Human Resources and Communications Specialist

Center for Natural Lands Management • Temecula, CA

1d

About The Position

The Human Resources and Communications Specialist leads the organization's human resources functions and promotes its mission through professional communications across multiple media. This hands-on hybrid role supports organizational goals by fostering a positive workplace culture, managing employee relations, overseeing talent acquisition and retention, and communicating with the public on behalf of the Center for Natural Lands Management (CNLM).

The role manages the employee lifecycle and HR programs, including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, employee development, offboarding, benefits administration, policy development, legal compliance, employee records, and HR information systems. It advises managers and employees, supports workforce and succession planning, and coordinates training and professional development.

For communications, the specialist works with executive leadership to set priorities for external messaging; evaluates and creates content for CNLM's website, social media, and other outreach channels; maintains consistent branding and organizational voice; supports media and public relations inquiries; and assists with communications for organizational changes, events, and special projects. The role monitors communication effectiveness and recommends improvements.

The position is full-time, hourly/non-exempt, based in California, and requires maintaining a home office. It reports to the Chief Financial Officer. The listed compensation is $75,000–$90,000, with total compensation including home office and phone stipends of $81,120.25–$96,120.25. The position regularly involves working alone without direct supervision and sitting at a desk or workstation for long hours; it occasionally involves moving objects weighing up to 50 pounds. A valid driver's license and safe driving record are required, as is the ability to work from a home office and make efficient use of limited transportation funds for work-related travel.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Communications, Business Administration, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of progressive experience in California human resources and communications.
• Strong knowledge of California employment laws, HR best practices, and employee relations.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proficiency with HRIS systems, Microsoft Office Suite, and digital communication tools and platforms.
• Strong organizational, project management, and problem-solving abilities.
• Valid driver's license and safe driving record, maintained throughout employment.
• Ability to operate from a home office and use limited transportation funds efficiently for work-related travel.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with outreach for nonprofit entities.
• Interest in environmental conservation and natural resources.
• Website and graphic imaging skills to complement outward-facing materials.

Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of the employee lifecycle, including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, employee development, and offboarding.
• Develop, implement, and maintain HR policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• Advise managers and employees on HR-related matters.
• Administer employee benefits programs and coordinate with benefits providers.
• Lead employee engagement, recognition, and retention initiatives.
• Support workforce planning, succession planning, and organizational development efforts.
• Maintain accurate employee records and HR information systems.
• Coordinate training and professional development programs.
• Partner with executive leadership to determine priorities for external messaging.
• Evaluate the appropriate value and use of CNLM's website, social media, and direct outreach for organizational outreach goals.
• Create and review organizational messaging for the website, social media, and other communication tools.
• Ensure consistency in branding, messaging, and organizational voice.
• Manage media inquiries and support public relations activities.
• Support communications for organizational changes, events, and special projects.
• Monitor communication effectiveness and recommend improvements.

Benefits

• 11 paid holidays annually.
• Three weeks of vacation annually, with progressive increases.
• Sick leave.
• Substantial employer contribution to a health insurance plan.
• Dental and vision plans.
• Employer contribution to a retirement plan.
• Home office and phone stipends.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level