What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Human Resources and Administration position at The New Press?
About The New Press: The New Press is a nonprofit publisher committed to social change. We have amplified progressive voices for a more inclusive, just, and equitable world for more than thirty years. Our books enrich public discourse, defend democratic values, and promote the public interest. We are:
• A book publisher with a social justice mission.
• An intellectual home for the nation’s leading progressive thinkers, journalists, scholars, political leaders, and activists.
• A publishing house where ideas and movements come together.
• A small, diverse organization with a big vision: to change the world, book by book.
Today, The New Press has evolved into a key player in the progressive infrastructure, collaborating with dozens of nonprofit organizations, advocacy groups, research institutes, think tanks, colleges and universities, and philanthropic foundations as we position our books as catalysts for social change.
Position Summary: The Director of HR & Administration oversees and performs a variety of human resources and administrative duties at a professional level. This role may include responsibilities in the following functional areas: policy development and compliance, benefits and leave administration, employee and labor relations, job and pay analysis, and generalist duties. Acting as a liaison between employees and management, the Director of HR & Administration manages and coordinates The New Press’s HR service provider as well as our 401(k) custodian and servicer.
If interested, please submit your resume and a thoughtful cover letter to careers@thenewpress.com.
Job Responsibilities:
General HR and Administration
• Act as liaison with the PEO and 401(k) Administrator.
• Develop and implement initiatives that foster positive employee relations, satisfaction, retention, and career growth.
• Leads recruiting, onboarding, and orientation processes (e.g., postings, new hire setup, and exit interviews).
• Maintain employee records (e.g., attendance tracking, updated organization chart/job descriptions, confidential files).
• Coordinate staff reviews and performance improvement plans, working closely with management on evaluations and memos.
• Support labor relations and contract negotiations, including researching data, drafting agreements, and handling union grievances.
• Manage employment resources (e.g., intranet) and ensure a safe, productive workplace environment.
• Assist with or lead other HR projects and tasks as needed.
• Perform any other relevant assignments as directed by management.
• Supervise the Receptionist, ensuring efficient front-desk operations, a well-maintained office environment, and the coordination of tasks such as phone coverage, mail distribution, supply management, intern scheduling, and occasional staff events.
• Serve as the primary liaison with insurance brokers to maintain active policies and lead the renewal process, ensuring all renewals are submitted in a timely manner.
Policy & Compliance
• Research, recommend, and communicate organization-wide HR policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Keep the employee handbook current with relevant laws, regulations, and collective bargaining agreements.
• Advise managers on consistent application of policies and procedures.
Benefits & Leave Management
• Administer and oversee all benefits programs, including leave management (FMLA, ADA, and similar).
• Ensure compliance with internal policies, collective bargaining agreements, and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain and track all leave data, adjusting procedures as needed.
Job Analysis & Compensation
• Conduct job analyses to ensure accurate position descriptions, FLSA classifications, and ADA compliance.
• Use job analysis to set equitable pay structures, in coordination with market data and union agreements.
• Partner with management to update pay practices, job families, grades, and salary ranges in line with The New Press’s compensation philosophy.
Qualifications and Core Competencies:
• Bachelor’s degree in human resources management or related field.
• Labor Relations and prior experience with collective bargaining agreements required.
• 5-7 Years in Human Resources as a generalist position particularly in employee policy administration, benefits and leave management, job, and pay analysis required; employee relations experience and union experience.
• Knowledge of employment law and other compliance regulations in NYC with an ability to formulate them into organizational policies.
• Technologically inclined with an ability to apply technology tools to solve administrative problems required.
• Project management and data analysis a plus.
• ADP knowledge is an asset.
• Effective relationship management skills and ability to apply them across all levels within the organization.
• Excellent communication skills both verbal and written.
• Must demonstrate exceptional judgement with critical evaluation and analytical skills.
• Well organized, attentive to detail, able to multitask, manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently; and as part of a diverse team.
If interested, please submit your resume and a thoughtful cover letter to careers@thenewpress.com.