HR & Talent Development Manager

Title: HR & Talent Development Manager

Department: People & Culture

Reports to: Chief People Officer

Location: New York City

Status: Full-Time

Join Our Movement to Inspire the Next Generation!

Kids in the Game sport and enrichment-based programs can be found in schools and communities across New York City, serving thousands of children every year. Our goal is to provide positive experiences and opportunities through sports and creative play. We inspire kids to embrace new experiences, adopt a healthy lifestyle, and build integrity. Our work is focused on achieving five ultimate impacts:

• Enhancing emotional intelligence
• Creating a positive sense of self
• Developing NYC into the nation’s top talent hub
• Integrating our communities
• Narrowing the income inequality gaps

We believe that what sets us apart is who we are and how we connect with people. We are a Certified B Corporation and we’re committed to doing business for good. We are striving every day to have a positive impact in the lives of our youth, and we believe that it all starts with being the best part of their day. To learn more about our programs and our team, visit www.kidsinthegame.com.

What We’re Looking For

As a key member of our People & Culture Team, the HR & Talent Development Manager will lead efforts to build and sustain a positive, inclusive, and high-performing work environment. This role blends HR generalist duties with talent development strategy—owning onboarding, compliance, training, performance management, and staff appreciation for a vibrant and diverse team of seasonal, part-time, and full-time employees.

This role is based in New York City and requires the ability to travel to different program sites (recess, after school, summer camp) in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, and Queens via public transportation. The HR & Talent Development Manager should expect to travel 2-4 times per month to lead in-person training, conduct observations, and meet with coaches at their program site.

The key functions of your role will include:

HR Generalist & Compliance Oversight

• Manage end-to-end HR functions, including employee onboarding, orientation, offboarding, WOTC and Youth Jobs filings, and SACC (School Aged Child Care) compliance documentation and training, NYC Department of Education fingerprinting, and NYC Department of Health compliance tracking.
• Ensure HR policies, procedures, and employee documentation are up to date and in compliance with labor laws; update the Employee Handbooks and Safety Manuals annually for signature.
• Support employee relations, conflict resolution, and performance improvement plans; lead performance discussion meetings with part-time and full-time staff in collaboration with their direct manager; oversee the administration of performance discussion forms.
• Partner with managers to implement progressive discipline and employee coaching strategies, as well as create performance and development goals.
• Assist in benefits administration, payroll coordination, Worker's Compensation, disability benefits, and leave management (Prenatal Leave, Paid Family Leave, Family Medical Leave, etc.).

Training & Professional Development

• Design and facilitate training programs for full-time staff, part-time employees, and interns.
• Maintain and enhance orientation and training platforms (e.g., TalentLMS), ensuring content is engaging and accessible; track training completion and support team members in meeting their training goals.
• Develop leadership development programs and career growth pathways for seasonal, part-time, and full-time staff in collaboration with the Chief People Officer.
• Organize workshops focused on DEI, compliance, coaching, and employee development.
• Conduct training needs assessments (surveys, observations, 1:1 check-ins) and recommend learning initiatives based on qualitative and quantitative data and feedback.

Performance Management & Employee Experience

• Lead the semi-annual performance review process for all seasonal, part-time, and full-time staff, and support managers in providing effective feedback.
• Develop coaching strategies and workshops to improve employee performance and engagement.
• Analyze performance data to identify trends and implement retention strategies.
• Partner with managers to provide structured growth opportunities for employees, including stretch assignments, job shadowing, and cross-training initiatives for part-time and full-time staff.

Staff Appreciation & Recognition

• Oversee recognition programs such as Coach of the Month, Quarterly Attendance Gifts, anniversaries, birthdays, and milestone celebrations.
• Develop and implement appreciation initiatives to foster a culture of recognition and belonging, including raffles, care packages, gift cards, and annual gifts.
• Plan and execute employee engagement events (e.g. sporting events, bowling night, painting or rock-climbing class) and staff appreciation activities, such as the end-of-year awards night and the company annual retreat.
• Collaborate with leadership to reinforce core company values through recognition efforts.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Salary Range: $70,000 - 75,000 per year
• Bonuses: Semi-annual performance-based bonus
• Benefits:
  • Health, dental, vision, voluntary life insurance
  • Health savings account
  • Commuter benefits
  • Retirement plans (401K/Roth IRA)
  • Wellness program
  • Access to youth development & HR conferences
  • Team events & outings, annual staff retreat, appreciation programs

What We’ll Love About You

• You’re highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple priorities across HR systems, training initiatives, and performance management cycles.
• You’re an exceptional communicator—able to lead professional development workshops, guide sensitive employee conversations, and collaborate across departments with clarity and care.
• You have experience using HRIS platforms (Paycom is a plus!), learning management systems (e.g., TalentLMS), and project management tools like Asana.
• You understand how to evaluate the effectiveness of training and recognition programs, using both data and feedback to drive improvements.
• You can work both independently and collaboratively in a dynamic, people-first environment, where flexibility and proactive problem-solving are essential.
• You’re flexible with your time and willing to support occasional evening or weekend trainings, staff events, or site visits when needed.

Why This Role Might be Right For You

• You have a strong background in human resources and employee development, with hands-on experience managing HR processes and designing impactful training and development programs.
• You’ve supported or led initiatives that improve employee experience, enhance team performance, and drive growth across a diverse workforce.
• You’re an effective communicator and empathetic leader—skilled at giving and receiving feedback, coaching others, and building trust across teams.
• You have the ability to relate to the experiences of diverse communities across NYC and care deeply about advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Our Commitment to You

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and we believe strongly in the value of incorporating diversity, equity, and inclusion in our workplace. We accept applications from all interested candidates, regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

You can expect to be welcomed into an engaging and spirited environment that emphasizes the importance of teamwork, open communication, and collaboration. We are proud to foster an inclusive environment where our team members feel respected by and connected to one another. We celebrate the unique experiences, perspectives, and passions of our employees, and we look forward to adding dynamic personalities to our team.

Qualifications & Experience

• 4 years of experience in HR, training, talent development, or a related field; must have experience leading small teams and/or interns.
• Possess a current SHRM-CP, PHR, or other HR certification or be in the process of obtaining an HR certification from a recognized organization.
• Strong understanding of HR best practices, compliance, and performance management, especially New York State labor and wage laws.
• Must bring a mix of hands-on experience managing HR processes and involvement in strategic planning (e.g., training initiatives, performance frameworks, talent development strategies).
• Experience in designing and facilitating training programs for diverse teams.
• Familiarity with learning management systems (LMS) and professional development tools.
• Ability to work with staff at all professional levels (seasonal employees, part-time workers, full-time staff, offshore contractors, interns)
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to engage employees at all levels.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to juggle multiple priorities.
• Passion for youth development, education, sports, and building a positive company culture.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in the education, nonprofit, or youth development sectors.
• Background in coaching, training, or employee engagement.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Salary Range: $70,000 - 75,000 per year
• Bonuses: Semi-annual performance-based bonus
• Benefits:
  • Health, dental, vision, voluntary life insurance
  • Health savings account
  • Commuter benefits
  • Retirement plans (401K/Roth IRA)
  • Wellness program
  • Access to youth development & HR conferences
  • Team events & outings, annual staff retreat, appreciation programs

What We’ll Love About You

• You’re highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple priorities across HR systems, training initiatives, and performance management cycles.
• You’re an exceptional communicator—able to lead professional development workshops, guide sensitive employee conversations, and collaborate across departments with clarity and care.
• You have experience using HRIS platforms (Paycom is a plus!), learning management systems (e.g., TalentLMS), and project management tools like Asana.
• You understand how to evaluate the effectiveness of training and recognition programs, using both data and feedback to drive improvements.
• You can work both independently and collaboratively in a dynamic, people-first environment, where flexibility and proactive problem-solving are essential.
• You’re flexible with your time and willing to support occasional evening or weekend trainings, staff events, or site visits when needed.

Why This Role Might be Right For You

• You have a strong background in human resources and employee development, with hands-on experience managing HR processes and designing impactful training and development programs.
• You’ve supported or led initiatives that improve employee experience, enhance team performance, and drive growth across a diverse workforce.
• You’re an effective communicator and empathetic leader—skilled at giving and receiving feedback, coaching others, and building trust across teams.
• You have the ability to relate to the experiences of diverse communities across NYC and care deeply about advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.