Human Resources Manager

Position Summary

The Human Resources Manager is responsible for managing and administering NESS’s human resources programs, policies, and processes, with a strong emphasis on compliance, consistency, and operational effectiveness. This role ensures that day-to-day HR practices support organizational goals, adhere to applicable employment laws, and provide a positive employee experience.

Reporting to senior leadership, the HR Manager serves as a trusted resource to supervisors and employees, oversees core HR operations, and supports a healthy workplace culture grounded in NESS’s core values. The HR Manager plays a key role in maintaining HR systems, managing risk, and continuously improving HR processes as the organization evolves.

• Administer and maintain all HR policies, procedures, and employee handbook content; recommend updates to ensure legal compliance and organizational alignment
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, including wage and hour, leave administration, employee classification, and recordkeeping
• Run payroll weekly keeping current with benefit deductions and employee status
• Manage and prepare for HR-related audits and inspections; maintain accurate and confidential employee records
• Stay current on employment law changes and HR best practices; proactively recommend and implement policy or process updates as needed

• Manage the full-cycle recruitment process, including job postings, interview coordination, background checks, and offer documentation
• Partner with hiring managers to ensure consistent, equitable, and legally compliant hiring practices.
• Oversee and continuously improve onboarding processes to ensure a smooth transition for new hires and internal transfers
• Maintain job descriptions and support job classification and wage analysis processes

• Administer the annual performance review process through GUSTO and support supervisors in delivering clear, timely, and meaningful feedback

• Support periodic review of benefit offerings to promote internal equity and market competitiveness.
• Manage vendor relationships related to open enrollment, benefits, and HR systems
• Ensure benefit information is accurately updated in HR system

• Assist with internal HR communications to ensure employees receive clear, accurate, and timely information
• Contribute to employee engagement efforts through data collection, feedback mechanisms, and process improvements

• Bachelor’s degree required
• SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP certification preferred

• Minimum of 3 years of progressive human resources experience, preferably in an HR Manager or senior HR generalist role
• Strong working knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws and HR compliance requirements
• Demonstrated ability to manage HR processes with accuracy, consistency, and attention to detail
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
• High level of organizational skill, confidentiality, and professionalism
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Power Point

Compensation commensurate with experience and includes comprehensive benefits package.

New England Science & Sailing Foundation, Inc. (NESS), is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) ocean adventure education organization that engages students in experiential learning to build confidence, teamwork, and leadership skills. Marine sciences, adventure sports, power boating, and sailing are platforms for inquiry-based learning, personal discovery, teaching respect and responsibility for the sea, and creating connections with the community. NESS operates year-round with families, schools, and organizations to provide high-quality programs that blend an innovative curriculum with exciting ocean adventure activities.

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