Lead HRIS and Operations Specialist

General Information

• Job Code: PRO-HR-03
• Location: Ripple Effect Headquarters – Rockville, MD
• Employee Type: Exempt, Full-Time Regular
• Telework: This role is fully remote
• Salary Range: $73,856 - $84,934 (how we pay and promote)

Position Overview Are you an HR professional who thrives at the intersection of people, data, and systems? As a Lead HRIS and Operations Specialist with the Ripple Effect HR team, you will play a pivotal role in strengthening the systems and processes that power our employee lifecycle. Your work will directly impact data integrity, reporting accuracy, and operational efficiency across HR programs. You will lead HRIS configurations and process improvements while supporting core HR operations and ensuring compliance. While not an exhaustive list, the key duties for the position include:

• Leading HRIS configuration, maintenance, and enhancements (e.g., employee data, workflows, reporting structures)
• Translating HR business needs into system workflows, requirements, and process improvements
• Managing HRIS-related projects and coordinating across HR, IT, and business stakeholders
• Ensuring accuracy, integrity, and compliance of HR data, reporting, and documentation
• Analyzing HR data to support reporting, audits, and decision-making
• Administering and supporting core HR operations (such as onboarding, employee lifecycle changes, and employee inquiries) with a systems-first approach ensuring all HR tasks are completed accurately and in accordance with established policies and relevant regulations
• Delivering clear, professional HR communications and guidance to employees and managers on benefits, compensation, and policies, resolving issues promptly
• Helping to address HR challenges, investigate issues, and recommend process improvements to enhance efficiency and employee experience
• Building strong internal relationships through responsive HR support and representing the organization professionally to support employer branding

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree
• At least 4 years of relevant, professional experience, including a combination of HRIS/systems and HR Operations experience
• Experience directly administering HR systems (e.g., HRIS, ATS, onboarding platforms)

Basic Requirements

• Strong previous experience with HRIS administration, configuration, and data management
• Experience translating business requirements into workflows, process improvements, or system solutions
• Experience supporting HR operations across the employee lifecycle (onboarding, data changes, reporting)
• Experience with data analysis, reporting, and data validation
• Experience coordinating projects or workstreams across cross-functional teams
• Solid foundational knowledge of core HR compliance areas (e.g., handling of confidential and protected information, EEO, FMLA protections, ACA, COBRA, etc.).
• Strong attention to detail and demonstrated ability to execute instructions
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, and an ability to provide clear guidance related to complex system- or HR-related topics
• Intermediate experience with Microsoft Office productivity software and collaboration tools such as Microsoft Teams and SharePoint.

Skills That Set You Apart

• Previous experience with (and strong proficiency in) UKG Ready as an HRIS strongly preferred
• Experience with process mapping, workflow automations, systems integration and HR analytics
• Intermediate experience with AI tools, including their limitations and risks, and how they can be applied to support project management tasks

About Ripple Effect Ripple Effect is a woman-owned, 200-person company of communicators, scientists, researchers, and analysts. Established in 2003, and named as one of the “Best and Brightest Companies to Work For” in 2024 and 2025 by the NABR, Ripple Effect has earned acclaim for delivering unparalleled consulting services and top-tier talent across federal, private, and non-profit sectors. At Ripple Effect, we reward our employees for their contributions to our mission. Our comprehensive total rewards package includes competitive pay, exceptional benefits, and a range of programs that support your work/life balance and personalized preferences. Learn more about our benefits and culture here.