Director of Human Resources

Job Description

Job Description

Position Title

Rate of Pay

Director of Human Resources

120,000 per year

Department

Work Location

Human Resources

Onsite at NYSCI (Corona, NY)

Reports to

Work Schedule

Chief People Officer

Hybrid

FLSA Status

Position Classification

Exempt

Full-Time, Regular

ABOUT NEW YORK HALL OF SCIENCE

New York Hall of Science (NYSCI) is New York City’s premier interactive museum of science and technology, a global leader in STEM education, and a laboratory for new forms of learning. Founded during the 1964 – 1965 World’s Fair, NYSCI is recognized for groundbreaking exhibitions, innovative educational programs, youth development and mentorship, teacher professional development initiatives, and small- and large-scale events that draw children and adults into experiential STEM learning. From Pre-K to college and beyond, NYSCI is creating a trajectory of STEM learning experiences to develop diverse pathways of opportunity for the problem-solvers of tomorrow.

Located in Flushing Meadows Corona Park (alongside Citi Field, Flushing Meadows, and BJK Tennis Center), in the borough of Queens, NYSCI welcomes 500,000 visitors annually, provides professional development for more than 2,500 local teachers, and offers 2,000 high school and college students mentoring opportunities with STEM professionals. Over the last three decades, 95 percent of the more than 4,000 young people participating in NYSCI’s Science Career Ladder program have gone on to college, and 70 percent of their alumni work in STEM fields. The cultural vibrancy and diversity of the audiences with which NYSCI engages is one of the science center’s greatest assets and informs the institution’s commitment to ensuring that exhibits and programs are accessible and relevant to all.

NYSCI’s mission is to nurture generations of passionate learners, critical thinkers, and active citizens—through an aspirational approach to learning called Design, Make, Play exemplifies this commitment. The organization encourages hands-on experimentation, critical thinking, iterative problem-solving, and design experiences that enable all young people to feel confident and empowered as STEM learners, an approach that has equity and inclusion baked into its core.

NYSCI’s drive to make STEM education accessible to all starts at home in Corona, Queens, one of the most diverse and underserved communities in the country. The museum collaborates with community members, local schools, and community-based organizations to develop learning opportunities that improve access to STEM in fun and exciting ways. NYSCI hosts free weekly Community Hours and delivers hands-on science and engineering activities at events throughout the local area. Their free family workshops make STEM available to parents in culturally relevant ways so they feel more comfortable and confident in supporting their children’s learning.

Opened in Fall 2022, the Mosaic Pre-K Center (PS 369Q) on NYSCI’s campus provides a unique opportunity to engage and inspire the littlest learners through a unique suite of experiences, curricula, and science coaching that will inform early childhood learning across the nation. Through this unique partnership with the city, NYSCI educators are working with the school’s leadership and faculty to ensure that science is an integral part of the curriculum. Literally just a few steps away, NYSCI is a permanent resource for the school, and teachers are using NYSCI as a routine part of the children’s learning experiences.

NYSCI is more than a world-class destination for learning and play. It is where exhibits inspire visitors, where young scientists get their start, where community members come to learn, and where critical STEM education research occurs. Their mission extends far beyond each visit, through the work NYSCI does to make STEM exciting, appealing and inviting to anyone. The work both within and beyond the museum’s walls complement each other, and is supported by leading foundations, funders, and advocates for the importance of STEM today.

POSITION OVERVIEW

NYSCI is seeking an experienced and strategic Director of Human Resources to join our team. In this role, you will lead HR initiatives, manage employee relations, and contribute to the development of policies and practices that align with our organizational goals. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in all areas of HR management, excellent leadership skills, and a passion for cultivating a positive workplace culture. Successful candidates will have a portfolio of advanced technical skills in HRIS administration and data management and the ability to leverage data insights to drive strategic decision-making, optimize HR processes, and support organizational goals through innovative solutions.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Develop and implement HR strategies and initiatives aligned with the overall goals and objectives of the organization.

Oversee the recruitment and selection process to attract and retain top talent.

Manage employee relations, addressing conflicts and resolving issues in a timely manner.

Review and analyze the benefits programs and policies to ensure they continue to meet employee needs in an effective and efficient manner.

Working with the CPO, design and implement training, development, and engagement programs and opportunities to enhance employee skills, performance and satisfaction.

Ensure compliance with federal, state and local labor laws and regulations, as well as internal policies.

Monitor and report on HR metrics, providing insights to the CPO and senior management team in support of people focused decision-making.

Lead initiatives to promote diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging consistent with the organization’s goals and values.

Collaborate with department heads to identify workforce strategies in support of departmental and institution-wide goals and objectives, including staffing plans and development plans.

In collaboration with the CPO, manage performance management processes, including goal setting and evaluations.

In collaboration with the CPO, manage the annual merit increase program ensuring alignment with the performance management processes.

Develop and manage operational communications regarding human resources policies and programs.

Provide guidance and support to HR team members and foster their professional development.

Supervise the Payroll Benefits Associate

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field; Master’s degree or HR certification (SHRM-SCP, SPHR) preferred.

5 years of progressive HR experience including hands on work in one or more of the following areas : employee relations, labor relations, compensation, recruitment, benefits design and administration, training and staff development.

Working knowledge of labor laws and experience with collectively bargained staffs.

Strong knowledge of federal, state and local employment laws and regulations.

Proven ability to develop and implement HR policies and programs.

Ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality and discretion.

QUALIFICATIONS

Progressive HR experience working in a Museum, Cultural Institution, and / or public-facing Non-profit organization.

Advanced technical proficiency across a range of HRIS platforms, preferably ADP WorkforceNow.

Proven expertise in leveraging advanced data analytics to inform strategic HR decision-making and drive organizational outcomes.

BENEFITS

NYSCI strives to be an inclusive and equitable place to work. We forster diverse voices and perspectives, empower staff as problem solvers and support professional growth for all. New York Hall of Science also offers generous benefits and perks for all regular full time employees. These currently include :

Health, dental and vision insurance options

Flexible spending accounts for healthcare, dependent care and commuter benefits

Pension and 401k plan

Free life insurance coverage

Paid vacation and sick leave

13 Paid Holidays

Flexible work schedules

Employee Assistance Program

Free onsite parking

HOW TO APPLY

Please upload your resume and cover letter through our online careers page.

Please note that while careful consideration will be given to each submission, the Museum will only be able to contact those applicants whose knowledge, skills, and work experience best fit the requirements of the position.

Interview Process

1. Introductory Interview (Video Conference)

2. Panel Interview (onsite)

3. Pre-Employment background screening and reference checks

Application Deadline : February 28, 2025

No phone calls or faxes please.

The New York Hall of Science is an equal-opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and innovative environment with the best employees. We provide employment opportunities without regard to age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, disability, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, military service, marital status, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. We support a drug-free workplace.

If there are preparations, we can make to help ensure you have a comfortable and positive interview experience, please let us know.

Research shows that women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that an applicant meets 100% of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if much of this job description describes you, then you are highly encouraged to apply for this role.

Salary : $120,000