Human Resources Generalist

Avesta Housing seeks a Human Resources Generalist for its Portland, Maine operation with a hybrid work arrangement. The role manages full-cycle recruitment, onboarding, employee records, HRIS processes, and daily HR operations within a mission-driven nonprofit housing organization, while guiding policy interpretation to support compliant and fair people practices. Salary range: USD 63,000 - 70,000 per year.

Responsibilities

• Oversee end-to-end recruitment for designated positions while coordinating onboarding, records management, HRIS tasks, and ongoing HR operations.
• Serve as a reliable resource for employees and managers, advising on HR policies, ensuring compliance and documentation, and promoting consistent, fair, and responsive HR practices.

Requirements

• Strong organizational ability with meticulous attention to detail.
• Ability to follow established procedures consistently while maintaining strict confidentiality.
• Service-oriented communication style with clear written and spoken communication skills.
• Foundational knowledge of HR concepts, terminology, workplace practices, and core HR functions.
• Reliable follow-through, initiative, accountability, and sound judgment, including appropriate escalation when needed.
• Capacity to work independently and collaboratively, applying fair HR practices aligned with Avesta's mission and commitment to inclusion.
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Communications, Organizational Development, or a related field is preferred; relevant experience may substitute for education.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in HR, recruitment, administrative support, or related roles.
• Experience handling confidential information and sensitive employee or applicant matters.
• Experience with HRIS, applicant tracking systems, or similar employee-record platforms is preferred.
• Experience in nonprofit sectors such as affordable housing, property management, senior living, healthcare, or human services is preferred.
• Comfort with learning and using HR systems, ATS, spreadsheets, and other technology tools; proficiency in Microsoft Office; Paylocity experience is a plus.

Technologies

• HRIS
• Applicant Tracking System (ATS)
• Paylocity
• Microsoft Office

Benefits

• Employer-paid health and dental insurance
• Flexible spending accounts including dependent care
• 401(k) plan with immediate vested match up to 6%
• Employer-paid life, long-term and short-term disability insurance
• Wellness services for benefits-eligible employees and dependents
• Thirteen paid holidays
• Earned time off of 22 days in the first year
• Professional development assistance
• Employee referral bonus program
• Tuition reimbursement

What we're looking for

• Demonstrated organizational proficiency with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to adhere to established procedures while maintaining strict confidentiality.
• Service-oriented communicator with strong written and verbal skills.
• Basic understanding of HR concepts, terminology, workplace practices, and general HR functions.
• Dependable with proactive follow-through, accountability, and sound judgment, including appropriate escalation when needed.
• Ability to work independently and support team workflows while applying fair HR practices aligned with Avesta's inclusive mission.
• Bachelor's degree in HR, Business Administration, Communications, Organizational Development, or a related field is preferred; relevant experience may substitute for education.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in HR, recruitment, administrative support, or related roles.
• Experience handling confidential information and sensitive personnel matters.
• Experience with HRIS, ATS, or similar employee-record systems; Paylocity experience is a plus.
• Experience in nonprofit, affordable housing, property management, senior living, healthcare, or human services is preferred.
• Comfort with HR technology, including HR systems, ATS, spreadsheets, and Microsoft Office.