Recruitment & Compensation Specialist

ATHENA Consulting is an award-winning staffing firm serving state and local governments. Our mission is to make lives better by engaging and supporting clients, identifying and cultivating employee talents, and matching those talents with customer needs.

About the role

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Human Resources Generalist to join a dynamic public sector organization in Richmond, VA. This full-time, hybrid position (three days in-office, two days remote) supports HR operations across multiple disciplines, including talent acquisition, benefits administration, payroll support, classification and compensation, and policy development. The role reports directly to the Human Resources Director and works closely with executive leadership. Paid parking is available (monthly fee is the responsibility of the contractor). This is a contract assignment with the potential to last up to one year.

Responsibilities

• Benefits Administration
  • Serve as the Benefits Administrator and conduct new employee orientation.
  • Process new hire information accurately in the HRIS system.
  • Coordinate workers' compensation claims and provide employee guidance.
  • Support employee wellness initiatives.
  • Coordinate employee service awards and recognition programs.
  • Audit employee records and leave balances to ensure accuracy.
• Payroll Support
  • Prepare payroll documentation for classified and wage employees.
  • Coordinate payroll submissions and required approvals.
  • Complete leave audits and assist with payroll processing.
• Talent Acquisition
  • Manage the full recruitment lifecycle from requisition approval through onboarding.
  • Develop recruitment strategies with hiring managers.
  • Prepare and post job advertisements.
  • Screen applications and coordinate interviews.
  • Prepare interview materials and facilitate the hiring process.
  • Conduct reference checks.
  • Extend offers and assist with salary negotiations.
  • Prepare offer letters and hiring documentation.
  • Maintain recruitment records and generate compliance reports.
• Classification, Compensation & HR Policy
  • Assist with classification and compensation activities.
  • Support salary analyses and compression reviews.
  • Prepare position audit reports and salary survey responses.
  • Interpret and communicate HR policies and procedures.
  • Recommend updates to existing policies and assist in developing new HR policies.
  • Ensure compliance with federal, state, and organizational regulations.

Requirements

• Demonstrated knowledge of human resources administration principles and practices.
• Experience managing the full recruitment lifecycle.
• Knowledge of benefits administration, FMLA, ADA, workers' compensation, retirement programs, and related HR functions.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience maintaining HR records and preparing reports.
• Ability to interpret HR policies and provide guidance to employees and leadership.
• Experience supporting classification and compensation activities.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively while managing multiple priorities.
• Experience using HRIS systems, including Cardinal or similar platforms.

Preferred Qualifications

• Coursework or degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Progressively responsible HR Generalist experience.
• Experience with PageUp and VNAV.
• Experience preparing and auditing payroll.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 75 lbs regularly.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, and twist for extended periods throughout the shift.
• Ability to perform repetitive motions in a warehouse environment.
• Ability to safely operate warehouse equipment for extended periods.

Skills

Successful ATHENA employees will display the following characteristics:

• Strive to be the best in your field currently and in the future.
• Proactively find solutions where others only see problems.
• Make and meet commitments, performing duties exceedingly well.
• Awareness of employer’s needs and ability to align personal and ATHENA offerings.
• Ability to work with diverse, integrated, deliverable-driven teams to accomplish larger missions.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Medical and dependent flexible spending account.
• Pet insurance.
• Mass transportation benefit for the Maryland and Washington, D.C. area.
• 401k with a generous employer match.
• Easy-to-use employee self-serve HR portal.
• Paid time off (varies by contract).
• Holiday pay (varies by contract).

Schedule

• Full-time, 40 hours per week.
• Hybrid schedule: three days in the office and two days remote.