
People & Operations Specialist
Job Description
Pay starts at $18.00 per hour and up based on experience
Join Crossroads YMCA the People & Operations Specialist, where your organization skills and people-first mindset create lasting impact!
POSITION SUMMARY: The People & Operations Specialist is a vital member of the YMCA branch leadership team, providing comprehensive administrative and human resources support to ensure efficient branch operations. This role supports executive leadership, manages a range of people operations functions, and plays a key role in fostering a positive, inclusive, and mission-aligned work environment. The People & Operations Specialist not only supports staff—they embody the values of the YMCA. They serve as a trusted presence and mission-driven leader who helps create a workplace where employees feel valued, supported, and inspired to serve their community.
Why This Role May Be a Great Fit for You
- Enjoy being the person who keeps things organized, moving, and on track.
- Like balancing administrative work with people-focused responsibilities.
- Find purpose in supporting employees and creating a positive workplace culture.
- Are energized by solving problems, helping others, and handling a variety of tasks throughout the day.
- Appreciate meaningful work connected to community impact and the YMCA mission.
- Work well independently while also collaborating with leadership and staff.
- Can maintain professionalism and confidentiality in sensitive situations.
- Enjoy a role where no two days are exactly the same.
This role offers the opportunity to:
- Build experience in human resources, operations, and nonprofit leadership.
- Work closely with executive leadership and gain exposure to branch operations.
- Support employee engagement, onboarding, recognition, and retention efforts.
- Make a direct impact on staff experience and community service delivery.
- Be part of an organization focused on healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.
Why This Role May Not Be the Best Fit
This position may be challenging for someone who:
- Prefers highly predictable or repetitive workdays.
- Dislikes balancing multiple priorities and shifting demands.
- Is uncomfortable handling sensitive employee matters confidentially.
- Prefers limited interaction with staff, leadership, or members.
- Struggles with follow-through, organization, or attention to detail.
- Becomes overwhelmed in fast-paced or service-oriented environments.
- Prefers strictly administrative work without people operations responsibilities.
At times, this role may involve:
- Managing competing priorities and urgent requests.
- Supporting difficult conversations or employee concerns.
- Handling time-sensitive administrative and HR processes.
- Navigating interruptions while maintaining accuracy and professionalism.
- Assisting with incident documentation, investigations, and policy compliance.
What You’ll Be Doing
Administrative & Operational Support
- Provide day-to-day administrative support to the Executive Director and branch leadership team.
- Coordinate meetings, agendas, notes, and follow-up actions.
- Organize schedules, records, reports, and communication materials.
- Support office operations and branch administrative functions.
People Operations & HR Support
- Coordinate onboarding and offboarding processes.
- Maintain confidential employee records and HR systems.
- Assist with payroll, timekeeping, benefits documentation, and employee status changes.
- Respond to employee questions regarding HR policies and procedures.
- Support staff training, recognition, and engagement initiatives.
Employee Relations & Workplace Culture
- Serve as a resource for employees and supervisors.
- Assist with documenting employee relations concerns and incident investigations.
- Promote a respectful, inclusive, and mission-aligned workplace.
- Support retention, communication, and employee engagement efforts.
Risk Management & Compliance
- Help support a safe environment for staff and members.
- Assist in implementing YMCA policies and employment law compliance practices.
- Support documentation and follow-up related to workplace incidents or concerns.
What Success Looks Like in This Role
Successful People & Operations Specialists are:
- Dependable and highly organized.
- Approachable, professional, and solution-oriented.
- Comfortable balancing people support with administrative detail.
- Strong communicators who build trust across teams.
- Adaptable and calm under pressure.
- Passionate about supporting staff and community impact.
Qualifications
- Associate or bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
- Minimum of 1 year of administrative or HR experience required.
- Nonprofit, community service, or hospitality/service industry experience is a plus.
- Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Comfortable using HR systems and Microsoft Office Suite.
- Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic backgrounds.
YMCA Core Values
The YMCA mission is:
“To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.”
This role is expected to model YMCA values through daily leadership and interactions:
- Caring — Supports staff well-being and fosters collaboration.
- Honesty — Builds trust through transparency and communication.
- Respect — Creates an inclusive and professional environment.
- Responsibility — Demonstrates accountability and supports growth.
Work Environment
This role operates primarily in a professional office environment and includes:
- Frequent computer and office equipment use.
- Sitting, standing, walking, and reaching throughout the workday.
- Regular verbal and written communication with staff and leadership.
- A fast-paced environment with changing priorities and frequent interaction with employees and members