Human Resources & People Operations Manager
Summary
We are seeking an experienced, mission-driven Human Resources & People Operations Manager who is passionate about developing people, strengthening organizational culture, and supporting a rapidly growing nonprofit dedicated to building a more compassionate and connected world.
In this leadership role, you will manage an established HR team, oversee the full employee lifecycle, and collaborate with department leaders to enhance recruitment, onboarding, professional development, employee engagement, and organizational operations. You will serve as a trusted advisor to employees and managers, providing guidance on workplace concerns, employment policies, benefits, performance management, and regulatory compliance.
We are looking for a proactive, solutions-oriented professional who thrives in a hands-on environment, takes ownership of challenges, and brings sound judgment, initiative, and accountability to their work. Success requires balancing empathy with clear expectations while building efficient systems and positive workplace relationships.
At Imogen Foundation, we believe in investing in our people and creating opportunities for professional growth. We have a strong tradition of developing talent and promoting from within. This position offers an ambitious HR leader the opportunity to shape our People Operations function, influence organizational strategy, and grow into broader leadership responsibilities while making a meaningful impact on our mission.
Qualifications
- At least 4 years of progressive HR experience, including substantial hands-on generalist responsibilities.
- Strong knowledge of employee relations, employment law and compliance, benefits, leave administration, accommodations, and payroll processes.
- Experience supervising or leading staff and coordinating work across departments.
- Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive employee matters with sound judgment, confidentiality, fairness, and professional independence.
- Experience with HRIS/payroll systems and improving administrative processes.
- Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail and follow-through.
- Commitment to an in-person, collaborative working environment and IF's mission and values.
Preferred
- Experience with Paylocity.
- Experience in nonprofit, school-based, youth-serving, or multi-site organizations.
- Familiarity with NYC DOE, NYS OCFS, or other child care workforce compliance requirements.
- Experience supporting organizational growth, employee development, or HR process improvement.
Duties
HR Operations & Employee Lifecycle
- Lead HR operations, including onboarding, employment changes, personnel records, benefits administration, and offboarding.
- Supervise and develop HR staff, establishing clear responsibilities and effective workflows.
- Coordinate recruitment and hiring with department leaders, ensuring consistent processes and timely communication.
- Administer employee leave, workplace accommodations, and workers' compensation processes.
Employee Relations & Compliance
- Serve as a trusted resource for employees and managers, addressing workplace concerns, complaints, and grievances with fairness, discretion, and appropriate follow-through.
- Coordinate workplace investigations and employee-related incident responses, including documentation, corrective action, and appropriate escalation.
- Guide supervisors on performance management, employee feedback, and employment policies.
- Ensure compliance with applicable employment laws, background screening, clearances, and workforce requirements, including those governing NYC school-based programs.
Training & Employee Development
- Coordinate employee orientation, required training, and professional development with department leaders.
- Maintain training and certification records, monitor deadlines, and ensure completion of required training.
- Support employee growth, leadership development, and consistent performance review practices.
Payroll, Systems & Process Improvement
- Partner with Finance and Operations to improve payroll accuracy, timekeeping, and employee records.
- Maintain and improve Paylocity workflows, reporting, and HR administration.
- Develop efficient, reliable systems that strengthen communication, accountability, and the employee experience.