Human Resources Manager

Employment Type
:
Full-time, W2

Compensation: $85,000

The Imogen Foundation supports the emotional resilience and mental health of children and teens through storytelling, project-based learning, and youth leadership. Inspired by Imogen’s legacy of empathy and connection, our programs help young people feel seen, heard, and supported. Our daily after school programs provide high-quality childcare and enriching, creative activities that nurture social‑emotional wellness in a warm, familiar environment. Through story, creativity, and community, we help children grow with confidence, compassion, and curiosity.

With 200 employees across 9 public schools, we are in an exciting period of growth and scaling our impact.

About the Role:

We are seeking a hands‑on, Human Resources Manager, who will actively perform daily HR tasks, operate independently, and be a part of a growing team. You’ll be the organization’s go‑to HR generalist, balancing strategic projects with sleeves‑up execution, developing robust people practices that sustain our mission, and ensuring best‑in‑class compliance and employee experience.

Currently, this role will manage one direct report and operate as a true player/coach, actively executing day‑to‑day HR work while contributing to the active growth of the organization. The role is ideal for a proactive, hands‑on Sr. HR Generalist who is ready for the next step in their career.

Key Responsibilities:

General HR Operations:

• Oversee all core HR functions, including employee lifecycle, onboarding, compliance, and benefits administration.
• Supervise and support a staff member focused on onboarding and compliance, mentoring their professional growth.
• Own payroll process (currently using Paylocity) and ensure accurate and timely processing; recommend and implement improvements as needed.
• Coordinate and ensure completion of all background checks, specifically NY Department of Education and City requirements for staff working onsite.

Compliance & Regulatory:

• Ensure all HR policies, procedures, and practices are up‑to‑date and compliant with applicable NYC, state, and federal regulations.
• Lead annual policy and employee handbook review, revisions, and implementation.
• Manage risk and best practices around employee documentation.

HR Systems & Process Improvement:

• Evaluate and optimize existing HRIS (Paylocity), recommending technology/process improvements to support scheduling and payroll.
• Implement scalable, tech‑driven solutions for performance management, absence tracking, scheduling, and reporting.

Recruitment, Talent Management & Performance:

• Partner with leadership and external recruiters to facilitate screening, interviewing, and onboarding.
• Partner to refine and operationalize staff evaluation and performance review cadence; support creation and management of performance improvement plans.
• Collaborate to develop and scale staffing solutions that meet rapid growth demands.

Culture & Employee

Experience:

• Foster a culture of trust, accountability, representation, and mission alignment.
• Balance open‑door policies and empathetic listening with consistency in HR practices.

Requirements:

• 4+ years of progressive experience in HR generalist roles, ideally in fast‑growing or lean organizations.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, prior experience as a "department of one" or key HR lead preferred.
• Strong knowledge of HR operations, compliance, payroll, and benefits; experience with Paylocity is a plus.
• Experience rolling out or improving HRIS and tech‑driven people practices.
• Comfortable balancing strategic initiatives with tactical execution.
• Mission‑driven with deep empathy, strong communication skills, and high integrity.
• Experience in the nonprofit sector is a bonus but not required.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusive workplace practices.

Why Join Us?

• Growth: Opportunity for significant growth as the organization scales
• Cultural Alignment: A culture rooted in meaningful work, support, and development
• Health Coverage
  :
  We cover 90% of the premium for employees and their children
• Dental & Vision
  :
  Available for employees and families (no health plan required)
• Paid Time Off
  :
  Up to 15 days per year, plus all federal holidays and a winter closure (Dec 25
  - Jan
  1)
• Sick Leave
  :
  Up to 5 days annually for health and family needs
• Retirement
  : 403(b) plan to support your long‑term savings
• Coming Soon: Short‑ and long‑term disability, life insurance, and flexible spending accounts (FSA) for transportation, healthcare and childcare.

Imogen Foundation is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.