HR Generalist
Arlington Full-time Mid-level HR Business Partner & Generalist
At a glance
Mid-level HR Business Partner & Generalist role at Institute for Justice. Arlington · full-time · $80,000–$100,000 base.
SalaryStated by Institute for Justice
$80,000 – $100,000
Base salary for this role, in USD per year, as published in the posting.
This role, from Institute for JusticeOur estimate for the market: $97,100–$129,500Median $104,200
Below the market median of $104,200 for mid-level HR business partner & generalist roles in Arlington.
Worked out from 7 postings that stated pay, median $104,200. Last updated Oct 16, 2026.
RoleHR Business Partner & Generalist
SeniorityMid-level
LocationArlington
EmploymentFull-time
Base pay$80,000–$100,000
PostedAug 20, 2026 · 2mo ago
Role brief
hrroles summary, based on the employer's posting.
What you'll do
- Run semi-monthly payroll in ADP, handling state tax setup, withholding, and rules across multiple jurisdictions
- Manage benefit plan enrollments, employee changes, qualifying events, and coverage endings
- Answer staff questions about benefits and refer complex compliance issues for further review
- Coordinate annual open enrollment communications and logistics, and help administer FMLA and state leave programs
- Maintain confidential staff records, support hiring and departure processes, update HR policies, and prepare reports for Finance and HR leaders
What you bring
- Five to seven years in HR, including at least three years centered on payroll and benefits administration
- Hands-on experience with an HR information or payroll system, plus comfort with payroll compliance across states
- Careful handling of payroll figures, benefits information, and compliance deadlines, with clear communication and discretion
Who this fits
This mid-level generalist role suits someone focused on payroll and benefits for employees across multiple states. The schedule includes one remote day weekly during the first 90 days, with the possibility of two afterward, plus up to four remote weeks yearly with manager approval.
From the employer
The Institute for Justice, the national law firm for liberty, is a nonprofit public interest law firm that fights for the rights of ordinary Americans. We win court cases that others said were impossible, and we couldn't do it without a team that keeps the organization firing on all cylinders behind the scenes. Whether someone is litigating before the Supreme Court or processing payroll, every member of the IJ team plays a vital role in our mission to secure the constitutional rights of all Americans.
IJ's administrative team makes sure every department has what it needs to focus on the fight for liberty and fulfill our mission. We're looking for an HR Generalist to join that team, with a focus on benefits administration and payroll, supporting close to 200 employees across multiple states.
Responsibilities:
To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter.
The salary range for the HR Generalist position is $80,000-$100,000.
IJ's administrative team makes sure every department has what it needs to focus on the fight for liberty and fulfill our mission. We're looking for an HR Generalist to join that team, with a focus on benefits administration and payroll, supporting close to 200 employees across multiple states.
Responsibilities:
- Process semi-monthly payroll using ADP, including managing state tax registrations, withholding, and compliance in multiple jurisdictions.
- Administer employee health and benefit plans — enrollments, changes, qualifying life events, and terminations
- Serve as a go-to resource for staff benefits questions, escalating complex compliance matters as needed
- Support IJ's annual open enrollment process, from staff communications to enrollment logistics
- Help administer leave programs, including FMLA and state-specific leave laws
- Support onboarding and offboarding processes and maintain accurate, confidential employee records
- Assist in reviewing and communicating HR policies to keep pace with changing employment law
- Run payroll and benefits reports for Finance and HR leadership
- Other duties as assigned
- 5-7 years of HR experience, with at least 3 years focused on payroll and benefits administration
- Experience with an HRIS/payroll system — ADP experience strongly preferred
- Comfort with multi-state payroll compliance
- Impeccable attention to detail, particularly when handling payroll calculations, benefits data, and compliance deadlines
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Discretion and sound judgment when handling sensitive, confidential information
- Familiarity with ERISA and benefits plan administration is a plus
- PHR or SHRM-CP certification a plus
- Hybrid work schedule with one remote day a week for first 90-days, with the possibility to increase to two remote days thereafter
- Opportunity to work remotely for four weeks a year, with manager approval
- Health, Dental, and Vision insurance (IJ covers 100% of individual premiums)
- Employer paid Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, and Life insurance plans
- HSA employer contributions
- 401(k) with employer matches
- Smart casual dress code with casual Fridays
- Generous PTO package
To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter.
The salary range for the HR Generalist position is $80,000-$100,000.
IJ is an equal opportunity employer.
Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At IJ we value a diverse workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.
To learn more about our culture and benefits, visit our Working at IJ page. No phone calls please.