Generalist - People Operations

WHO WE ARE

Third Plateau is a social impact and philanthropy consulting firm. We partner with nonprofits, philanthropists, families, and the public sector to achieve transformative, community-centered impact.

OUR PHILOSOPHY

We work with clients and communities as partners in achieving a future where people and the planet thrive – creating meaning and joy in the process. At Third Plateau, we lead with partnership, evidence, equity, and optimism for a fundamentally better world. Everything we do, internally and externally, is rooted in our four core values:

TEAM UP

We recognize that people are at the center of social change and approach our interactions with the belief that we will go further together than we can alone. We cultivate relationships and collaborations rooted in trust and shared purpose. Centering empathy, we develop deep and authentic connections with those around us. We ask for what we need and lead with generosity to provide for others.

STEP UP

We passionately rise to the challenge of co-creating a just world we have yet to see but know is possible. We courageously and boldly advocate for the health, vibrancy, and prosperity of all and advance equity for current and future generations. We embrace our work with purpose, intention, and creativity. We experiment, take calculated risks, and question the status quo in an effort to design solutions that can scale impact swiftly and broadly.

LEARN UP

We know that communities closest to the challenge are closest to the solutions, so we stay insatiably curious and lead with humility and an open mind. We actively listen, reflect, and explore with individuals from varied backgrounds, perspectives, and lived experiences to address gaps in our understanding. We push the boundaries of our thinking by asking powerful questions and integrating diverse ways of learning. We commit to continuous learning and adaptation, celebrating progress over perfection for ourselves and those around us.

LIVE UP

We believe all people are naturally creative, resourceful, and whole. We care for ourselves, each other, and our communities by finding meaning and joy in our work, practicing balance, and prioritizing wellness. We center authentic connection to help nurture a resilient, creative, and vibrant team, which is vital for fostering fulfillment in our work. We are here to improve our communities and live fully while we do it.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

The People Operations Generalist (Associate Director) plays a vital role in ensuring a smooth, inclusive, and people-centered employee experience at Third Plateau. This role is responsible for executing day-to-day HR operations, supporting employee relations, and partnering with managers and staff to foster a positive workplace culture. The Generalist will serve as a trusted resource for employees and supervisors while ensuring compliance with firm policies and employment laws.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Payroll & Benefits Administration

Payroll Management

• Oversee and process semi-monthly payroll, including onboarding, terminations, leave management, deduction changes, and generating reports.

• Troubleshoot payroll issues and ensure systems integrate effectively with finance and other providers.

• Partner with the payroll provider to manage payroll tax filings, reconciliations, and compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.

Benefits Management

• Administer employee benefits including open enrollment, invoicing, and ad-hoc changes.

• Analyze employee surveys, recommend benefits enhancements, and support benefit design discussions with leadership.

• Coordinate open enrollment logistics, ensure accurate plan setup, and assist employees with enrollment and troubleshooting.

401(k) Administration

• Process semi-monthly 401(k) contributions accurately and on time.

• Track eligibility, maintain data accuracy with Fidelity, and assist employees with questions or troubleshooting.

Employee Lifecycle & Performance Management

Onboarding & Offboarding

• Manage end-to-end logistics for onboarding, benefits enrollment, background checks, and 401(k) setup.

• Partner with hiring managers to develop personalized onboarding plans.

• Lead offboarding processes, including exit interviews and feedback collection.

Performance Management

• Lead the annual review process by configuring and managing Lattice review modules.

• Train staff on performance tools and ensure effective use.

• Support leadership in executing the performance management cycle and assist with calibration during annual reviews.

HR Operations & Employee Engagement

Operational Support

• Provide day-to-day HR operational support, including email communications, timekeeping, expense management, and responding to employee questions.

• Maintain and improve People Operations systems, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.

• Audit and update SOPs to align with compliance requirements and organizational needs.

Cultural Stewardship

• Engage in team-building activities, professional development, and organizational culture initiatives. 

• Participate in peer learning communities, full team meetings, and regular check-ins with leadership to support company values and employee engagement.

Employee Relations

• Address day-to-day employee concerns related to workplace issues, conflict, or performance.

• Provide coaching to managers and employees, offering support in resolving conflicts or handling grievances informally.

Recruitment & Talent Development

Recruitment

• Manage the full-cycle recruitment process, working closely with hiring managers to define roles and create job postings. 

• Facilitate debrief sessions, and coordinate with hiring managers to select final candidates.

Talent Development

• 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

HRIS 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.

Reporting & Data Analysis

• Generate and analyze payroll, benefits, and performance reports to support leadership in making data-driven decisions.

• Build dashboards and reporting tools to monitor workforce trends and inform strategic initiatives.

Policy & Compliance Oversight

Leave Management

• Administer leave programs (FMLA, ADA, parental, and medical), ensuring compliance with regulations.

• Provide clear guidance to employees and managers on leave processes and eligibility.

Policy Creation & Updates

• Draft and update policies in alignment with organizational goals and compliance requirements.

• Partner with leadership to update and maintain the employee handbook annually.

Compliance & Reporting

• 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

• 5+ 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.

• Remote-First Approach
• Flexible & Generous Time Off
• 100% employer-paid options for medical, dental, and vision coverage for you, with employer contributions toward dependent coverage

• Employer-paid short- and long-term disability and life insurance
• Employer contribution of up to $825 to your Health Savings Account
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA, DCFSA and Commuter)
• Initial home office stipend of up to $550, with $250 provided annually thereafter
• $110 cell phone and home internet stipend
• 13 weeks paid parental and medical leave
• Annual year-end bonus based on both company performance and individual performance
• $500 annually to invest in your mental, emotional, and physical well-being
• Access to curated learning opportunities and team-based growth experiences to support the professional development of our team

Application Deadline: 5pm Pacific Time, September 19, 2025

Not sure you meet 100% of our qualifications? Research shows that men apply for jobs when they meet an average of 60% of the criteria. Yet, women and other people who are systematically marginalized tend to only apply if they meet every requirement. If you believe you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply. We are dedicated to considering a broad array of candidates, including those with diverse workplace experiences and backgrounds. Whether you're new to this field, returning to work after a gap in employment, looking to transition, or taking the next step in your career, we would be glad to have you on our radar.

At Third Plateau, we believe in the power of diverse teams. In our recruiting efforts, we always seek to reach a broad and diverse pool of applicants to ensure our final candidates are not a homogeneous group in terms of demographics or experience. You can read more about our commitment to Equity & Belonging here. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds. Third Plateau is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to their race, color, age, religious creed, sexual orientation, or other personal characteristics.

Disclaimer: By submitting your application, you acknowledge that you will be added to our mailing list. You will receive updates, newsletters, and other communications from us. Should you wish to opt out at any time, you will have the opportunity to unsubscribe from our mailing list through the emails you receive.