Human Resource Generalist

Rice University•Houston, TX

43d•$60,000 - $70,000•Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking a strategic and bilingual (Spanish/English) HR Generalist to support our Real Estate, Facilities, and Capital Projects teams during a period of organizational growth and infrastructure transformation. Reporting to the Senior People Strategy & Business Partner, this role partners closely with operational leaders to implement HR strategies that strengthen team effectiveness, workforce development, and employee engagement. The HR Generalist will play a key role in coordinating and supporting HR initiatives in collaboration with Rice's central HR team across the full employee lifecycle, including talent acquisition, onboarding, training and leadership development, and employee relations to support reorganization efforts and future workforce structure. The role also contributes to a positive workplace culture through retention strategies, offboarding processes, and the use of HR analytics to inform decision-making. This is a high-impact position supporting a multifaceted and bilingual workforce that spans field-based, technical, and corporate roles. It offers the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to a dynamic and evolving organization. We are looking for a strategic, self-directed HR professional with broad HR experience. The ideal candidate is skilled in coaching leaders, navigating complex employee issues, and collaborating across HR functions, with strong knowledge of labor laws and compliance. Fluency in Spanish and English is required. Experience analyzing HR metrics to support business decisions and working in fast-paced, multi-site environments is essential. A background in higher education, construction, facilities operations, or real estate is preferred, along with HR certification and leadership coaching. This candidate will partner with leaders to drive change, build culture, and support business objectives during a pivotal period of transformation. They will contribute to shaping a workplace where people grow, thrive, and feel valued, working alongside forward-thinking leaders.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree
In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year for year basis may be substituted
2+ years of progressive HR experience in generalist or strategic roles supporting HR activities
Expertise in employment law, employee relations, talent management, organizational development, and compliance
Strong interpersonal, coaching, and communication skills with proven ability to influence at all organizational levels
Analytical and problem-solving skills with sound judgment
Ability to manage competing priorities in fast-paced, evolving environments
Knowledge of performance management, recruitment, employee engagement, leave administration (e.g., FMLA, ADA), and HRIS tools (e.g., Workday, Oracle)
Experience with organizational redesign, career frameworks, and engagement initiatives
Comfortable working with technically skilled workforces and in dynamic industries undergoing transformation

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Psychology, or a related field; advanced degree is a plus
Professional HR certification and/or Leadership or Executive Coaching certification is highly desirable
Fluency in both Spanish and English (written and verbal) is required
Proven experience supporting complex organizations, ideally in industries like higher education, real estate, construction, engineering, or facilities operations
Strong expertise across multiple HR Centers of Excellence (e.g., employee relations, talent acquisition, compensation, learning and development)

Responsibilities

Act as a skilled advisor on employee relations issues by guiding conflict resolution, disciplinary actions, and policy interpretation to maintain a positive and compliant workplace culture
Support organizational restructuring efforts, including conducting desk audits, job analysis, updating organizational charts, and developing career ladders and job descriptions
Design and implement employee engagement initiatives such as recognition programs, social events, and learning opportunities to enhance morale and workplace culture
Deliver targeted training for managers and supervisors on leadership skills including coaching, performance management, time management, and communication
Collaborate with leaders and HR teams to analyze employee data and HR metrics to inform workforce planning, engagement strategies, and organizational and managerial effectiveness
Partner with Talent Acquisition to develop recruitment strategies and ensure quality candidate selection, an effective onboarding process that promotes early employee engagement and long-term success with clear competencies
Manage offboarding processes, conduct exit interviews, facilitate knowledge transfers, collaborate on the development of SOPs, and analyze turnover trends to drive continuous improvement in retention and employee experience
Ensure all HR programs and initiatives align with organizational goals, values, and compliance requirements
Partner with all HR Centers of Excellence to support project delivery and provide comprehensive support to business units
Perform additional duties as assigned