Director of Human Resources

Ssmandl; New York (NY); On-site; USD 140,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental plan

Vision plan

401(k) with match

Bonuses

PTO

Job summary

Sunshine Sachs Morgan & Lylis is seeking a strategic, high-energy Director of HR to lead people strategy, talent development, and the employee experience. The role partners with leadership to create a positive, inclusive, and high-performing workplace where staff are supported, engaged, and motivated to grow.

Key responsibilities include trusted counseling, lifecycle management, retention programs, and coaching managers to build exceptional teams across the agency.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of HR leadership in a high-growth professional services environment.
• Deep experience in a communications/advertising/creative agency.
• Exceptional strategic EQ for coaching senior leaders.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills for internal messaging.
• Bachelor’s degree; SHRM-SCP or SPHR preferred.

Responsibilities

• Act as trusted advisor for employees and managers on relations with discretion and cultural competency.
• Oversee end-to-end employee lifecycle including onboarding, role transitions and exits.
• Build creative retention programs to keep top talent engaged.
• Coach managers to build high-performing teams delivering client results.
• Lead initiatives for inclusive leadership and ongoing learning.
• Manage internal communications from newsletters to policy updates.

Skills

Experience in HR leadership

Agency pedigree

Strategic EQ

Communication skills

Credentialing

Education

Bachelor’s degree

SHRM-SCP or SPHR preferred

Job description

Sunshine Sachs Morgan & Lylis is a leading global communications agency built to navigate the complexities of a hyper-connected world. We represent the icons and innovators shaping culture—from global heritage corporations and high-growth tech startups to the non-profits, creative legends, and visionary founders who define the global discourse.

Our expertise spans the full cultural spectrum. We operate at the intersection of entertainment, social impact, corporate reputation, and consumer lifestyle, executing seamlessly across traditional media, social-first outlets, brand partnerships, and influencer ecosystems. Whether we are navigating complex crisis management, elevating advocacy campaigns, or launching global consumer brands, we are storytellers at our core.

You may notice our digital presence is purposefully understated. While our clients are global household names, we believe the best work happens when the spotlight stays firmly on those we represent. We fly under the radar by design - preferring to let our campaigns, and our results, speak for themselves.

If you're driven, intentional, and ready to do good, we're ready for you!

We are seeking a strategic and high-energy Director of HR to lead our people strategy, talent development and employee experience.

The Director of HR will partner closely with leadership and employees to foster a positive, inclusive, and high-performing workplace where people feel supported, engaged, and motivated to grow.

Key Responsibilities:

The Employee Experience:

• Trusted Counsel: Act as the primary advisor for employees and managers, navigating complex employee relations with high EQ, discretion, and cultural competency.
• Lifecycle Excellence: Oversee the end-to-end employee journey—including onboarding, role transitions, and exits—ensuring staff feel connected to the agency’s multifaceted mission from day one.
• Retention Strategy: Build creative programs that address the unique pressures of the modern agency environment, ensuring top talent remains engaged and motivated.
• Managerial Support: Coach and support managers in building high-performing, motivated teams that deliver exceptional results for our clients.

Culture & Belonging

• Inclusive Leadership: Lead initiatives that are woven into the fabric of the agency—from our internal culture to the diverse perspectives we bring to our clients.
• Cultural Stewardship: Foster a values-driven environment where professional excellence and mutual respect are the standard for every interaction.
• The Learning Agency: Design and lead coaching and professional development programs that turn ambitious practitioners into cross-industry experts.
• Internal Communications: Serve as a lead communicator to foster strong internal alignment, managing everything from a monthly newsletter to company-wide updates regarding policy changes or agency milestones.

Functional Leadership & Integration

• Recruiting Strategy: Partner closely with the Talent Acquisition Manager to ensure the recruiting pipeline aligns with business‑needs, culture‑add goals, and the agency’s long‑term growth strategy.
• Total Rewards Oversight: Collaborate with the Payroll & Benefits Manager to ensure our compensation, health, and wellness offerings remain competitive, compliant, and reflective of our values.
• Cross-Functional Alignment: Act as the bridge between specialized HR functions, ensuring that recruiting, payroll, and employee relations work together as a seamless support system for the agency.

Strategic Talent Architecture

• Growth Partnership: Partner with executive leadership to design and execute workforce planning that scales with the agency’s global ambitions.
• Organizational Design: Lead the blueprinting of our teams, ensuring we have the right mix of creative, digital, and strategic talent to meet the 2026 media landscape.
• Operational Excellence: Ensure consistent, people-centered HR practices and policies across the agency to maintain high standards of equity and efficiency.

Qualifications

• Experience: 8+ years of HR experience, with a documented track record of leading people strategy in a high-growth, professional services environment.
• Agency Pedigree: Deep experience in a communications agency, advertising firm, or creative environment is essential.
• Strategic EQ: Exceptional ability to coach senior leaders while remaining a relatable, trusted resource for junior staff.
• Communication Skills: Superior writing and verbal skills, with the ability to write engaging, clear internal communications.
• Credentialing: Bachelor’s degree required; SHRM-SCP or SPHR certification is highly preferred.

$140,000 - $160,000 a year

Benefits x Perks

We go well beyond the benefits that you’re looking for like medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with matching, annual merit-based bonuses, PTO, fertility, FSA for medical, childcare, and commuter expenses. Eligible employees at Sunshine Sachs Morgan & Lylis may access these benefits, along with many additional perks including, a flexible work schedule, Work from Anywhere program, Summer Fridays, Wellness Days, and a 4-week sabbatical or trip to celebrate select anniversaries. We love to socialize so, we have collaborative workspaces, some offices even have rooftops, celebrations, networking opportunities, and community volunteering. We frequently mark opportunities to listen, learn and act throughout the year (Juneteenth, Election Day, International Women’s Day, etc.).

SSM&L is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and ability. We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, identity and expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

There’s more!

From day one, employees are carefully matched with a mentor to guide them on their path to success. Training and mentoring are a big deal here and since we are into promoting from within, we make sure to provide more than enough tools for you to learn and grow. We are proud to offer training throughout the year on topics for professional growth as well as personal growth. We have also developed a series of teaching workshops that are structured for each level of the company. Sunshiners also take love to take advantage of the monthly Meet the Industry series where industry thought leaders provide valuable insider info on how to work with them and their colleagues.