Job Description

Overview

Collaborative is a unique company with professionals who support science and technology innovation ecosystems through real estate management, development, professional networking, technology and consulting. Our clients and partners include universities, not-for-profit foundations, private owners, developers, and local governments.

With approximately 50 employees and steady growth each year, we are seeking our first professional Human Resources Manager to help recruit and support our talented team by organizing and formalizing processes while serving as a champion for new or innovative best practices.

The ideal candidate will have demonstrated experience with recruitment and talent selection for roles ranging from entry level through senior management. Those who have served as a sole leader of HR functions for a successful start-up or early-stage company may be particularly well suited; though a cultural fit and openness to learning and adaptation will be the primary drivers for our selection.

The role will be located primarily on-site at our offices in Midtown Atlanta and reports to the Collaborative’s COO.

Key Responsibilities

Talent Acquisition and Recruitment

• Lead the recruitment process end-to-end for positions that include hourly property maintenance staff, senior science and technology experts, as well as accounting and corporate roles.
• Source candidates across channels including LinkedIn, job boards, professional organization networks, and employee referrals.
• Craft and maintain a library of precise job descriptions that communicate our unique culture and outline must-have skills and responsibilities.
• Manage the interview pipeline from screening, interviewing, and coordinating with hiring managers to finalize selections.

Performance Management

• Develop and formalize a structured process for performance management that reflects the realities of varied positions across the company.
• Ensure managers are setting goals that align individual objectives with company targets, and scheduling regular performance conversations which are documented and support positive individual development.
• Train managers on coaching and delivery of constructive, actionable feedback and offer tools for career-path discussions.
• Ensure creation of career development plans and training roadmaps that align skills growth with business needs and provide pathways to individual advancement within the company.
• Formalize employee mentorship assignments when valuable.

Employee Relations

• Coordinate onboarding paperwork, benefits enrollment, and “day one” orientation sessions to establish a welcoming environment for new hires.
• Act as a trusted advisor and point of contact for employees and management regarding workplace issues, conflict resolution, and employee engagement initiatives. Handle disciplinary actions, grievances, and investigations with fairness and confidentiality, striving for positive outcomes.
• Conduct structured exit interviews to capture candid feedback and identify process improvements.

Benefits Administration and Payroll Oversight

• Manage compensation structures and benefits programs to ensure competitiveness and compliance. Liaise with external vendors, process payroll, and provide employees with clear information about their compensation and benefits.
• Oversee semi-monthly payroll process including time-tracking, reconciling hours, and utilizing features of the company’s payroll software to ensure accurate and timely completion of each pay cycle.
• In conjunction with accounting, ensure sufficient internal controls for payroll, including all tax and regulatory compliance matters related to headcount, overtime, deductions, tax filings, and benefit tracking.
• Answer employee questions on health plans, 401(k), paid time off, and other benefits.

Policy Development and Compliance Monitoring

• Create, update, and enforce HR policies and procedures in accordance with evolving employment laws and regulations. Ensure organizational compliance with all federal, state/provincial, and local labor laws, including health and safety standards.
• Promote workplace safety and employee well-being through the development and monitoring of related programs, in compliance with legislation and best practices.
• Update, maintain and distribute our employee handbook.
• Develop recommendations for ownership and management to consider regarding policies and benefits.
• Educate managers and employees on new or revised policies and regulatory requirements. Hold training sessions when necessary.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field (Master’s degree or HR certification preferred but not required).
• Proven experience (5+ years) in human resources management or a related role.
• Comprehensive understanding of employment laws and regulations.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and confidentiality.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Proficiency in HRIS and Microsoft Office Suite; experience with data analysis tools considered an asset.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Proactive, resourceful, and adaptable approach to change.
• Occasional travel may be required for recruitment events, training, or multi-site operations.

About Collaborative Real Estate

We make innovation communities thrive. Every day we create spaces, communities, and programs designed to inspire, connect, and strengthen inter-disciplinary collaboration between scientists and innovators in their pursuit of new ideas. Collaborative is continually working to define “best in class” management for innovation and research properties.

We see things differently. Therefore, our vision – and ultimately our approach – is different: we implement a human-centric operating philosophy. We seek to understand the work of researchers and innovators within our ecosystems because we recognize that what happens inside a building matters far more than the building itself. We intentionally work to motivate, sustain, and inspire the individuals inside the space because it is the people that truly matter.

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