About New York Sun Works

NY Sun Works is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to integrating the science of sustainability and climate education into K-12 urban schools. Through our hydroponic classrooms, we provide hands-on learning experiences that foster scientific inquiry and environmental stewardship. We bring quality education to the communities where it’s most needed. Together with our 300 partner schools, we're shaping the next generation of environmental innovators empowered to create solutions to global climate challenges.

NY Sun Works serves a diverse population of students primarily across the five boroughs of New York City, with a small but growing number of schools in the greater metropolitan area. We strive to make our program accessible to all types of learners, especially to students who are at-risk, require special accommodations, or are currently underrepresented in STEM fields.

NY Sun Works is an EPA, NAAEE, and HBSCNY award-winning organization, and maintains a platinum-rated status on Guidestar and a top-rated status on Great NonProfits.

People & Culture Manager 

The People & Culture Manager will deliver high quality Human Resources initiatives aligned to New York Sun Works mission and vision while also working closely with the finance team. This is a position that combines HR (60% of the time) and accounting (40% of the time). The People & Culture Manager will lead our strategy to retain current and recruit new staff who are dedicated, aligned with our vision and strategy, and are set up to bring their most effective and inspired selves to work. This position will include close coordination with the finance department including payroll and benefits administration, related accounting, coordinating the organization’s DREIA strategy, fostering staff development, performance management, and support for hiring and onboarding new employees. This position reports to the Executive Director and works in close connection with Finance, Education, and Development Directors.

Duties/Responsibilities:

Human Resources, Payroll, and Benefits Administration (using Paychex PEO platform)

• Primary day-to-day point of contact with the Professional Employer Organization (PEO) evaluating and ensuring the relationship meets the organizations and employees' needs.
• Oversee time and attendance tracking and process payroll.
• Manage background checks and employee eligibility verification process.
• Manage the recruitment, interviewing, and hiring of qualified job applicants using applicant tracking system.
• Review and manage benefits administration and annual renewal.
• Support leave of absence requests and administration.
• Handle employment-related inquiries from applicants, employees, and supervisors, referring complex and/or sensitive matters to the appropriate staff or PEO.
• Coordinates with the finance department on all matters of payroll accounting and reconciliation.
• Support the finance department with aligned accounting tasks. 

Culture and Leadership

• Work closely with senior management to plan, organize, and coordinate Diversity, Race Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DREIA) efforts and activities.
• Help apply a DREIA lens to all policies, procedures, and practices across the organization.
• Work closely with the Directors to plan, organize, prepare, and distribute content and materials for staff, board, and committee meetings.
• Work closely with senior staff to execute annual staff gatherings and events.

Talent Life Cycle

• Work closely with senior management to implement, analyze and report on Staff Engagement and Satisfaction Survey
• Oversee a comprehensive process of staff evaluation and support that extends throughout an employee’s life cycle at NY Sun Works.
• Conduct new hire orientation and coordinate onboarding processes with area directors
• Assist area directors in crafting job descriptions and job postings.
• Review, track, and document compliance with mandatory and non-mandatory team building, and training.
• Recommend training and coaching resources to support staff as needed.
• Manage annual performance evaluation process.
• Organize and manage employee recognition and retention programs.
• Lead offboarding processes including exit interview and return of company property.

Other

• Maintain knowledge of trends, best practices, regulatory changes, and new technologies in human resources, talent management, and employment law.
• Serve as backup for office management functions as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications and Required Skills/Abilities:

• Exceptional capacity for managing and inspiring people.
• A team builder with the capacity to enforce accountability.
• Commitment to racial and social justice.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks.
• Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
• Knowledge and awareness of diversity, race equity, inclusion, and accessibility issues and best practices.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Knowledge of BambooHR and Accelo is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to understand benefits management, with the capacity to analyze and provide insights on benefits and best practices.
• Data collection and analysis
• Understanding of budget management and its implications

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field required.
• Minimum of three years of human resource management experience
• Budgeting and budget management 
• Experience collaborating with finance department
• Non-profit experience is a plus.
• SHRM certification is a plus.
• Accounting certification is a plus.
• Experience with HR information systems such as Bamboo or other
• Experience analyzing data and reporting

Compensation & Benefits:

• Starting salary $60,000 - $70,000 annually, commensurate with years of experience.
• NY Sun Works offers comprehensive and competitive medical benefits covering 100% of an individual’s medical, dental, and vision expenses.
• Full-time employees at NY Sun Works enjoy 15 paid vacation days in addition to paid holidays provided by the organization. Furthermore, we provide 10 paid sick/personal days to ensure your well-being.
• Additionally, we extend the privilege to our employees to enroll in our 401(k) plan. Moreover, we provide a comprehensive package of benefits, including short-term disability coverage, life insurance, accident insurance, and illness insurance.
• Work/Life balance- we prioritize fostering a healthy work environment. We recognize that occasionally, employees may need to address personal matters, and in such instances, they have the option to adjust their work hours to accommodate these needs.These arrangements are permissible once mutually agreed upon with departmental supervisors.
• Professional Development- We are committed to nurturing the growth and advancement of our team members. We consistently explore avenues for professional development, and exposure to new skill sets, and foster a culture that encourages continuous learning.

Job Location: New York City - In person.

The heart of this role is in-person, allowing you to be at the center of our dynamic work environment. You'll typically enjoy standard working hours from 9 am to 5 pm. However, we understand that life sometimes calls for flexibility. With that in mind, we are open to occasional remote work options, especially when travel or special circumstances arise. 

Start Date: July 8th 2024. 

How to Apply:

To apply for this exciting opportunity, please submit your resume, cover letter, and the contact details of three professional references via BambooHR.

We are eager to learn more about your accomplishments and how your unique skills and experiences can make a positive impact on our team.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled; early applications are encouraged. Please note that due to the volume anticipated, we will not be able to respond individually to each applicant. We kindly ask that you do not send duplicate applications via mail or email, and no phone calls. 

Research suggests that women and structurally marginalized and/or underrepresented groups of people believe they need to meet 100% of the requirements in job postings to apply.

NY Sun Works encourages anyone who believes they have the skills and motivation necessary to succeed here to apply for this role, even if you don’t meet 100% of the qualifications, as no one applicant ever does.

New York Sun Works is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without unlawful discrimination based on race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, prior record of arrest or conviction, citizenship status, current employment status, or caregiver status.

New York Sun Works values diverse experiences, including with regard to educational background and justice system contact, and depends on a diverse staff to carry out our mission.

For more information about New York Sun Works’ mission, please visit www.nysunworks.org.