People Operations Generalist - Director

WHO WE ARE Third Plateau is an impact consultancy partnering with philanthropy, nonprofits, and communities to build the infrastructure of change. One of Fast Company's Best Workplaces for Innovators!   OUR APPROACH Third Plateau is built on a simple premise: creating lasting social good requires more than good intentions. Society’s most complex challenges are deeply rooted, interconnected, and resistant to quick fixes. Philanthropists, foundations, and nonprofit leaders know this and are up for the challenge, bringing their passions and ambitions day in and day out. To realize that potential, they’re looking for a partner who brings the experience to design great strategies and the capacity to see them through. Third Plateau was built exactly for this work. Interested applicants are encouraged to learn more about our approach and our company values.  WHAT YOU’LL DO The People Operations Generalist (Director) plays a vital role in ensuring a smooth, inclusive, and people-centered employee experience at Third Plateau. This is a highly execution-focused individual contributor role responsible for owning and delivering core People Operations processes. This role reports to the Sr. Director of People Operations and manages day-to-day HR operations, supports employee relations, and coordinates closely with managers and staff to ensure a positive and compliant workplace environment.   Payroll, Benefits & Retirement Administration Manage semi-monthly payroll, including onboarding, terminations, leave, deductions, and reporting. Ensure payroll accuracy, resolve issues, and maintain integration with finance systems and external providers. Partner with payroll provider on tax filings, reconciliations, and multi-state compliance. Administer employee benefits, including open enrollment, invoicing, and ongoing changes. Conduct benefits analysis and recommend enhancements based on employee feedback and market trends. Manage 401(k) administration, including timely contributions, eligibility tracking, and employee support.   Employee Lifecycle & Performance Management Provide guidance and oversight to staff executing end-to-end logistics for onboarding that includes benefits enrollment, background checks, and 401(k) setup. Partner with hiring managers to develop personalized onboarding plans. Manage offboarding activities, including transitions, exit interviews, and feedback synthesis. Administer the annual performance review cycle, including Lattice configuration and administration. Support performance management processes by preparing materials and facilitating execution   HR Operations & HR Team Partnership Maintain and improve People Operations systems, ensuring accuracy and efficiency. Audit and update SOPs to align with compliance requirements and organizational needs. Serve as a primary HR partner to assigned teams, proactively addressing employee relations matters related to workplace issues, conflict, or performance. Coach managers on navigating employee concerns, providing guidance on appropriate approaches, documentation, and alignment with firm practices. Facilitate resolution of employee relations issues, including more complex or sensitive situations, escalating to senior HR leadership when appropriate.   Recruitment & Talent Development Lead oversight of full-cycle recruitment, ensuring strong alignment with hiring managers on role definition and job postings. Facilitate debrief sessions, and coordinate with hiring managers to select final candidates. Maintain job descriptions and skill frameworks to support internal mobility and growth. Support the design and execution of development and training programs aligned with organizational goals.   HRIS & Data Management Oversee HR systems (Paylocity, Lattice, Lever, Ethena) ensuring data integrity and system optimization. Drive automation and process improvements to enhance user experience and efficiency. Evaluate vendors and recommend opportunities to optimize or consolidate systems. Generate and analyze payroll, benefits, and performance reports to support leadership in making data-driven decisions.   Policy & Compliance Oversight Administer leave programs (FMLA, ADA, parental, and medical), providing clear guidance to employees and managers on leave processes and eligibility. Partner with leadership to update and maintain the employee handbook annually. Manage government filings, audits, and reporting (e.g., HCSO, OSHA, EEOC, Form 5500). Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and training requirements.   WHAT YOU’LL NEED 9+ years of professional experience in Human Resources Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, paired with the ability to be calm and focused when juggling multiple projects and deadlines. Proficient with technology with a proven ability to improve processes and systems to enable scalability. Comfort with Human Resources platforms (e.g., Paylocity, Lattice, Tilt, Ethena) Excellent skills in listening, writing, and oral communication.