Senior Generalist

DescriptionWho We AreFounded in 1926, the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is a private, not-for-profit educational, historic, and cultural institution that owns and operates one of the largest and best-known museum complexes in the world. Our mission is “that the future may learn from the past” through preserving and restoring 18th-century Williamsburg, Virginia’s colonial capital. We engage, inform, and inspire people to learn about this historic capital, the events that occurred here, and the diverse peoples who helped shape a new nation. Today, Colonial Williamsburg is the largest living history museum in the U.S. The Historic Area is the 301-acre restored colonial capital with 88 original buildings and 525 buildings reconstructed to how they appeared in the 18th century through extensive archaeological, architectural, and documentary research. The Historic Area is staffed by highly trained, historically dressed interpreters and expert tradespeople who bring the 18th century to life. The Foundation also owns and operates two world-class museums, the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum, and the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum, and a renowned research library, the John D Rockefeller Jr Library. Additionally, Colonial Williamsburg is home to five world class accommodations at the Williamsburg Inn, Williamsburg Lodge Autograph Collection, the Griffin Hotel, the Williamsburg Woodlands Hotels and Suites and the unique Colonial Houses in the Historical Area. Visitors may also indulge in food and drink at our many on site restaurants and taverns that blend a historically inspired dining experience with today’s evolved tastes. Each year over 5 million people visit Williamsburg and another 20 million engage with us digitally.About the PositionThe Senior Generalist will play a pivotal role in supporting the day-to-day departmental operations, ensuring efficient and effective delivery of services across the organization. This role will perform a wide range of HR responsibilities and serve as the subject matter expert providing technical knowledge and direct support to employees, managers and the hospitality People & Culture team; fostering a positive employee experience that increases employee performance, engagement and retention.

Essential Functions: 

1. Assigned to a client group of business partners, will act as the point of contact for all HR matters.
2. Maintain knowledge of industry trends and employment legislation to ensure compliance in accordance with federal, state, and local employment laws, rules, standards, policies and procedures.
3. Partner with hospitality Director, People & Culture to establish and maintain the desired culture, core values, and philosophies of the organization.
4. Establish trusted, collaborative, responsive, and influential relationships with leaders across the organization, understanding their strategies, priorities, and goals. Shape HR policies and practices to amplify the organization's goals, nurture talent, and enhance employee engagement.
5. Perform routine tasks required to administer and execute HR processes and programs such as the facilitation of training and workgroup sessions; preparation and maintenance of ADA cases; coaching supervisors and managers on developing and communicating the standards of workplace excellence.
6. Collaborate with HR colleagues, develop, manage and execute HR solutions and processes including, but not limited to compensation planning, talent management, performance management, talent acquisition and operations and compliance.
7. Handle all facets of employee relations, including investigations and resolutions to employment disputes; provides guidance regarding accurate documentation of investigations or other employment matters.
8. Under the direction of the Director and/or Lead Generalist/Manager, will handle labor grievances, grievance preparation, and collective bargaining unit contract interpretation and training.
9. Contribute towards a culture of inclusion which celebrates our employee diversity and promotes employee belonging.
10. Contribute to an exceptional employee experience during moments that matter throughout the employee life cycle e.g., onboarding, promotion, etc.
11. Analyze trends and metrics, including data on retention and employee experience; partner with leaders to provide data-driven recommendations to solve for opportunities.
12. Partner with Hospitality Director, People & Culture to interview, survey and meet with staff to make recommendations around organizational culture and inclusion.
13. Perform other related duties or projects as assigned.

Required and Preferred Education and Experience: 

Required: Competencies usually acquired through completion of a bachelor’s degree in business administration, human resources, or closely related field or equivalent experience, plus 4-6 years of experience in human resources or related position that includes experience in employee relations, performance management, diversity, and equal opportunity. Experience working in a hospitality environment or related industry where holidays, weekends, or 24/7 schedules exist are integral to the business.

Preferred: A Master’s Degree in Human Resources Management or Development or a related field. PHR or SHRM certification.

Qualifications:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate.
• Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
• Thorough knowledge of employment-related laws and regulations.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Proficiency with or the ability to quickly learn the organizations HRIS and talent management systems.

Source: Hospitality Online

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