Human Resources Manager – Cleveland Botanical Garden
Holden Forests & Gardens is seeking an experienced and hands‑on Human Resources Manager to support the day‑to‑day operations of our People & Culture team. The role is ideal for an HR professional who enjoys both strategic problem‑solving and the practical work of keeping recruiting, compliance, and employee support running smoothly.
The HR Manager will primarily manage hiring needs across the organization, advise managers on HR policies and compliance, and support initiatives that enhance the employee experience. The role is based at the Cleveland Botanical Garden in Cleveland, OH, with occasional travel to the Holden Arboretum, Kirtland, OH, and the David G. Leach Research Station, Madison, OH.
Position Details
- Department: People & Culture
- Reports to: Vice President of People & Culture
- Employment type: Full‑time, Exempt
Key Responsibilities
Recruitment & Workforce Support
- Manage the full recruitment lifecycle, including postings, screening, interviews, and offers.
- Partner with managers to understand staffing needs and maintain an active pipeline of candidates.
- Coordinate onboarding to ensure a positive and organized new‑hire experience.
- Support seasonal and grant‑funded hiring needs throughout the year.
Culture & Employee Experience
- Contribute to initiatives that advance the employee experience.
- Manage biweekly newsletter and employee‑focused intranet.
- Help review and improve HR policies, procedures, and communications.
- Support our standards of excellence and demonstrate the ideals of PC Team by being responsive, timely, consistent and accurate with staff, managers and leadership. Proactively manage process improvement.
Employee Relations & Manager Support
- Serve as a trusted resource for employees and managers on HR policies and workplace concerns.
- Provide guidance on performance management, documentation, and conflict resolution.
- Assist with engagement initiatives, feedback processes, and retention efforts.
Compliance & HR Operations
- Answer day‑to‑day compliance questions related to employment laws, policies, and best practices.
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment regulations.
- Maintain accurate employee records and support audits and reporting.
- Assist with FMLA, ADA, workers’ compensation, and related processes.
Compensation, Benefits & HRIS Support
- Serve as a backup resource for payroll and benefits administration.
- Support compensation processes and reporting.
- Utilize the HRIS to maintain records, run reports, and support workforce planning.
Qualifications
- Passion for people, nature, and the environment.
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, or a related field.
- Minimum of 5 years of progressive HR experience in a generalist or manager‑level role.
- Demonstrated experience with:
- Recruiting and workforce planning
- Employee relations
- HR compliance and policy interpretation
- Working knowledge of employment laws and regulations.Experience with HRIS and payroll systems (Paycor experience a plus).
- HR certification a plus.
What We’re Looking For
- A practical, solutions‑oriented HR professional.
- Someone comfortable balancing strategic thinking with hands‑on execution.
- Strong communicator who builds trust with employees and managers.
- Highly organized with strong follow‑through and attention to detail.
- Collaborative, empathetic, and responsive to employee needs.
Benefits
Salary: $55,000‑$68,000
- Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits
- Paid Time Off
- 8 Paid Holidays a year
- 403(b)
- Employee‑sponsored life, long‑term and short‑term disability insurance
- Work in a beautiful environment within Greater Cleveland
- Discounts in our stores & cafes
- Free parking at both campuses anytime we are open
- Free admission to many Northeast Ohio Museums
- Free Employee Assistance Program
- And much more!
Equal Employment Opportunity
Holden Forests & Gardens is an equal‑opportunity employer and values an authentic sense of belonging at all levels of the organization, including staff, volunteers, Board of Directors, and visitors. HF&G believes that working toward an equitable culture that values all perspectives enriches the work environment, helping achieve our goal to build a greener and healthier Northeast Ohio.