HR Generalist

The HR Generalist is responsible for scaling the HR infrastructure for Minnesota Land Trust as the organization grows to 50+ employees. This hands-on position builds comprehensive HR systems, policies, and procedures while maintaining MLT’s person-centered culture. Reporting to and working closely with the Director of Finance and Operations, the HR Generalist manages the full employee lifecycle including talent acquisition, onboarding, employee relations, benefits point of contact, and compliance. The position serves as the point of contact with the Land Trust’s PEO, which administers the benefit plans and provides HR support. The HR Generalist balances strategic HR development with day-to-day administrative responsibilities to support the organization’s conservation mission and forge the HR vision for the next decade. Organization Values All employees of the Minnesota Land Trust are expected to embrace the ideals of our organization’s values and incorporate our values into their ongoing work. All employees should be familiar with the current values statement. Duties and Responsibilities HR Infrastructure Development and Strategy – 25% The HR Generalist develops and implements comprehensive HR policies, procedures, and systems that support MLT’s growth while preserving its person-centered culture and conservation mission. • Develop and maintain HR policies and procedures manual, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations • Create and maintain employee handbook with regular updates to reflect legal and organizational changes • Establish HR information systems and maintain accurate employee records and documentation • Partner with leadership to develop long-term HR strategy aligned with organizational goals • Conduct regular HR audits to ensure compliance and identify areas for improvement Employee Relations and Engagement – 25% The HR Generalist fosters positive employee relations and builds programs that enhance engagement, retention, and organizational culture. • Serve as primary point of contact for employee questions and concerns • Conduct investigations and resolve employee relations issues in partnership with leadership • Develop and implement employee engagement programs • Facilitate performance management processes including reviews, improvement plans, and goal setting • Execute the annual employee feedback survey and make recommendations for areas for improvement • Participate in the staff DEIJ committee and work with them on ongoing work and new projects, including engaging outside trainers/speakers • Support managers in addressing performance issues and conducting difficult conversations • Provide fundamental management education using PEO training resources • Conduct stay interviews and exit interviews to gather feedback and identify trends Talent Acquisition and Onboarding – 20% The HR Generalist manages the full recruitment cycle and creates engaging onboarding experiences that integrate new employees into MLT’s mission-driven culture. • Develop and execute recruitment strategies to attract diverse, qualified candidates • Manage job postings, screening, interviewing, and selection processes • Create and deliver comprehensive onboarding programs for new employees • Partner with hiring managers to identify staffing needs and develop job descriptions • Maintain relationships with educational institutions and professional organizations for talent pipeline development • Ensure compliance with Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) regulations throughout recruitment process Benefits and Compensation Administration – 15% The HR Generalist advises leadership on trends and market data related to compensation and benefits and serves as the primary point of contact for the PEO for payroll and benefit management. • In coordination with G & A, prepare for annual benefits enrollment and communicate changes to employees • Research and recommend improvements to benefits offerings • Maintain compensation structure and conduct market analysis to ensure competitiveness • Process bi-weekly payroll, entering payroll changes and ensuring timesheets are approved. • Serve as the Paid Leave Administrator for the State of MN Paid Leave program. Compliance and Risk Management – 10% The HR Generalist ensures organizational compliance with employment laws and regulations while minimizing risk through proper documentation and procedures. • Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws including FMLA, ADA, FLSA, and others • Work with PEO to manage workers’ compensation claims • Oversee workplace safety programs and maintain OSHA compliance • Conduct workplace investigations as needed • Maintain required employment posters and notices • Ensure proper I-9 and employment eligibility verification procedures Other Duties as Assigned 5% • Support special projects and initiatives as requested by the Director of Finance and Operations or CEO. Qualifications Education, Experience, Licenses/Certifications • Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Psychology, or related field and three or more years of progressive HR generalist experience; Or, equivalent combination of education, training, and experience; and • Experience building or improving HR systems and processes; and • Valid Minnesota driver’s license • Preferred: Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification or similar HR credential • Preferred: Experience in nonprofit organizations or mission-driven environments Knowledge • Federal and state employment laws and regulations • HR best practices and current trends • Benefits administration and compliance requirements • Performance management and employee development strategies • Recruitment and talent acquisition techniques • Preferred: Knowledge of conservation field • Preferred: Understanding of organizational development and change management Skills • Advanced interpersonal and relationship-building • Advanced written and verbal communication • Meeting facilitation • Organization and Prioritization • Detail-orientation • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel for data analysis • Conflict resolution and mediation skills • Preferred: Experience with HRIS systems and HR analytics tools Abilities • Maintain strict confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion • Build trust and credibility across all levels of the organization • Balance competing priorities and manage multiple projects simultaneously • Explain complex information clearly • Work independently with minimal supervision • Apply sound judgment in ambiguous situations • Maintain neutrality and objectivity in employee relations matters • Travel (10%) to MLT field offices or off-site meetings Physical Demands This position is primarily office-based with standard physical demands: • Ability to sit at a computer workstation for extended periods • Ability to occasionally lift files and office supplies up to 20 pounds • Manual dexterity for keyboard and computer use • Clear speech and hearing abilities for phone and in-person communications • Visual acuity for reviewing detailed documents and computer work Mental Demands • Handle confidential and sensitive information with appropriate discretion • Manage stressful situations and difficult conversations professionally • Work under pressure to meet deadlines and resolve urgent issues Supervisor: Director of Finance and Operations Classification: Full time, Exempt Location: St. Paul, MN; Hybrid Salary Range: $70,000 – $85,000/year Benefits: For regular, full-time employees, Minnesota Land Trust offers generous time off, 100% employer-paid individual medical insurance, 401(K) plan with match available, and more. To Apply: Please email your cover letter and resume combined as a single PDF to [email protected] by December 29, 2025. The Minnesota Land Trust is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities to ensure equal opportunity in the performance of essential job functions, and access to benefits and privileges of employment. If you require a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential functions of the position, please make a request to your supervisor. Minnesota Land Trust is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Company will not discriminate because of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, genetic information, sex, disability, age, or any other status protected by state or local law, for employees who fall within the jurisdiction of such law. Apply tot his job