HR Generalist / HR Coordinator
Lowney Architecture is hiring an HR Generalist / HR Coordinator to join our People Operations Team in our Oakland office.
Position Summary
The HR Generalist / HR Coordinator is a hands-on role responsible for managing the full spectrum of daily human resources operations. This position focuses on execution, administration, and employee support, ensuring HR processes run smoothly and compliantly while partnering closely with the COO on escalations and policy decisions.
Key Responsibilities
Manage full-cycle recruiting, including job postings, screening, interviewing coordination, and hiring logistics
Oversee employee onboarding and offboarding, including new hire paperwork, systems access coordination, and exit processes
Process and administer bi-weekly payroll, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance; coordinate with external payroll vendors as needed
Administer employee benefits programs, including medical, dental, vision, leaves of absence, and open enrollment
Serve as day-to-day administrator for the firm’s 401(k) plan, coordinating contributions, census data, and vendor communication
Coordinate and administer the firm’s performance review process and related documentation
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and firm policies
Maintain employee records, HRIS data, and required reporting
Respond to employee questions regarding pay, benefits, policies, and HR procedures
Support employee relations matters and escalate sensitive or complex issues to the COO as appropriate
Assist with audits, compliance filings, and annual reporting requirements
Qualifications
4–7 years of progressive HR experience in a generalist
Demonstrated experience processing payroll and administering benefits
Working knowledge of employment law and HR compliance requirements
Strong organizational skills with high attention to detail
Professional, discreet, and service-oriented approach to employee support
Preferred Experience
Experience in an architecture, engineering, or professional services environment
Familiarity with HRIS and payroll systems, experience with Paycom preferred.
HR certification (PHR, SHRM-CP, or similar)
Compensation & Benefits
Competitive salary based on experience
Health, dental, and vision benefits
401(k) with employer participation
Work Environment
- In office Monday through Thursday, work remote from home on Friday.
- Compensation Range
- $75,000 – $95,000 base salary, depending on experience and qualifications.
Paid time off and holidays
About Us
Lowney Architecture is a mid-sized architecture firm dedicated to creating inspiring spaces, strengthening communities, and shaping a better future through thoughtful building design. Our work spans a wide range of project types, all rooted in a shared mission: enriching people’s lives.We are a growing, design-driven firm where people genuinely care about the work and about one another. Collaboration is not a buzzword here, it’s how we operate. Our teams regularly step outside their lanes to support one another, solve problems together, and raise the quality of our work.
This culture of trust, engagement, and shared ownership earned Lowney Architecture recognition as one of the Best Places to Work by both the San Francisco Business Times and Pacific Business News in 2025.
With approximately 60 employees across our Oakland, Los Angeles, and Honolulu offices, we are entering an exciting phase of growth. This is an opportunity to help build and shape our people operations company-wide, while supporting a firm deeply committed to great design, meaningful impact, and a positive workplace experience.
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at all levels of the organization