Temporary HR Generalist

Forbes believes in the power of entrepreneurial capitalism and uses it on various platforms to ignite the conversations that drive systemic change in business, culture and society. We celebrate success and are committed to using our megaphone to drive diversity, equity and inclusion.

The Forbes HR team is seeking a HR Generalist for a 6-month temporary role (April–October 2025) to support the HR Business Partner and Recruitment teams. Reporting to the VP, HR & Talent Management, with a dotted line to the Recruiting Manager and working closely with the HR Associate, this role will function as a HR Generalist and be involved in HR programs and initiatives. This role is ideal for an experienced HR professional who can quickly step in to provide thoughtful, strategic, and operational support to business partners, HR team and employees.

Our office operates as a remote and hybrid workforce, with in-person collaboration expected for certain roles. Based on the responsibilities of this position, a hybrid work schedule with a minimum of two in-person collaboration days per week at our Jersey City, NJ headquarters is expected.

Responsibilities:

HR Business Partner Support & Employee Relations: 

• Partner with HRBPs to operate as a day-to-day HR contact for specific staff managers and/or leaders.
• Partner with managers to navigate performance challenges, coaching conversations, and, including performance documentation
• Address employee relations issues, exercising strong judgment and emotional intelligence in assessing and resolving concerns
• Engage directly with employees to provide HR support, answer inquiries, and ensure a positive employee experience
• Handle confidential and sensitive information with professionalism
• Escalate complex issues to senior HR leadership as needed
• Assist with organizational changes, including promotions and internal mobility

Recruitment Support:

• Support Recruiting Manager in recruiting processes, including sourcing, screening and interviewing candidates
• Manage, organize and audit library of job descriptions by department through Sharepoint
• Oversee and manage employee referral bonus program, ensuring clear communication to employees and timely processing of referral bonus payments

HR Programs & Initiatives:

• Lattice Review Cycle: Partner with VP and HR Associate on mid-year performance management cycle in Lattice, including goal-setting, feedback, and reviews
• Guide managers and employees in using Lattice effectively and troubleshoot system issues
• Coordinate and support Lattice-related live training sessions, including scheduling, facilitating, and follow-up communication
• Co-host and present performance management information to employees
• Work with HR Associate to update training materials, analyze participation data, generate reports, and provide insights to HRBPs
• Intern Program - Support HR Associate with execution of intern program, including check-ins with interns and managers and addressing any questions or concerns
• Partner with VP, HR to manage learning and development initiatives and training materials for employees
• Ad-hoc HR projects, as needed with ability to balance multiple projects and timelines
• Support with document maintenance, filing and organization in HRIS and Sharepoint 

Employee Experience & Exit Interviews:

• Provide guidance and partnership  to HR Associate for employee onboarding and offboarding initiatives and day-to-day employee requests, escalating to VP, HR as needed
• Conduct new hire orientation and support HR Associate in management of onboarding experience and updating processes and procedures
• Conduct exit interviews, assess trends, and provide insights to HR leadership

Qualifications: 

• 5-7 years of progressive HR experience in employee relations,  performance management, and recruiting
• Strong judgment, emotional intelligence, and the ability to handle sensitive and confidential information
• Proven ability to build relationships with managers and employees, providing sound HR guidance and coaching.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of HR compliance, employment laws, company policies, and ensuring compliance with them.
• Solid presentation ability virtual and in-person
• Experience conducting exit interviews and analyzing employee feedback.
• Strong business acumen and critical thinker 
• Excellent written and verbal communication, including drafting company-facing communications, interpersonal skills to provide effective HR guidance depending on the situation and audience