Job Description

Human Resources Generalist

Albuquerque, NM

New Mexico Legal Aid (NMLA) provides civil legal services to low-income New Mexicans for a variety of legal issues including domestic violence/family law, consumer protection, housing, and benefits. NMLA has locations throughout the state including Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Las Cruces, Gallup, Roswell, Silver City, Las Vegas, Taos, and Santa Ana Pueblo.

NMLA is seeking a full-time, one-year term-limited position created to support several key Human Resources initiatives and strengthen HR operations across the organization. The HR Generalist will help to manage day-to-day HR functions while also assisting with process improvements, documentation, and implementation of new HR systems and practices.

This role will work closely with the HR Manager to support ongoing HR operations and help document and improve processes as new systems and initiatives are developed.

The HR Generalist provides operational support across a broad range of human resources functions, including leave administration, onboarding, benefits coordination, HRIS administration, personnel file management, and HR compliance support. This role is responsible for executing HR processes, ensuring accurate and compliant recordkeeping, supporting employees and supervisors, and helping maintain consistent and effective HR systems.

The HR Generalist plays a key role in administering employee leave programs, coordinating onboarding and orientation processes, maintaining HR records and systems, and supporting benefits administration. This position also participates in labor relations processes and supports compliance with applicable laws, policies, and collective bargaining agreements.

This role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, sound judgment, and the ability to work independently while collaborating closely with HR and leadership. The ideal candidate is knowledgeable in HR operations, comfortable working with HR systems and data, and capable of managing HR processes reliably and professionally.

This position is located in Albuquerque but may require periodic travel throughout the state.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

Leave Administration and Compliance

• Administer employee leave programs, including FMLA, disability leaves (short-term and long-term disability), and other organizational leave programs.
• Coordinate leave documentation, track leave usage, and ensure proper recordkeeping and compliance with applicable laws and organizational policies.
• Serve as a point of contact for employees regarding leave processes and requirements.
• Coordinate with benefits providers and insurance carriers to facilitate leave administration.

Onboarding and HR Administrative Operations

• Coordinate and lead onboarding processes for new employees, including conducting onboarding meetings, ensuring completion of required documentation, and supporting orientation processes.
• Ensure personnel files are complete, accurate, and maintained in compliance with legal and organizational requirements.
• Maintain employee records in HR systems and ensure accurate data entry and documentation.
• Serve as a resource for employees regarding HR policies, procedures, and administrative processes.

Benefits Administration Support

• Support administration of employee benefits programs, including assisting with open enrollment processes and benefits coordination.
• Serve as a point of contact for employees regarding benefits-related questions and processes.
• Coordinate with external benefits administrators and providers to ensure effective benefits administration.
• Maintain benefits-related records and documentation.

HRIS Administration and Reporting

• Maintain and administer HR information systems (HRIS), ensuring accurate employee data and records.
• Generate HR reports and assist in analyzing HR data as needed.
• Assist in maintaining data integrity and consistency within HR systems.
• Support HR reporting and documentation needs.

Labor Relations and HR Compliance Support

• Participate in labor relations processes, including supporting grievance procedures and collective bargaining preparation as needed.
• Assist in ensuring compliance with applicable employment laws, organizational policies, and collective bargaining agreements.
• Support HR compliance monitoring and documentation.
• Assist in responding to HR-related inquiries and compliance requirements.

Training Coordination and Administration

• Coordinate employee training programs, including onboarding, compliance training, and required organizational training.
• Maintain accurate records of employee training completion and ensure documentation is properly maintained.
• Assist with scheduling and coordinating training sessions with employees and external training providers.
• Support onboarding and orientation processes for new employees.
• Assist in tracking training requirements and ensuring timely completion.

Support for Workplace Culture and Inclusion Initiatives

• Support coordination and documentation of training related to workplace conduct and respectful workplace practices.
• Assist in ensuring HR processes are applied consistently and fairly.
• Support HR Manager in maintaining equitable and consistent HR administrative practices.

HR Process Improvement and Documentation

• Assist in developing, documenting, and maintaining HR procedures and administrative processes to ensure consistency, compliance, and operational continuity.
• Support efforts to improve HR workflows, recordkeeping systems, and administrative practices.
• Assist in maintaining organized and consistent HR administrative systems.

Organizational Support and Collaboration

• Provide HR support to employees and supervisors across all office locations.
• Maintain professionalism, confidentiality, and sound judgment in handling sensitive HR matters.
• Assist with special HR projects and initiatives as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of three (3) to five (5) years of recent and relevant HR experience, including experience supporting HR operations in a professional environment.
• Strong knowledge of HR administrative processes, including leave administration, benefits, onboarding, and personnel records management.
• Familiarity with employment laws and HR compliance requirements, including FMLA and employee leave programs.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple responsibilities, and exercise sound judgment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong computer and technology skills, including experience using HRIS systems, ability to generate reports and work with HR data, and experience learning new software quickly.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately.
• Professional demeanor and ability to work effectively with employees at all levels.
• Reliable personal vehicle, valid driver's license, and acceptable driving record.
• Occasional statewide travel may be required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional HR certification such as SHRM-CP or PHR
• Experience administering employee leave programs, including FMLA and disability leave coordination.
• Experience supporting benefits administration and open enrollment processes.
• Experience working in a nonprofit, legal, or unionized environment.
• Experience supporting labor relations processes.
• Experience with iSolved, DocuSign, Teams, and SharePoint.
• Proficiency in Spanish is a plus.

Term-Limited Position

This position is expected to last approximately one year from the start date. The appointment may be extended or renewed depending on organizational needs and funding, but extension beyond the initial term is not guaranteed and should not be assumed.

This is a full-time employee position and is eligible for the same benefits, paid leave, and organizational policies as other regular full-time employees during the term of employment.

This position is being created to support a period of HR system development and organizational improvements, making it an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys both hands-on HR work and helping build strong internal processes.

Company Benefits:

• 100% employer-paid BCBS medical, plus dental and vision for employees; generous contributions for dependents
• 3 weeks vacation time, 6 days personal time, sick pay, and federal holidays off
• Comp time for overtime
• Hybrid work schedule (3 days in office, 2 days remote)
• 37.5-hour work week
• 403(b) Retirement Plan
• Click here for more information

Salary: $60,000-$75,000, DOE

Application Deadline: Until filled. Resumes reviewed on a rolling basis.

Applicants must submit a current resume and a cover letter that explains your interest in this position and the mission of NMLA. Your application will not be considered unless we receive both of these documents. To apply, visit:

Applicants will be subject to a background check. Please do not let this deter you from applying. NMLA is committed to a strong workforce and recognizes that persons with marks on their record may still be able to perform admirably.

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