Human Resources Specialist

Human Resources Specialist Department :

• SSPI Administration Reporting to :  Human Resources Generalist Schedule :  Full-time year-round Location :  Remote, United States Travel required : Approximately 6 days per year Salary Range : $55,000 - $60,000 annually SSP International, Inc. (SSPI) is a non-profit organization that is synonymous with excellence in science education.
• At SSPI, we are guided by a mission to offer students transformational opportunities to learn, do, and belong in science.
• Since 1959, SSPI’s flagship program, the Summer Science Program, has offered immersive summer research experiences that ignite curiosity and inspire a lifelong passion for discovery.
• Our vision is to inspire and inform humanity through science, fostering a world where discovery and innovation drive progress.
• To achieve our mission and vision, SSPI is focused on embracing collaboration, building a lifelong community, and cultivating a diverse and inclusive environment.
• SSPI places a strong emphasis on belonging and connection among participants, alumni, staff, and stakeholders, wherein individuals feel valued, supported, and empowered. With a legacy spanning more than six decades, and a global network of over 4,200 alumni, we continue to pave the way for the next generation of leaders. More information on our mission, vision, values, and programs can be found at www.ssp.org .
• SSPI is seeking an HR Specialist to support the organization’s human resources (HR) functions with a primary focus on recruitment, onboarding, and HR operations.
• This role manages the hiring process, promoting a positive candidate experience and fulfilling SSPI’s staffing needs.
• The HR Specialist also oversees onboarding activities, maintains HR systems such as Applicant Tracking and HRIS platforms, and ensures compliance with employment regulations.
• Additionally, this position collaborates with the HR and cross-functional teams to improve processes and support organizational initiatives.
• Essential Responsibilities Recruiting Facilitates, coordinates and administers all phases of the recruitment process for year-round employees and Summer Science Program faculty.
• Coordinates with the HR Generalist and hiring  managers to identify and draft detailed and accurate job descriptions and hiring criteria.
• Identifies and implements efficient and effective recruiting methods and strategies based on the available role, best practices , and organizational need s .
• Assists with job posting and advertisement processes.
• Schedules interviews and assists in preparation of interview questions and other hiring and selection materials.
• C onducts initial candidate screening interviews for year-round employees .
• Prepares offer letters, communicates benefits offerings, start dates, and other pertinent details to prospective candidates.
• Maintains recruitment plan and calendar for onboarding seasonal positions.
• Onboarding Conducts HR onboarding and offboarding processes, ensuring compliance and smooth transitions for all new hires and exits.
• Partners with Admin and IT to coordinate cross-functional pre-employment activities, such as scheduling employment verification meetings, background checks, and access provisioning.
• Track s and manages new hire paperwork, including offer letters, background checks, employment verification and benefits enrollment.
• Schedules and facilitates HR Orientation and all new hire organizational trainings.
• Act s as the main point of contact for new employees, including summer faculty, regarding onboarding and administrative questions.
• Ensure s all employees complete all necessary new hire paperwork and training.
• HR Operations Maintains the HRIS system, employee records, and documentation across the employee lifecycle.
• Maintains and updates the Applicant Tracking System (JazzHR), including maintaining system functionality, updating templates, managing workflows, and ensuring configurations align with recruitment processes.
• Provides training and ongoing support to hiring managers and team members on ATS functionality, ensuring effective use of the system and adherence to best practices.
• Serves as a trusted resource for employee inquiries related to benefits, systems access, and policies.
• Supports performance review cycles, policy rollouts, compliance training, and team engagement initiatives.
• Assists with the development and updating of SSPI Policies and Procedures as the organization grows.
• Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, and company policies.
• Serves as backup for payroll administration and other HR duties as assigned in the HR Generalist’s absence.
• Teamwork and Collaboration Collaborates with the HR Generalist and across departments on organizational development initiatives.
• Promotes a positive and welcoming work environment where employees feel comfortable expressing their concerns .
• Demonstrates commitment to SSPI’s Values in their daily work and interactions.
• Performs other duties as assigned. ‍ Qualifications Experience administering applicant tracking systems (JazzHR preferred), HRIS, PEO platforms (ADP TotalSource preferred), and process documentation tools.
• Interpersonal and communication skills to build trust with candidates, hiring managers, staff, and cross-functional partners.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively.
• Experience utilizing project management tools (e.g., Asana) to coordinate and track HR projects.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to juggle multiple priorities in a growth environment.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and a proactive, systems-oriented mindset.
• Results-oriented with a comfort working independently or on a team, with a bias for execution in a remote environment.
• Ability to manage confidential information with discretion and tact, Education and Experience Bachelor’s degree in human resources or related field, or equivalent work experience. 2+ years of experience in a hybrid HR Recruiting and Operations role or equivalent experience in each domain.
• Demonstrated experience in recruiting for a range of roles, including educational, technical, nonprofit administrative, and operational positions.
• Working Conditions The working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Constantly operates a computer.
• The ability to observe details at a close range and the ability to adjust focus.
• The ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand.
• Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.
• Travel to twice yearly in-person staff meetings.
• Clearance Requirements Authorization to work in the United States Background clearance Don’t meet every single requirement?

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every qualification.

If you are excited about this role but your experience does not align perfectly with all the qualifications, we encourage you to apply anyway.