Senior Director, People & Culture (Human Resources)

Asia Society; New York (NY); On-site; USD 150,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision coverage

403(b) retirement plan

Tuition reimbursement

Self-development hours

Job summary

Asia Society in New York seeks a Senior Director of People and Culture with at least 8–10 years of experience to oversee recruitment, benefits, and compliance in a mission-driven environment. The role demands strategic leadership to enhance staff engagement and talent management.

The new leader will develop policies and initiatives aligned with organizational goals. A generous compensation package ranges from $150,000 to $175,000, reflecting the importance of this position within the company.

Qualifications

• At least 8–10 years of related HR and team management experience.
• Experience with nonprofits in arts & culture and policy-based organizations.
• SHRM or other HR certification and/or a relevant advanced degree is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and administer strategies to promote significant staff engagement.
• Collaborate to create resource planning models for talent gaps.
• Lead and mentor the People and Culture team.

Skills

Oral and written communication skills

Confidentiality and discretion

Conflict management

Customer service experience

Proficient with Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree

Tools

HCMS software

Job description

Senior Director, People & Culture (Human Resources)

Location: New York

Department: People and Culture

Position: Senior Director, People & Culture (Human Resources)

Reports to: Executive Vice President & COO

Job Type: Full-Time

Schedule: 40 hours/week

Compensation: $150,000 - $175,000

Benefits Status: Eligible (Full Package)

SUMMARY

Seeking to be an “Employer of Choice” for a 21st Century workforce, the Asia Society is hiring a skilled, innovative, and forward‑looking Senior Director of People and Culture. This individual must be a “player‑coach,” and has overall responsibility for all aspects of recruitment, hiring, benefits and compensation, onboarding and off‑boarding, HCMS, talent management (including performance management and professional development), DEIA initiatives, People and Culture policies and practices, and HR compliance and risk management. This position will work closely with the senior leadership team and staff at‑large to create an industry‑leading culture that will attract and keep top talent and nurture an inclusive and collaborative workplace where everyone knows that they are an integral part of our global mission. This position serves as a strategic thought partner to organizational leaders and manages an Associate of People & Culture.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Staff Engagement

• Develop and administer strategies, programs, and procedures that promote significant staff engagement and create an exceptional staff culture.
• Regularly review HR policies, propose and make updates when necessary, and train staff on these policies.

Talent Management

• Collaborate with organizational leadership to create and implement resource planning models to identify competency, knowledge, and talent gaps, and develop programs for filling those gaps.
• Design and implement strategic and digitally‑supported solutions in all People and Culture disciplines including recruitment, new employee orientation, benefits, talent and organizational management, policies and procedures, learning and development, staff recognition and appreciation, goals, performance management, and employee offboarding.
• Assist management and leadership in resolving employee relations issues, conducting effective investigations, and recommending action for sensitive and complex situations.
• Effectively lead and mentor the People and Culture team member in developing and administering people and culture strategies, initiatives, processes, and procedures.

Benefits and Compensation

• Regularly review Asia Society’s total rewards program against external benchmarks and negotiate benefit renewals with brokers/providers.
• Coordinate quarterly investment meetings of the 403(b) plan and ensure appropriate plan administration.
• Responsible for advising on work authorization and visa matters.
• Oversee HCMS usage, implementation, and improvements such as adding new modules/features to streamline processes.

Risk, Compliance, and Reporting

• Produce analytical reporting to inform recommendations and business decisions, creating management dashboards and collecting key metrics in a timely manner.
• Implement data and reporting requests and annual benefit plan and compliance needs.
• Manage departmental budget and approve all department‑related expenses.
• Network with Human Resources (HR) peer groups and participate in surveys to gather external HR data.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree

• At least 8–10 years of related HR and team management experience, in roles of increasing leadership and responsibility.
• Experience with nonprofits in arts & culture, museum, education, and/or policy‑based organizations.
• SHRM or other HR certification and/or a relevant advanced degree is a plus.

Skills and Competencies

• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including ability to work with all levels of staff.
• Excellent ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion.
• Ability to work well under pressure.
• Ability to design and see the big picture but also be “hands‑on.”
• Ability to provide conflict management, facilitation, and coaching support.
• Ability to provide excellent “customer service” experience to staff.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and knowledge of HCMS software and HR technology solutions.

COMPENSATION

Salary Range: $150,000 - $175,000

This represents the present low and high ends of the Society's pay range for this position. Actual pay will vary based on various factors, including but not limited to experience.

BENEFITS

Asia Society offers a generous benefits package including health, dental, and vision coverage, a 403(b) retirement plan, numerous paid holidays, tuition reimbursement, self‑development hours, and more.

• An HRA plan supplements our medical plan and covers the part of annual deductible.
• After 1 year of service (1,000 hours), the Asia Society contributes 6% of gross earnings to an eligible employee’s 403(b) account, regardless of whether the employee makes their own contributions.
• The Asia Society offers Self‑Development time off, including Self‑Development Summer Fridays between July 4th and Labor Day.

Asia Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer.