People & Culture Manager

SAN-Diego-Tourism-Authorit; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Vision

Life Insurance

Short-Term and Long-Term Disability

Accidental Death and Dismemberment

Flex Spending and Dependent Care plans

Matching 401k

Job summary

San Diego Tourism Authority is seeking a People & Culture Manager to lead HR operations, payroll, benefits, onboarding, and employee relations. This role reports to the VP of People, Culture & Purpose and oversees HRIS, compliance, and staff coordination to maintain a productive workplace.

The role requires five+ years in HR, knowledge of California employment laws, and proficiency with ADP and Microsoft 365. Based in San Diego, CA with occasional after-hours work may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent relevant experience required; HR certifications are preferred.
• Minimum of five years of progressive experience in human resources management or HR generalist roles.
• Knowledge of California employment law, HR compliance, payroll, benefits, and leave administration.
• Proficiency with ADP or comparable HRIS platforms and Microsoft 365 applications.
• Strong organizational, project management, and prioritization skills in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary day-to-day administrator for People & Culture (HR) operations.
• Maintain HRIS, employee records, payroll coordination, benefits administration, and HR reporting.
• Coordinate bi-monthly payroll processing and liaison with HRIS vendors.
• Administer employee benefit programs including enrollments, changes, reconciliations, and communications.
• Support employee relations matters, investigations, coaching conversations, and documentation under the VP.

Skills

HR generalist

Communication

Organization

Discretion

Interpersonal skills

Problem solving

Adaptability to AI tools

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

HR certifications preferred

Tools

ADP

Microsoft 365

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

People & Culture Manager

Regular Full-Time Management San Diego, CA, US

3 days ago Requisition ID: 1150

POSITION SUMMARY

The People & Culture Manager plays a key role in fostering a positive employee experience and supporting the organization's people, culture, and operational needs. Reporting directly to the VP of People, Culture & Purpose (VP), this position oversees day-to-day human resources functions, including payroll, benefits administration, recruitment and onboarding, employee relations, recognition programs, employee records management, HRIS and compliance.

In addition, the People & Culture Manager leads general coordination for the office, including coordinating staff meetings, managing the office budget and needs, and ensuring a productive workplace environment. The role also provides project coordination and executive support to the VP on organizational initiatives and special projects.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

HR Operations & Compliance:

• Serve as the primary day-to-day administrator for People & Culture (HR) operations.
• Maintain HRIS, employee records, payroll coordination, benefits administration, and HR reporting.
• Coordinate bi-monthly payroll processing and serve as liaison with HRIS vendors.
• Administer employee benefit programs including enrollments, changes, reconciliations, and employee communications.
• Respond to team member inquiries regarding policies, benefits, payroll, and HR processes.
• Support employee relations matters, investigations, coaching conversations, and documentation under the direction of the VP.
• Assist with compliance, employment law requirements, and policy development and administration.
• Partner with management to explain and illustrate various HR policies and procedures and share updates as necessary.
• Maintain and oversee employee data within the HRIS, including changes related to compensation, leaves, disability accommodations, and terminations.

Employee Experience & Culture:

• Develop and manage wellness, engagement, recognition, professional development, and culture-building initiatives.
• Lead performance review platform and employee-facing processes, to include training efforts, system updates and customization, communication timelines, and ongoing support.
• Coordinate recruiting, onboarding, offboarding, and performance management processes.
• Help foster a positive employee experience through effective internal customer service, communication, programs, training and engagement activities.

Departmental & Office Administration:

• Serve as the primary point of contact for daily office operations, helping ensure a productive, safe, and welcoming workplace.
• Manage annual compliance training and office safety programs.
• Coordinate office vendors, supplies, equipment, maintenance requests, and workplace-related services.
• Coordinate with other departments on logistics for all-staff meetings, leadership meetings, board meetings, retreats, and special events.
• Provide project coordination and administrative support to the Vice President of People, Culture & Purpose.
• Generate HR metrics, reports, and dashboards to support decision-making and organizational planning.
• Manage office calendar, conference room scheduling, and meeting logistics.
• Support cross-functional People & Culture initiatives by tracking action items, deadlines, and follow-up activities.

Perform other duties or projects as assigned.

Qualifications

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent relevant experience required; HR certifications are preferred.
• Minimum of five years of progressive experience in human resources management or HR generalist roles.
• Knowledge of California employment law, HR compliance, payroll, benefits, and leave administration.
• Proficiency with ADP or comparable HRIS platforms and Microsoft 365 applications.
• Strong organizational, project management, and prioritization skills, with the ability to manage competing demands in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent written, verbal, facilitation, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to build relationships and work effectively at all levels of the organization.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, think critically, solve problems creatively, and work independently.
• Demonstrated attention to detail, follow-through, and ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Curiosity and comfort with emerging AI tools and their practical application in workplace programs and processes.
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering an inclusive, collaborative, and positive employee experience.
• High integrity, professionalism, and alignment with organizational values.
• Ability to work occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Work Environment / Physical Requirements:

• Normal office conditions with extensive computer and phone usage.
• Able to work efficiently and accurately in an atmosphere of frequent interruption.
• Light physical effort equal to frequent lifting or moving of lightweight materials.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Must be based in San Diego, CA.

Benefits Options Include:

• Medical
• Vision
• Life Insurance
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment
• Flex Spending and Dependent Care plans
• Matching 401k

The expected annual base pay range for this position is $95,000 to $125,000. We consider many factors in determining base compensation, including position scope, job related knowledge, education, skills, experience, and work location.

Offer of employment will be contingent upon satisfactorily clearing background checks.

San Diego Tourism Authority is an equal opportunity employer. We believe in hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive culture. We are committed to non-discrimination on any protected basis, such as race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, marital status, age, disability, pregnancy, medical condition, veteran status or any other basis covered under applicable law. Consistent with the American Disabilities Act, applicants may request accommodations needed to participate in the application process.