s picturesque waterfront. Our Home Jacobs Music Center is regarded as one of the finest classical music venues on the West Coast. Originally built in 1929 as The Fox Theatre, this lush movie palace style hall became the property of the SDSO in 1984. The beauty and majesty of this historic hall added to the stature and artistic growth of SDSO. In October 2013, the complex consisting of Copley Symphony Hall, the newly renovated lobbies, the backstage areas, the Grosvenor Family Musicians' Center and the Symphony administrative offices was officially named the Joan and Irwin Jacobs Music Center, which opened in September 2024. The Gift On January 14, 2002, the San Diego Symphony Orchestra celebrated the announcement of the single largest donation ever made to a Symphony Orchestra, totaling $120 million. This pledged gift was generously given by Joan and Irwin Jacobs, solidifying a sustained period of stability for the orchestra marked by what has now been over 15 straight years of balanced budgets. At the time of the gift, The New York Times declared the San Diego Symphony Orchestra was "placed firmly on the nation’s musical landscape" as a result of this news. (Click here for a thorough explanation of the Jacobs Gift as detailed in a Voice of San Diego story on the 10th Anniversary of the Gift.) The Music Director San Diego Symphony’s music director is Rafael Payare, who began his leadership role in July of 2019. Mr. Payare’s profound musicianship, technical brilliance and charismatic presence on the podium has elevated him as one of the most sought-after conductors, working regularly with the world’s leading orchestras. Since being awarded first prize at the prestigious Malko Conducting Competition in 2012, Payare has been celebrated as one of the most exciting conductors of his generation. The 2014-15 season saw his acclaimed debut with Vienna Philharmonia at the Musikverein, and invitations to the London Symphony Orchestra and the Munich Philharmonic. This was followed by his debut with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra at the Ravinia Festival. In September 2014, he was announced as Chief Conductor of the Ulster Orchestra in Northern Ireland and their partnership is now recognized as one of the most dynamic in the United Kingdom. Mr. Payare is a graduate of the celebrated El Sistema in Venezuela. He began his formal conducting studies in 2004 with renowned conductor, José Antonio Abreu. Mr. Payare has conducted all the major orchestras in Venezuela, including the Simón Bolivar Orchestra. Having also served as principal horn of the Simón Bolivar Orchestra, Mr. Payare took part in many prestigious tours and recordings with conductors including Guiseppe Sinopoli, Claudio Abbado, Sir Simon Rattle and Lorin Maazel. He also recently became Music Director of Canada’s Orchestre symphonique de Montréal (Montreal Symphony Orchestra/OSM) as well. With impressive experience working with some of the world’s most elite orchestras, Mr. Payare is considered one of the classical music world’s most charismatic and acclaimed conductors. We have no doubt that Mr. Payare’s commitment to artistic excellence will bring the SDSO to ever-higher levels of achievement and renown and we are very much looking forward to this musical partnership.

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