Human Resources Specialist Jobs in Virginia
Human Resources Specialist jobs in Virginia are in strong and consistent demand, concentrated in federal contracting, defense, healthcare, and technology firms, with openings at every level from entry-level HR coordinator through senior specialist. The heaviest hiring is in Northern Virginia, Richmond, and the Hampton Roads metro, where large employers like Leidos, Booz Allen Hamilton, and Inova Health System maintain substantial HR operations. Talent acquisition, benefits administration, and HR compliance are the specialties driving the most consistent openings across the state. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Job Description
National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) is the national trade association that represents America’s nearly 900 electric cooperatives. America’s electric cooperatives power the lives of 42 million people across 56% of the American landscape, from rural communities to growing suburbs. Co-ops are not-for-profit, member-owned utilities, guided by the people they serve and focused on delivering reliable, affordable electricity that strengthens local communities. Based in Arlington, Virgina, NRECA works to advocate for electric co-op priorities in Washington, D.C. and ensures the long-term success of local co-ops and rural communities.
NRECA is a large and complex organization with diverse lines of business because its members rely on it for a breadth of mission-critical services that far exceed the federal advocacy scope of a typical national trade association. With 750 employees, the distinct and varied business operations of NRECA employ a wide variety of subject matter experts to address the unique needs of the members.
The SVP, Human Resources provides strategic leadership to the organization in partnership with executive management and the board of directors to:
- Ensure the alignment of the human resources function with the association’s strategic goals and business needs.
- Lead the human resources team to deliver strategically oriented programs and services that promote organizational health and employee growth.
- Provide exceptional service in delivering organizational development and other essential programs with 16 Human Resources professionals.
- Direct the following functions: organizational and leadership development, talent acquisition, talent management, compensation and benefits, employee relations, training, internal communications, and Human Resources information systems.
We are searching for a Human Resources leader who can strike a balance in leadership, embracing the values of a not-for-profit organization while setting clear performance expectations for delivering services to members. The opportunity to apply an enterprise-level approach to a mission-driven organization makes NRECA an ideal place for an Human Resources executive who is motivated by both business impact and community service. The position works out of NRECA’s headquarters in Arlington, Virginia and requires the ability to travel to conferences and other office locations.
NRECA has engaged Boyden Executive Search to help us recruit the right leader. Please apply directly at dturekpire@boyden.com.
Qualifications
Formal Education Required:
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field
- Master’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
Experience and Certifications Required:
- Fifteen years’ experience in Human Resources. Five years’ management experience leading the Human Resources function in an organization of significant scope and complexity.
- SPHR preferred, and CCP/CEBS or demonstrated specialist expertise on one or more Human Resources functional specialty such as staffing, compensation, or benefits preferred.
FLSA Status: Exempt
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required (as demonstrated by prior work experience):
- Knowledge of ERISA, FMLA, COBRA. FLSA and other IRS/DOL regulations and laws related to the administration and management of Human Resources programs.
- Demonstrated ability to build and sustain a high-performing customer-focused Human Resources team.
- Ability to build and sustain strategic relationships with key internal decision makers and establish trusted relationships with employees at all levels.
- Demonstrated ability to lead highly visible multidisciplinary project/program teams or initiatives and provide leadership as the authority in a specialized field.
- Demonstrated ability to be persuasive, negotiate, and collaborate with individuals at all levels inside and outside of the organization.
- Demonstrated ability to lead people and large work units with a track record of developing, motivating and delegating across a large, functionally disparate team.
- Demonstrated ability to exercise judgment and discretion in the execution of all duties and responsibilities.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate, both verbally and in writing, with a diverse membership, employees and/or vendors in a clear and precise manner.
- Technical aptitude and ability to use Microsoft 365 Office tools (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams, Co-pilot) in the day-to-day essential duties of the job.
- Demonstrated ability to provide service excellence by building relationships, being resourceful, responsive and respectful.
- Ability to travel
- Ability to report to the office when required
Essential Physical Requirements:
- The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal and extensive reading.
- Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for sedentary work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for light work.
Salary Range:
- $325,000 – $400,000 annual salary with a 20% incentive opportunity.
- Final compensation to be determined by individual qualifications, experience, and internal equity.
- NRECA’s total rewards package includes includes robust health coverage, employer HSA contributions, 401(k) with employer match, traditional pension plan, wellness initiatives and professional development.
Disclaimer Statement: The preceding job description has been written to reflect management’s assignment of essential functions. It does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.
Additional Requirement:
The preceding job description has been written to reflect management’s assignment of essential functions. It does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.
NRECA is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. If you need special assistance or an accommodation while seeking employment, please e-mail humanresources@nreca.coop or call: 703-907-5992 - NRECA Arlington Human Resources. Please call 402-483-9275 - NRECA Lincoln Human Resources, for Lincoln, NE employment opportunities. We will make a determination on your request for reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis.
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) recently released the 'Know Your Rights' poster, which updates and replaces the previous "EEO is the Law" poster and "EEO Is the Law Poster Supplement".
Pay Transparency Non-Discrimination. NRECA will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay. Please see the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision for more information.
E-Verify. As a Federal Contractor, NRECA is required to participate in the E-Verify Program to confirm eligibility to work in the United States. For information please click on the following link: E-Verify.
For more information about life at NRECA please visit www.Electric.coop.
See All 122+ Human Resources Specialist Jobs in Virginia
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Where Virginia roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Human Resources Specialist Job Market in Virginia
A snapshot from current Virginia openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software
- Education
- Transportation & Logistics
What Virginia Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in human resources specialist jobs across Virginia.
- Bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, or a closely related field
- PHR or SHRM-CP certification preferred or required by many Virginia employers
- One to three years of HR generalist or specialist experience in a professional setting
- Working knowledge of HRIS platforms such as Workday, SAP SuccessFactors, or ADP
- Familiarity with federal employment law including FMLA, ADA, and Title VII compliance
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for employee relations and policy work
Human Resources Specialist Jobs in Virginia: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a human resources specialist in Virginia?
Virginia does not require a state-issued license to work as a human resources specialist, so the path runs through education and professional certification. Most Virginia employers require a bachelor's degree in human resources, business, or a related field. From there, earning the SHRM-CP through the Society for Human Resource Management or the PHR through HRCI is the credential that consistently separates candidates in competitive markets like Northern Virginia and Richmond.
How much do human resources specialists make in Virginia?
Human resources specialists in Virginia earn a median of about $82,090 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $48,530 for the lowest 10% to over $136,660 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire human resources specialists in Virginia?
Employers hiring human resources specialists in Virginia right now include Omni Hotels, Sunrise Senior Living, and Target, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Virginia's dense concentration of federal contractors and large healthcare systems means HR roles appear consistently across both sectors statewide.
Which Virginia cities have the most human resources specialist jobs?
Richmond, Alexandria, and McLean have the most human resources specialist openings in Virginia. Northern Virginia's dominance reflects the region's massive federal contracting industry and corporate headquarters presence, while Richmond's concentration of Fortune 500 firms and state government agencies drives steady hiring, and Hampton Roads sustains demand through its large military and healthcare employer base.
Are there remote human resources specialist jobs in Virginia?
Yes, and more than many fields, since a significant portion of HR specialist work involving policy, compliance, recruiting, and HRIS administration can be done entirely from a desk. About 39% of human resources specialist openings tied to Virginia are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, reflecting the role's strong desk-based component. Functions like talent acquisition and benefits coordination tend to have the highest remote availability.
How can I get hired as a human resources specialist in Virginia with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is an HR coordinator or HR assistant role, which Virginia employers in healthcare, federal contracting, and higher education use as pipeline positions. Large Northern Virginia contractors like Booz Allen Hamilton and Leidos run intern-to-hire programs, and Richmond-area hospital systems like VCU Health recruit new graduates into HR support roles. Earning the SHRM student certification before graduating gives candidates a concrete credential that offsets limited work history.
Where can I find and apply to human resources specialist jobs in Virginia?
You can find and apply to human resources specialist jobs in Virginia on Migrate Mate, which lists current Virginia openings. Find the roles that fit your experience and location, then apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 122+ Human Resources Specialist Jobs in Virginia
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