Senior Human Resources Generalist

The Museum of Modern Art; New York (NY); On-site; USD 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan

Medical/Dental/Vision benefits

Paid vacation and holidays

Transit benefits

Job summary

MoMA PS1 in New York, NY seeks a Senior HR Generalist to partner with leadership, manage payroll, benefits, leave, and compliance, and guide workforce analytics for a mission-driven nonprofit. The role requires ownership of HR processes across onboarding, offboarding, and employee relations.

You will collaborate with managers on salary bands, recruitment, and DEI initiatives while ensuring policy adherence under NYC and federal laws.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years of progressive HR generalist experience with payroll, benefits, leave, employee relations, and compliance
• Hands-on payroll platform experience (UKG, ADP, Paycom, or equivalent)
• Expert knowledge of federal, NYS, and NYC employment law
• Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, VLOOKUP); ATS and HRIS experience
• Strong interpersonal skills; discretion in sensitive matters

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end payroll processing and serve as payroll system expert
• Lead audits, reconciliations, year-end close, and regulatory compliance
• Design HR dashboards (headcount, turnover, compensation equity, benefits) and prepare filings
• Lead onboarding/offboarding and surface retention insights to leadership
• Partner with managers on job architecture, salary bands, and equitable recruitment
• Administer all benefit programs and manage all leave types
• Advise on ER matters; lead workplace investigations and manage union contracts
• Own HRIS administration and drive system improvements and staff training
• Design engagement initiatives and contribute to DEI strategy

Skills

Payroll processing

Benefits administration

Employee relations

Compliance

HR analytics

Advanced Excel

ATS/HRIS

Education

Bachelor’s degree in HR/Business Admin

PHR/SPHR/SHRM cert (preferred)

Tools

UKG

BambooHR

Paycom

Job description

About MoMA PS1

Inspired by daring artists, MoMA PS1 is committed to the exploration of contemporary art and culture, broadening perspectives on the issues of our day, and engaging New Yorkers and communities across the world. Founded in 1976, the institution was a defining force in the alternative space movement in New York City, transforming a nineteenth-century public schoolhouse in Long Island City into a site for artistic experimentation and creativity. PS1 has been a member of New York City’s Cultural Institutions Group (CIG) since 1982 and affiliated with The Museum of Modern Art since 2000.

About MoMA PS1

Inspired by daring artists, MoMA PS1 is committed to the exploration of contemporary art and culture, broadening perspectives on the issues of our day, and engaging New Yorkers and communities across the world. Founded in 1976, the institution was a defining force in the alternative space movement in New York City, transforming a nineteenth-century public schoolhouse in Long Island City into a site for artistic experimentation and creativity. PS1 has been a member of New York City’s Cultural Institutions Group (CIG) since 1982 and affiliated with The Museum of Modern Art since 2000.

Summary

The Senior HR Generalist is a strategic partner and operational leader reporting to the HR Director. This role drives program improvements, leads complex employee relations matters, and provides expert guidance across payroll, compliance, labor relations, talent management, and workforce analytics. The ideal candidate operates independently, exercises sound judgment, and serves as a trusted resource across all levels of a mission-driven nonprofit.

Payroll & Reporting

• Own end-to-end bi-weekly/semi-monthly payroll for all employee types; serve as the primary institutional payroll system expert
• Lead audits, reconciliations, year-end close (W-2, ACA 1094-C/1095-C), and regulatory compliance
• Design and maintain HR dashboards covering headcount, turnover, compensation equity, and benefits utilization; prepare EEO-1, OSHA, Form 5500, and NYC-specific filings

Employee Lifecycle

• Lead full-cycle onboarding (offer letters, I-9/E-Verify, benefits enrollment, orientation) and structured offboarding (exit interviews, COBRA notices, final pay)
• Analyze exit interview data and surface retention insights to leadership

Talent Acquisition

• Partner with hiring managers on job architecture, salary bands, and equitable full-cycle recruitment for mid-level and senior roles
• Execute sourcing strategies advancing diversity; maintain ATS compliance with EEOC and NYC Pay Transparency Law

Benefits & Leave

• Administer all benefit programs (medical, dental, 401(k), Pension/CSRS, FSA, EAP, etc.); lead open enrollment and annual plan renewal
• Manage all leave types (FMLA, NY PFL, NYC Sick Leave, ADA accommodations) through the full case lifecycle

Employee & Labor Relations

• Advise on complex ER matters; lead workplace investigations with rigor and thorough documentation
• Administer collective bargaining agreements; manage grievance processes and support contract negotiations

Compliance, HRIS & Engagement

• Serve as subject matter expert on federal, NYS, and NYC employment law; own the employee handbook and compliance calendar
• Function as primary HRIS administrator (UKG, BambooHR, or equivalent); lead system improvements and staff training
• Design engagement initiatives, administer climate surveys, and contribute actively to DEI strategy

Qualifications Required

• Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business Administration, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 5–7 years of progressive HR generalist experience with expertise in payroll, benefits, leave, employee relations, and compliance
• Hands-on payroll platform experience (UKG, ADP, Paycom, or equivalent)
• Expert knowledge of federal, NYS, and NYC employment law
• Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, VLOOKUP); experience with ATS and HRIS platforms
• Strong interpersonal skills; ability to handle sensitive matters with discretion

Preferred

• Experience in a nonprofit, cultural institution, or mission-driven organization
• PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP certification
• Experience in unionized environments with CBA administration
• Passion for the arts and public cultural institutions

Compensation And Benefits

The salary range for this position is $75,000 – $85,000 annually. Benefits include 20 days paid vacation leave; 10 days paid sick leave; 11 paid holidays; and 3 paid personal days; participation in a 401(k) savings plans, life insurance; medical/health (including visual and dental); transit, health, and dependent care FSA; and pension plan.

MoMA PS1 is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace.

We recognize that a successful candidate may not meet 100% of the qualifications listed. If much of this description describes you, we encourage you to apply.