HR Generalist - Payroll

Posting Date: 08/28/2025 

Position Title: Human Resources Generalist/Payroll 

Reports to: Director of Human Resources 

Service Area: Santa Fe, NM 

Employment Term: 12-months; Exempt 

Salary/Wage Range: ($49,308 - $79,311) New hires are offered up to mid-point dependent upon qualifications and experience. 

Deadline for Application: Open until filled  

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Summary 

The Human Resources Generalist/Payroll is responsible for supporting daily HR operations and managing payroll functions. This role ensures compliance with employment laws and internal policies, promotes positive employee relations, and maintains accurate and confidential payroll and personnel records. Key responsibilities include maintaining the HRIS system, compiling and preparing reports, and collaborating with the Finance Department on budgeting and audit processes. 

It is anticipated and expected that all functions of this position will be performed in a positive and respectful manner, with a strong focus on advancing the mission and vision of New Mexico School for the Deaf. The duties and competencies listed are comprehensive yet not all inclusive of this position. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (Other duties may be assigned) 

• Process and manage bi-weekly payroll, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with applicable laws and internal policies. 

• Import and enter payroll data into the payroll system; verify employee classifications and deduction amounts. 

• Gather and process new hire payroll information from the online hiring system. 

• Maintain and update employee records in the HRIS system, ensuring data integrity and confidentiality. 

• Create and manage personnel files; ensure all documentation is complete and up to date. 

• Prepare documentation for new hires, pay changes, status updates, and benefits adjustments. 

• Administer employee benefits, including adding, changing, and terminating coverage; assist with annual open enrollment. 

• Explain benefit options to employees and process changes as needed. 

• Respond to employee inquiries regarding payroll, benefits, and HR policies in a timely and professional manner. 

• Prepare and compile HR and payroll reports for internal use, audits, and external agencies. 

• Conduct research, gather data, and maintain statistical information for reporting and compliance. 

• Collaborate with the Finance Department on budget planning, payroll reconciliation, and audit preparation. 

• Ensure proper approvals are obtained for changes in employee status, compensation, and benefits. 

• Assist with recruitment efforts, including posting jobs, screening applicants, and coordinating interviews. 

• Support onboarding and orientation programs for new employees. 

• Participate in the design, implementation, and support of HR programs and initiatives. 

• Coordinate employee training and professional development activities. 

• Serve as the point of contact for employment verification requests. 

• Maintain current knowledge of NMSD policies and procedures, as well as applicable state and federal labor laws. 

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of HR processes, systems, and employee experience. 

• Assist with special projects and initiatives as directed by the Director of Human Resources. 

Confidentiality and Discretion 

The Human Resources Generalist/Payroll is entrusted with maintaining the confidentiality of all personnel, business, sensitive electronic, and proprietary information related to the New Mexico School for the Deaf. This individual must not disclose such information outside the organization under any circumstances. As part of their responsibilities, the HR Generalist/Payroll is obligated to safeguard all confidential data they create, access, or use in the course of their work, ensuring it is handled with the highest level of discretion and integrity. 

Position-Specific Qualifications: 

Education and/or Experience: Bachelor’s degree in finance or accounting preferred with at least five years of progressive payroll and benefits/HR experience or demonstrated success as a payroll and Human Resources professional. Experience may substitute for a degree. Knowledge and skill with automated financial applications, including personal computers and related software. 

General Qualifications and Expectations: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.??  

• Commitment to Vision- Must be committed to NMSD’s Vision, Mission, and Beliefs 

• Language Skills- Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports and correspondence. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, and the general public.  

• American Sign Language: Proficiency in or willingness to learn American Sign Language required. 

• Written Communication: Writes clearly and informatively; varies writing style to meet needs.? 

• Organization- Must be organized and detail-oriented.? 

• Analytical- collects and aggregates data for program maintenance and improvement.? 

• Continuous Learning- Seeks feedback to improve performance; pursues training and development opportunities; strives to continuously build knowledge and skills.? 

• Job Knowledge- Competent in required job skills and knowledge; exhibits ability to learn and apply new skills; keeps abreast of current developments; requires minimal supervision; displays understanding of how job relates to others; uses resources effectively.? 

• Use of Technology- Adapts to new technologies; troubleshoots technological problems; uses technology to increase productivity.?Has a working knowledge of Microsoft Office and Outlook. 

• Mathematical Skills- Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide into all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.? Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percentage and to draw and interpret bar graphs.? 

• Reasoning Ability- Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.? Ability to think independently, solve problems and work with the whole team.  

• Problem Solving- Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; develops alternative solutions; works in group problem solving situations.? 

• Cooperation- Establishes and maintains effective relations; exhibits tact and consideration; offers assistance and support to co-workers; works cooperatively in group situations; works actively to resolve conflicts.? 

• Teamwork- Balances team and individual responsibilities; exhibits objectivity and openness to others’ views; gives and welcomes feedback; contributes to building a positive team spirit; supports everyone’s efforts to succeed.?  

• Diversity- Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; educates others on the value of diversity; builds a diverse workforce.? 

• Ethics- Treats people with respect; keeps commitments; inspires the trust of others; works with integrity and principles. 

• Organizational Support- Follows policies and procedures; completes tasks correctly and on time; supports organization’s goals and values.? 

• Adaptability- Manages competing demands.? 

• Personal Appearance-?Dresses appropriately for position; keeps self well groomed.? 

• Attendance/Punctuality- Is consistently at work and on time; ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent.? 

• Dependability- Follows instructions, responds to management direction; takes responsibility for own actions.? 

• Initiative- Seeks increased responsibilities; asks for and offers help when needed.? 

• Quality- Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; looks for ways to improve and promote quality.? 

• Safety and Security- Observes safety and security procedures; determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; reports potentially unsafe conditions.?? 

• Physical Demands- The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to drive for long periods of time; stand; walk and sit. Unless otherwise stated in this job description, the employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds.? 

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NMSD is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. We adhere to all applicable laws, statutes, and regulations regarding equal employment opportunities and affirmative action.? As an equal opportunity employer, we ensure that all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability status, genetic information, family and medical leave, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.