HR Generalist - Employee Relations, Engagement & Performance

As we prepare to celebrate the retirement of a valued HR team member with over 22 years of dedicated service, the YMCA of Central Florida is seeking a dynamic and experienced HR Generalist to join our team. This is an exciting opportunity to step into a key role and help shape the next chapter of HR services across our Association.

If you are seeking a chance to make a real impact in the lives of our team members and the community that we serve we encourage you to apply and learn more! 

Position Summary

The HR Generalist will serve as a primary partner for employee relations, coaching, performance management, documentation, and engagement strategies for our 15 locations and approximately 1,500 team members. You will work directly with leaders and team members to coach, resolve, and document employee matters, ensure compliance with policies and procedures, and help drive a consistent, proactive, and people-first HR approach.

This is a highly collaborative role ideal for someone who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment, is detail-oriented and solutions-driven, and thrives on making meaningful connections with people at all levels. This role requires someone who is highly tech-savvy, skilled in documentation and process execution, and comfortable coaching leaders through performance conversations and accountability 

Our Culture

Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you. We are the Y.

Job Responsibilities 

• Serve as the main point of contact for employee relations matters, conducting investigations, documenting findings, and coaching leaders through resolution.
• Works collaboratively across departments during investigations and ensures cases are resolved in compliance with Company policies as well as applicable state, federal, and local labor laws
• Support and coach leaders and supervisors on performance management, corrective actions, accountability, and policy interpretation.
• Ensure proper documentation, consistency, and compliance with internal protocols and employment law.
• Facilitate and deliver training related to employee relations, policy awareness, and respectful workplace practices.
• Track and analyze trends and insights from employee relations cases and engagement efforts to guide continuous improvement.
• Partner on engagement efforts and lead HR initiatives that foster a positive, inclusive, and high-performing culture.
• Lead and improve our performance management process, including mid-year and annual reviews and ongoing performance conversations.
• Collaborate with department leaders to ensure performance goals are meaningful, documented, and aligned with our mission and values.
• Use HR systems and tools (e.g., Paylocity) to track data, identify trends, and drive continuous improvement in the employee experience.
• Assist with general HR support and projects as part of a collaborative HR team, including recruitment, onboarding, compliance, and SOP development.
• Promote consistency and accountability in HR practices while building strong relationships across all levels of the organization.
• All other duties as assigned by management 

• Bachelor’s degree required; Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field required. 
• Minimum 3-5 years of progressive human resource management experience with strong exposure to employee relations, coaching, and performance management required
• Experience managing or supporting structured performance management processes (goal setting, mid-year and annual reviews, documentation, etc.) 
• Exceptional ability to build trust, influence outcomes, and hold others accountable in a supportive way
• In depth working knowledge of HR best practices employment laws and regulations
• High attention to detail with strong documentation and follow-through skills.
• A strong work ethic with well-developed professional interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence.
• Ability to prioritize and multi-process in a changing environment.
• Experience delivering training and facilitating conversations across levels of leadership.
• Self-starter with a proactive mindset and ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Analytical mindset preferred (Predictive Index or similar behavioral analytics tools experience is a plus).
• Prior experience in a non-profit, education, or multi-site organization a plus.

Work Environment & Physical Demands 

• Must be willing to work a flexible schedule, which may include weekends and holidays as needed.
• Must be willing to travel within Central Florida. Must have a valid Driver license. The employee is required to have visual acuity to operate motor vehicles.
• The physical activities of this position include: stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, and repetitive motions. Talking is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels, with or without correction.
• Required to sit or stand for extended periods of time while demonstrating manual dexterity in order to accurately work on the phone, computer keyboard, and other equipment. 
• The employee must be able to perform light work: exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.
• The employee is required to have close visual acuity, along with the visual acuity to determine the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of the work assigned, preparing and analyzing data and figures, transcribing, viewing a computer screen, extensive reading, or to make general observations of facilities or structures. 
• Must possess auditory and verbal capabilities in order to adequately communicate via phone and in person.
• The employee is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud.

Disclaimers

• Must complete successful background screening, which includes criminal and employment verification. Some positions may additionally require a successful credit check screening. 
• All of the above duties and responsibilities are essential job functions subject to reasonable accommodation. The YMCA promotes an equal employment opportunity work place which includes reasonable accommodation of otherwise qualified disabled applicants and employees. Please see your manager should you have any questions about this policy or these job duties.
• This job description may not be all-inclusive and employees are expected to perform all other duties as assigned and directed by management. Job descriptions and duties may be modified when deemed appropriate by management.