Manager, People and Culture

Position Title:

Manager, People & Culture

Department:
People & Culture

Reports to:

VP, People & Culture

Position Summary

The Manager, People & Culture, plays a key leadership role in delivering comprehensive P&C services for the Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts (POEA). With a primary focus on team member and labor relations, this position also manages core P&C functions including performance management, policy administration, compliance, talent management, and P&C operations.

The Manager, P&C serves as a trusted advisor to leaders and team members across artistic, production, technical, and administrative functions. This role balances the complexities of collective bargaining agreements with organizational goals, legal compliance, and the unique workforce demands of a performing arts environment.

Responsibilities

Employee & Labor Relations (Primary Focus)

* Serve as the organization's primary P&C lead for employee relations in a unionized environment.

* Interpret, administer, and ensure consistent application of multiple collective bargaining agreements (CBAs).

* Manage the full grievance process, including intake, investigations, documentation, meetings, resolutions, and arbitration preparation when necessary.

* Partner with senior leadership and legal counsel on labor negotiations, contract administration, and post-ratification implementation.

* Maintain constructive, professional relationships with union representatives, stewards, and employees.

* Conduct prompt, thorough, and impartial investigations related to employee complaints, misconduct, harassment, discrimination, and contract violations.

* Prepare clear investigative findings and recommendations aligned with just-cause standards and organizational policies.

* Advise managers on progressive discipline, performance improvement plans, and corrective action within a union framework.

* Support managers in difficult conversations, suspensions, terminations, and return-to-work processes.

P&C Operations & Compliance

* Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, including wage and hour, leave laws, and labor regulations.

* Partner with payroll and finance to ensure proper classification, pay practices, and contract compliance.

* Support reporting, and recordkeeping requirements related to P&C and labor compliance.

* Analyze internal data on Orchestra musicians, administrative staff, and board members. Summarize and present key trends based on internal / external data. Conduct benchmark analysis using internal POEA and external peer group/industry data.

Talent Management & Team Member Lifecycle Support

* Support recruitment, onboarding, and orientation processes for staff in collaboration with hiring managers.

* Provide guidance on compensation practices, salary bands, and internal equity within budgetary constraints.

* Administer performance review processes and coach managers on goal setting and feedback.

* Support employee engagement, retention, and workplace culture initiatives.

* Work with P&C senior leadership in servicing and stewarding the IDEAS ecosystem such as Musician EDI committee, IDEAS Staff Engagement Group, IDEAS/P&C Board committee, and other IDEAS activities.

Policy Development, Training & Organizational Support

* Update and implement P&C policies and procedures that align with CBAs, legal requirements, and organizational values.

* Deliver training for managers and employees on employee relations, respectful workplace standards, and supervisory best practices.

* Serve as a resource to leadership during organizational change, restructuring, or workforce planning initiatives.

* Establish and drive critical IDEAS principles to link organizational values to overall enterprise success.

* Promote a workplace culture grounded in equity, inclusion, collaboration, and artistic excellence.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

Required:

* Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Labor Relations, Business Administration, or a related field.

* 5-7 years of progressive P&C experience, with significant responsibility in a unionized environment.

* Demonstrated experience administering collective bargaining agreements and managing grievances.

* Strong knowledge of employment and labor laws (e.g., NLRA, FLSA, Title VII, ADA, state and local laws).

* Proven ability to manage multiple P&C functions simultaneously with sound judgment and discretion.

* Strong employee relations and conflict resolution skills.

* Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.

* High degree of discretion and professionalism with sensitive information.

* Ability to navigate complex organizational dynamics and competing priorities.

* Collaborative, solutions-oriented approach aligned with a mission-driven culture.

Preferred:

* Experience in a non-profit, performing arts, cultural, or similarly complex workforce environment.

* HR Certification or educational equivalent

* Experience supporting multiple bargaining units or unions.

Work Environment & Schedule Work Environment and Requirements

* This…