Associate HR Business Partner

Bonterra is a company focused on increasing the giving rate to 3% of GDP by 2033 through technology and expertise. They are seeking an Associate HR Business Partner to support day-to-day people operations and address employee relations matters while partnering with managers and employees.

Responsibilities:

• Execute core HR processes including onboarding, offboarding, job changes, and employee lifecycle updates
• Maintain accurate employee data in HRIS systems and ensure compliance with internal policies
• Support performance management cycles (goal setting, reviews, calibration logistics)
• Partner with payroll, benefits, and talent teams to ensure smooth HR operations
• Respond to employee inquiries related to policies, processes, and HR programs
• Assist in developing and updating HR policies, documentation, and internal resources
• Serve as a first point of contact for employee relations concerns, including conflict resolution, performance issues, and workplace complaints
• Conduct intake, documentation, and initial investigations into employee concerns
• Partner with HRBPs and legal (as needed) on more complex or sensitive cases
• Coach managers on handling performance management, feedback, and employee issues
• Ensure consistent, fair, and compliant application of company policies
• Identify trends in employee relations and escalate insights to HR leadership
• Provide guidance to managers on HR policies, best practices, and people management fundamentals
• Support organizational changes (restructures, team moves, etc.) from an operational and communication standpoint
• Help drive employee engagement initiatives and support action planning
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws
• Maintain documentation related to employee relations cases and HR actions
• Support audits and reporting as needed

Requirements:

• 2–5 years of HR experience, preferably in a generalist, HRBP, or people operations role
• Experience handling employee relations issues (e.g., investigations, performance management support)
• Strong understanding of HR processes and employment law fundamentals
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to handle sensitive situations with discretion
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail and follow-through
• Ability to balance multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Experience working in a high-growth or dynamic organization
• Familiarity with HRIS systems (Workday preferred)
• Experience supporting or working with R&D leaders
• Experience with union employee populations
• Bachelor's degree in HR, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• HR certification (PHR, SHRM-CP) is a plus