Human Resources Manager

Location:

Cambridge, MA (Hybrid Eligible)

Employment Type:

Full-Time, Exempt Salary Range: $102,000 – $136,000 annually The National Bureau of Economic Research is the nation’s leading non-profit economic research organization. Since 1920 the NBER has developed and disseminated impartial information on a wide range of issues that are important for public and private decision makers. The NBER coordinates research by more than 1,900 economics professors at leading colleges, universities and business schools throughout the United States.

Supported by its core staff in Cambridge, MA, the NBER has employees in more than 30 states.

We are seeking an experienced and collaborative Human Resources Manager to lead and enhance our people operations. This is an exciting opportunity for an HR professional who enjoys balancing strategic initiatives with hands‑on execution and wants to contribute to an organization whose work has a meaningful impact on society.

This position is based in the NBER’s Cambridge, Massachusetts office and may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement. Specific work arrangements will be discussed during the hiring process.

As Human Resources Manager, you will serve as a trusted advisor to leadership and employees, overseeing the full employee lifecycle while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws. You will play a critical role in strengthening the employee experience, supporting organizational transformation, and maintaining HR practices that align with NBER's mission and values.

Reporting to senior leadership and partnering closely with the Director of Research and Grants Management, you will manage a broad range of HR functions including employee relations, performance management, benefits administration, leave administration, compliance, immigration sponsorship, recruitment, and HR reporting.

• Collaborate with the President & CEO and the Director of Research and Grants Management to develop, maintain, and communicate HR policies ensuring alignment with state and federal employment law.
• Recommend and implement process improvements that enhance operational efficiency and employee experience.
• Manage recruitment and hiring processes for salaried employees, many of whom are recent college graduates, including providing support to faculty supervisors in developing job descriptions.
• Provide coaching and guidance to managers on performance management, employee development, and disciplinary matters.
• Manage end-to-end visa sponsorship processes, including H1B, J-1, and TN visas, ensuring compliance with all applicable immigration laws and regulations.
• Perform benefits administration, including managing open enrollment, claims resolution, change reporting, approving invoices for payment as required and communicating benefits information to employees.
• Manage performance review processes for core staff.
• Manage the NBER’s in-house flexible spending accounts.
• Review and administer employee paid time off requests in accordance with organizational policies.
• Prepare and manage required reporting, including EEO-1 and other compliance-related filings.
• Manage leave administration, including Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML), FMLA, ADA accommodations, and other applicable leave programs.
• Maintain accurate and confidential HR records and personnel files in compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Attend training and seminars to stay informed of emerging employment law developments, HR best practices and trends.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree, with a preference for Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field.
• SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR certification.
• Five (5) or more years of progressive human resources experience in a generalist or manager role.
• Strong knowledge of federal and state employment laws and HR best practices.
• Experience with immigration sponsorship processes and knowledge of both employee and student visa regulations.
• Experience supporting employee relations, benefits administration, performance management, and compliance programs.
• Exceptional interpersonal…