People Operations Manager

Children's Museum of Manhattan; New York (NY); On-site; USD 80,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance (free employee coverage)

Dental and vision insurance

403(b) plan

Generous PTO

Free admission to select cultural institutions

Job summary

A cultural institution in New York seeks a People Ops Manager to oversee HR operations and employee relations for approximately 85 staff members. The ideal candidate will have extensive HR experience, particularly in handling employee relations, payroll processes, and compliance with NYC employment laws. This role requires hands-on leadership and a collaborative approach, ensuring a supportive and efficient workplace. A competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package are offered, including free healthcare coverage for employees.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive experience in HR or People Operations.
• Experience leading employee relations matters and investigations.
• Strong knowledge of payroll processes.

Responsibilities

• Oversee onboarding and offboarding processes.
• Maintain HRIS accuracy and employee records.
• Advise managers on performance concerns.

Skills

HR / People Operations experience

Employee relations

Interpersonal skills

Attention to detail

Understanding of NYC employment laws

Job description

Reports to: Director of Operations

Location: CMOM - New York, NY, 4 days in office

About CMOM

The Children’s Museum of Manhattan (CMOM) is a dynamic, mission-driven cultural institution dedicated to nurturing creativity, curiosity, and lifelong learning in children and families. Through interactive exhibitions, educational programs, and community partnerships, CMOM serves diverse audiences across New York City and beyond, creating meaningful experiences that inspire and empower young minds.

CMOM is entering a transformational moment. Over the next several years, CMOM will grow awareness and deepen community connection at its current home while building momentum toward the opening of a landmark new museum on 96th Street. This role offers a rare opportunity to join a small, high-impact team shaping both the present and future of one of New York’s most beloved cultural institutions.

About the Role

The People Ops Manager is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day people operations of an organization of approximately 85 employees. This role partners closely with the Director of Operations, Finance, and COO/CFO to ensure smooth HR processes, compliance, payroll coordination, performance management, and employee experience initiatives.

This position balances operational execution with employee relations leadership, serving as a trusted resource to managers while maintaining consistent and compliant HR practices across the organization.

The ideal candidate is hands‑on, organized, confident navigating employee matters, and comfortable working cross-functionally in a lean environment.

Key Responsibilities

HR Operations & Compliance

• Oversee onboarding and offboarding processes
• Maintain HRIS accuracy and employee records
• Partner with PEO on benefits administration, leave tracking, and compliance updates
• Ensure consistent and compliant application of policies across exempt and non-exempt staff
• Maintain required employment documentation and labor law postings
• Improve and streamline HR workflows and internal processes

Payroll & Safety Collaboration

• Partner with the Finance Department to support biweekly payroll processing, including timesheet review, status changes, and reconciliation
• Serve as internal point of contact for payroll‑related questions and issues
• Collaborate with Director of Operations and Director of Building Operations to support workplace safety initiatives, incident reporting, and trainings

Employee Relations & Performance Management

• Advise managers on performance concerns and employee conduct matters
• Draft and administer written warnings and performance improvement plans
• Lead workplace investigations in partnership with leadership
• Manage employee separations, including terminations, ensuring compliance and proper documentation
• Support consistent and fair application of organizational policies

Performance & Talent Processes

• Support the design and rollout of an annual performance review process
• Provide managers with tools and guidance for goal setting and feedback
• Track review cycles and ensure timely completion

Recruitment & Onboarding

• Support full‑cycle recruitment processes
• Coordinate interviews and candidate communications
• Ensure a structured and welcoming onboarding experience

Employee Experience & Engagement

• Lead employee engagement initiatives, trainings and staff events
• Create recognition programs and morale‑building efforts
• Partner with leadership on communication related to people initiatives

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive HR / People Operations experience
• Experience leading employee relations matters, including investigations and terminations
• Experience partnering on payroll processes
• Strong understanding of NYC and NY State employment laws
• Experience working with a PEO preferred
• Experience working with both non‑exempt (hourly/front‑of‑house) and exempt staff populations preferred
• Highly organized, detail‑oriented, and comfortable operating independently
• Strong interpersonal skills and sound judgment

Salary: $80,000‑$90,000, Exempt, 4 days in office

We offer a comprehensive benefits package including medical (free employee coverage; premium options for dependents), dental, vision, 403(b), life insurance, EAP, paid holidays, and generous PTO. CMOM employees also receive free admission to select NYC cultural institutions.

The Children’s Museum of Manhattan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage people from all backgrounds, ages, abilities, and experiences to apply. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If, due to a disability, you need accommodation during any part of the interview process, please let your recruiter know.

Not sure you meet 100% of our qualifications? Research shows that men apply for jobs when they meet an average of 60% of the criteria. Yet, women and other people who are systematically marginalized tend to only apply if they meet every requirement. If you’re excited about this role and believe you could thrive in it, we encourage you to apply. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds—whether you’re new to arts and culture, returning to work, or exploring a career shift. Use your cover letter to share your interest and what you hope to bring to the role.

All employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.