HR & Culture Manager — People, Payroll & Benefits

Hands On Children's Museum; Olympia (WA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

Paid holidays and time off

401(k) retirement plan

Job summary

Hands On Children’s Museum in Olympia, WA seeks an HR Manager to guide the employee experience—from onboarding new hires to managing benefits, payroll, and compliance. You’ll support managers, promote an inclusive culture, and ensure best HR practices in a nonprofit setting.

You’ll lead HR operations, track training, and help plan staff engagement activities, contributing to a workplace that values people, purpose, and impact.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business, or related field (or HR certification)
• 3+ years HR experience; nonprofit experience is a plus
• Strong knowledge of employment laws and HR best practices
• Experience with HRIS systems (Paylocity, ADP, etc.)
• Great communication skills and a people-first mindset
• Ability to handle confidential information professionally
• Proactive, organized, and solutions-oriented approach
• Bonus for facilitating positive workplaces and energy in the team

Responsibilities

• Be the go-to for employee questions on policies, benefits, and payroll.
• Support managers with employee relations, coaching, and conflict resolution.
• Help build a positive, inclusive, engaging workplace culture.
• Recruit and hire employees (post jobs, screen candidates, coordinate interviews).
• Lead onboarding and orientations for new hires.
• Support smooth offboarding experiences.
• Process semi-monthly payroll.
• Maintain HRIS and accurate employee records.
• Ensure compliance with HR laws (local, state, federal).
• Manage employee leave programs (FMLA, WA PFML).
• Oversee benefits enrollment and vendor coordination.
• Manage Open Enrollment for benefits.
• Support employee recognition programs and staff communications.
• Track required training and coordinate sessions.
• Ensure employees have tools to succeed.
• Help plan all-staff meetings and participate in FUN Committee

Skills

HR experience

Communication

Confidentiality

Problem solving

Positive workplace

Policy knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in HR/Business or related field

HR certification (SHRM-CP/PHR)

Tools

Paylocity

ADP

Job description

Hands On Children’s Museum in Olympia, WA seeks an HR Manager to guide the employee experience—from onboarding new hires to managing benefits, payroll, and compliance. You’ll support managers, promote an inclusive culture, and ensure best HR practices in a nonprofit setting.

You’ll lead HR operations, track training, and help plan staff engagement activities, contributing to a workplace that values people, purpose, and impact.