Human Resources Director

Base Salary Range: $105,000 – $135,000 (depending on experience)

Benefits Eligible:
Yes

Start Date:

Flexible

Location:

Manhattan, New York City

Work Policy: M-Th in office, Friday in office optional

Ever Wonder Studio is a New York–based production company and studio focused on premium documentaries and live sports. We partner with world-class creative partners to build distinctive series, films, and live-event formats. As we grow, we’re building a thoughtful, people-first culture that supports both our internal team and our productions in the field.

Since our founding in 2023, we’ve built an incredible team and the beginnings of a strong culture. We’re looking for an HR Director who is excited to build and own the HR function, while growing with the company over time.

The HR Director will be the day-to-day owner of HR at Ever Wonder Studio — overseeing core people operations for our staff and supporting production HR for our shows. This is a mid-level role with significant responsibility and visibility, ideal for someone who has solid HR experience and is ready to step into running the function with mentorship and support from leadership.

We have the basics in place. This role will enhance what exists and prepare us for a future of growth. You will manage everything from policies and onboarding to benefits and compliance, working closely with leadership and department heads to ensure a consistent, equitable, and legally compliant employee experience.

This role is based in NYC and requires being in the office Monday–Thursday. Fridays are optional in-office.

People Operations & HR Administration

• Serve as the primary HR point of contact for employees and managers across the company.
• Own and manage Tri Net for payroll, employee records, benefits, and HRIS accuracy.
• Manage new hire documentation (offers, onboarding packets, I-9s, background checks where applicable, NDAs, freelance agreements, etc.).
• Oversee offboarding (exit communications, final pay, equipment returns, system access, documentation).
• Maintain accurate, organized employee files and HR records; ensure confidentiality and compliance with applicable laws.
• Policies, Compliance & Employee Relations
• Draft, maintain, and communicate company policies, including updates to the employee handbook as the company grows.
• Monitor compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws (NYC and NYS in particular) and flag risk areas to leadership.
• Serve as a trusted, professional resource for employees and managers on performance, conduct, and conflict-resolution issues, escalating to legal counsel or leadership when appropriate.
• Manage HR-related reporting and documentation in a timely, accurate manner.

• Enhance, coordinate, and administer the performance review process, including timelines, tools, manager guidance, and communications.
• Support managers in giving clear, constructive feedback and documenting performance conversations.
• Partner with leadership to build career paths, growth frameworks, and promotion criteria as the company scales.

• Own the onboarding experience for new employees and key freelancers: pre-start communications, first-day setup, welcome materials, orientation sessions, and initial check-ins.
• Help maintain and evolve company culture through thoughtful rituals, internal communications, and feedback loops.
• Support planning of internal gatherings, culture initiatives, and recognition programs in partnership with leadership.

• Administer employee benefits (health, dental, vision, 401(k), etc.) through Tri Net (or similar PEO): enrollments, changes, open enrollment, and employee questions.
• Work with finance and Tri Net to ensure payroll is processed accurately and on time, including changes in compensation, bonuses, and contractor payments where applicable.
• Track and manage time off, leaves of absence, and other time-related programs in coordination with managers and finance.

• Partner with line production management, and legal to ensure production HR is handled properly, including:
• Onboar…