Human Resources Specialist

Human Resources Specialist The League of California Cities is seeking a skilled and professional Human Resources Specialist with exceptional attention to detail and a strong "can-do" attitude. The position provides comprehensive administrative and technical support to the Human Resources Department, ensuring timely and accurate execution of HR operations and assists in key functional areas including recruitment, onboarding and offboarding, payroll support, benefits administration, employee records management, and leave coordination with a strong emphasis on accuracy, customer service, and confidentiality. Essential duties include: Human Resources Operations Serve as a point of contact for the HR department; respond to inquiries and provide information regarding HR policies, procedures, deadlines, and requirements. Maintain employee personnel files and HR records in accordance with legal and organizational standards; ensure accuracy, completeness, and confidentiality. Assist with payroll processing by gathering required documentation, entering payroll data, reviewing payroll records for accuracy, maintaining prior payroll files, and distributing pay stubs. Track, maintain, and update employee leave balances; support the administration of FMLA, CFRA, and other mandated or organizational leave programs. Assist in the administration of employee benefits, including enrollments, terminations, COBRA processing, open enrollment, and responding to benefits-related inquiries. Recruitment & Onboarding Support the full recruitment cycle by posting job announcements, collecting applications, screening for minimum qualifications, coordinating interview schedules, and administering candidate assessments. Prepare onboarding materials, process new hire paperwork, schedule orientation activities, and assist with the offboarding process for departing employees. General Serve as a professional and welcoming first point of contact for employees, applicants, and visitors seeking HR assistance; provide clear guidance, triage inquiries, and ensure timely follow up to support a positive employee experience. Coordinate the flow of HR communications by managing incoming calls, emails, and requests; ensure that information is routed appropriately and handled with discretion and confidentiality. Support meetings, interviews, trainings, and employee focused events by coordinating schedules, reserving rooms, preparing materials, arranging logistics, and ensuring smooth execution. Assist with the planning and coordination of employee engagement activities and organizational events including celebrations, recognition initiatives, wellness activities, and trainings to enhance workplace culture and employee connection. Maintain calendars, track key deadlines, and support department planning to ensure timely completion of HR activities, compliance tasks, and organizational requirements. Provide administrative support for employee travel needs by coordinating logistics, scheduling, and booking travel arrangements in accordance with organizational guidelines. Compile, organize, and maintain HR records, reports, and documents including personnel files, project materials, and compliance related forms with accuracy and attention to detail. Prepare and format HR related correspondence, reports, templates, and communication materials; proofread and edit documents to ensure professionalism, clarity, and consistency. Assist with various projects and department initiatives, contributing to process improvements, data collection, research, and implementation of programs and services. Communicate effectively with staff, leadership, external agencies, and vendors to support operations, coordinate activities, and resolve routine issues. Operate standard office and HR related software systems, equipment, and tools to support daily departmental workflows. Provide additional administrative and HR support as needed to advance department goals and ensure consistent, high quality service delivery. Travel as assigned throughout state to provide on-site staffing to multi-day meetings. Performs other duties as required. Cal Cities Culture and Mission Cal Cities is dedicated to creating a collaborative and inclusive environment where passionate professionals can thrive. We're looking for candidates who are focused, driven, and above all else, seeking deeper meaning in their work. Reflecting the diversity of California, each of Cal Cities' employees is a vital partner in the organization's mission and success. If you also have a passion for public service, local government, and working with dynamic, talented teammates, this is where you belong! Headquartered in downtown Sacramento, since 1898 the League of California Cities has been an active partner in local government, providing advocacy, educational and informational services to cities. Cal Cities' mission is to enhance the quality of life for all Californians by protecting and expanding local control for cities through education and advocacy. Cal Cities has approximately seventy-five staff supporting its operations. Finance and Operations Department Embracing teamwork and an entrepreneurial spirit, the Finance and Operations Department strives to deliver exceptional customer service, support and solutions that empower the organization's team members to advance and fulfill Cal Cities' mission. The Finance and Operations team provides key operations in finance, human resources, facilities management, and information technology. Individual and collective contributions by team members reflect the department's commitment to customer service and excellence. Work Schedule and Travel Cal Cities' normal workweek is Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Travels as needed to locations throughout California in the performance of duties. Compensation and Benefits Salary: Commensurate with qualifications and experience. Salary range $53,800 - $80,600. A qualified candidate will most likely fall in the $60,480 - $67,200 range. Retirement: California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) 2% at 60 for classic CalPERS members; 2% at 62 for new CalPERS members. Deferred Compensation: Employees may defer compensation through Cal Cities' Mission Square 457 defined contribution plan. Health/Dental/Vision Insurance: Employees participate in an optional benefit program that includes dental insurance, vision insurance and medical coverage selected from three HMO, two PPO plans, and two HSA plans. Life Insurance: Employer-paid life insurance coverage for employees. Supplemental employee-paid coverage is available. Other Benefits: Under employer's optional benefit program, employees may use a portion of their salaries on a pre-tax basis to cover childcare and/or certain health care expenses. Vacation: Two weeks annually; three weeks after five years of service. Holidays: Employees receive twelve paid holidays annually. Sick Leave: Employees earn twelve days annually. Requirements A high school diploma or equivalent is required. Additional coursework, certification, or training in human resources, business administration, or a related field is strongly preferred. A minimum of two (2) years of increasingly responsible administrative or human resources support experience is required, preferably in a professional office or public agency setting. Experience working with HR functions such as recruitment, onboarding, payroll support, benefits administration, or employee records management is highly desirable. Recruitment/Decision Schedule Recruitment for the Human Resources Specialist will be ongoing until the position is filled. The goal is to complete the recruitment process at the earliest opportunity and welcome the new team member on board as soon as possible.

Created: 2026-03-04