Human Resources and Benefits Coordinator (PT)

About Company:

The Washington Center for the Performing Arts in Olympia grew from the historic Liberty Theater (1924) and Olympic Theater (renamed 1948) on the same site, becoming the modern venue, it is today after the city acquired and rebuilt the structure in the early 1980s, opening in 1985 as a community-focused non-profit. It serves as a cultural anchor, hosting diverse performances and preserving local arts history, including its iconic Andy Crow Wurlitzer organ.  To View a short video clip on the history, click here:   Washington Center for Performing Arts Center History

Human Resources and Benefits Coordinator

Position Summary:

The Washington Center for the Performing Arts seeks a dedicated and detail-oriented Human Resources and Benefits Coordinator to oversee the organization's human resources functions and ensure the effective administration of employee benefits. This half-time role is essential in supporting a positive, compliant, and inclusive workplace culture. The successful candidate will collaborate with leadership to support staffing, compliance, employee engagement, and the ongoing development of HR practices that align with the organization’s mission and values. The Human Resources and Benefits Coordinator reports to the Accounting Director.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities:

Human Resources Administration

• Maintain employee records, ensuring accuracy and confidentiality in accordance with federal and state laws.
• Support recruitment efforts including job postings, applicant tracking, and onboarding of new hires.
• Administer and track performance review processes and employee development initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with employment laws and best practices, including EEOC, FMLA, and other applicable regulations.
• Maintain and update the employee handbook and HR policies.
• Create and publish monthly employee newsletter.

Benefits Administration

• Serve as the primary contact for employee benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and other fringe benefits.
• Administration of workers compensation, unemployment, and COBRA.
• Coordinate open enrollment periods and communicate changes or updates to staff.
• Liaise with benefit providers and third-party administrators as needed.
• Process benefits enrollments, terminations, and changes in a timely manner.
• Assist employees with benefit-related questions and claims issues.
• Administer and track performance of the employee Wellness Program.

HR Strategy and Support

• Support leadership in fostering a positive and equitable workplace culture.
• Assist in conflict resolution and provide HR-related guidance to staff and supervisors.

Payroll Coordination 

• Collaborate with finance personnel or third-party payroll services to ensure accurate processing of payroll-related data (hours, benefits deductions, etc.).

Required Education, Skills and Knowledge:

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
• 3+ years of HR experience, ideally in a nonprofit or arts organization preferred.
• Knowledge of Washington State labor laws and HR best practices required.
• Strong organizational and communication skills; discretion and professionalism required.
• Experience with ADP Workforce Now including Payroll processing, HR functions, Performance, Talent and Learning Management Modules required.
• PHR, SHRM-CP certification, or equivalent credential preferred but not required.

Work Environment and Schedule:

• This is a hybrid-friendly, part-time position working 20 hours per week.
• Occasional evening or weekend hours may be required for staff support during events or critical organizational activities.
• Work may be conducted on-site at the Washington Center or remotely, based on organizational needs and candidate preference.

Physical/Mental Demands: Physical Requirements:

During time of peak times and reporting deadlines, this job may involve extended work hours. Workdays during this time may include nights and weekends. Ability to be able to lift up to 25lbs, ability to perform the following activities minimally up to 10% of the time, bend; climb; crawl; reach; sit; squat/kneel; stand; twist; walk; work above shoulder.

Please note that this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.  Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time without notice. This position requires the ability to perform essential job functions, with or without reasonable accommodations for disabilities, in an at-will employment relationship.

As an organization we utilize E-Verify as part of our hiring process.