Human Resources Associate

Company Description This role is part of the People & Culture team within Optura, our shared services function that supports both Enthuse and Inspira, along with HQ and key cross-functional teams including Finance, Marketing & Communications, Creative, and Logistics. Enthuse is an education-led marketing agency that builds learning experiences to accelerate business growth and long-term client relationships. Inspira is a brand relationship agency that creates integrated campaigns focused on deepening connections between brands and consumers. While each agency brings its own expertise and focus, we are united by shared values: a deep belief in the power of people, a commitment to innovation and operational excellence, and a drive to create lasting impact for our employees, our clients, and the communities we serve. The Optura team plays a critical role in advancing this mission by delivering smart, scalable, and human-centered solutions that help our business, and our people succeed.

Job Description

This is a hybrid position reporting two days a week to our Norwalk, CT office. The HR Associate reports to the Senior HRBP & Benefits Manager and will be immersed in and responsible for all HR procedures and administrative needs throughout the People and Culture department. This position provides leverage to the HR team with the goal of supporting employees during every phase of their employment life cycle, including recruitment, onboarding, termination, etc. and ensuring a positive work experience and environment. This role is ideal for someone who is looking to explore the many different facets of Human Resources. This position has an active role in ensuring all HR functions are complying with local, state, and federal regulations. We are looking for an individual who is driven and has a strong inclination for getting things done while providing white glove service. Strong attention to detail is critical for success in this role. You’ll be part of a great team who thrives on partnering with our business leaders, supervisors, and employees.

Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

HR Systems, Operations & Administration

• Assist the department in carrying out a variety of HR programs and procedures for all employees.
• Provide hands-on administrative support for the People & Culture function across systems and processes.
• Enter, manage, and audit sensitive employee information.
• Initiate HRIS changes for personnel events such as job or organizational changes and salary actions.
• Ensure HRIS data accuracy through self-audits and reports.
• Assist TA team in management and maintenance of Recruitment 3rd party vendors.
• Coordinate meetings, events, and activities with HR Department staff.
• Maintain internal trackers and provide backup to the HR team.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Employee Lifecycle: Onboarding, Changes & Offboarding

• Support new hires through pre-boarding and onboarding, ensuring information is accurate and the company complies with employment laws.
• Manage the offboarding process and ensure departing employees receive all necessary and required employment-departure information.
• Develop offer letters and acknowledgment forms for new hires, promotions, and transfers.
• Assist with employment verification and eligibility documentation, including I-9s, in a timely manner.
• Assist with recruitment efforts as needed.

Benefits & Payroll Coordination

• Support benefits data administration, including activations and terminations in various third-party systems.
• Communicate with the payroll department about new hires, departing employees, deduction changes, and other information needed to ensure payroll accuracy.
• Assist the Benefits Manager as needed with audits, third-party systems and enrollments

Employee Support & Compliance

• Answer fundamental employee questions.
• Handle confidential employee information with professionalism, discretion, ethics, and integrity.
• Help ensure HR activities comply with legislative updates, applicable laws, regulations, and agency compliance guidelines and standards.
• Utilize AI tools to improve workflow efficiency, support research, streamline administrative tasks, and enhance day-to-day productivity.

Collaboration, Ownership & Organizational Support

• Work respectfully and effectively both independently and as part of a team to achieve quality results.
• Demonstrate ownership and self-motivation, ensuring goals are met in a timely manner.
• Manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment, with strong organization, time management, and deadline management.
• Develop a thorough understanding of the agency's hierarchy, jobs, qualifications, compensation practices, and related administrative practices.

Qualifications

• Occasional travel as required.
• Ability to commute to the Norwalk, CT office twice per week, with potential for additional days as needed, per business necessity.
• Bachelor's degree: Focus in Human Resources or related field is preferred.
• 2+ years of relevant HR experience in a lean corporate environment.
• Experience with HRIS technology, ideally ADP systems (WorkForce Now) is preferred.
• Working understanding of HR principles, practices, and procedures.
• Must have basic knowledge of basic labor laws/policies and procedures and the ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply the appropriate sections of applicable laws, guidelines, regulations, ordinances, and policies.
• Ability to handle confidential data with a high level of professionalism with uncompromised ethics and integrity.
• Ability to handle confidential data with a high level of professionalism and discretion.

Additional Information At Enthuse and Inspira, we believe stronger relationships drive stronger outcomes - not only in business, but in the communities we serve. Inspira proudly supports Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. Enthuse champions women entrepreneurs through the Enthuse Foundation. Together, we are committed to making a positive impact in all we do. The base compensation range for this job classification is between $64,000.00-$72,000.00 annually. The determination of what a specific employee in this job classification is paid depends on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, prior employment history/job-related skills and qualifications, length of service, brand program, and geographic location. This job classification is bonus-eligible, with bonus potential subject to applicable bonus plan terms and conditions. This position offers incentive opportunities plus full benefits including Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k with match, PTO time and more! Enthuse is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, citizenship, disability, genetics, pregnancy, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Enthuse is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and for other reasons in the employment application and hiring process, in accordance with applicable law. To request an accommodation please contact recruitment@opturasolutions.com.