Director, Human Resources Operations

Job Description

Job Description

The Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan is seeking a Director, Human Resources Operations to lead and support the day-to-day operations of the Human Resources function, with primary responsibility for benefits administration, HR compliance & risk management, HRIS, and overall core HR operations. This role will also serve as a key partner in identifying organizational needs and designing, enhancing, and implementing workforce processes, systems, and services that strengthen operational effectiveness and create a positive, welcoming, and consistent employee experience.

Supporting a complex and dynamic workforce of up to 800 full-time, part-time, contingent, and seasonal employees, the Director will bring an operational, solutions-oriented approach to ensuring HR programs and processes are efficient, scalable, compliant, and responsive to the needs of both employees and the organization. This position will ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local laws.

Reporting to the Chief Human Resources Officer, the Director of Human Resources Operations will work collaboratively across all functions and programs of the JCC, build strong relationships with vendor partners, leaders, and staff at all levels, and serve as a trusted HR partner. The Director will play an important role in translating organizational needs into practical HR solutions while helping to continuously improve the systems, processes, and services that support the employee lifecycle.

The Marlene Meyerson Jewish Community Center of Manhattan

Together with our community, the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan creates a welcoming and vibrant environment where individuals from all walks of life come together to connect, grow, and learn. Rooted in Jewish values, it is a cornerstone of the Upper West Side that provides something for every stage of life through a multifaceted array of offerings, spanning comprehensive children's and family programs, cutting-edge health and wellness, thought-provoking arts and culture, and vital social services. It imagines Jewish life that is inclusive and diverse, creating a supportive space for people of all backgrounds to engage, nurture their well-being, and find a deep sense of belonging.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Benefits Administration

• Lead the end-to-end management of the JCC's comprehensive benefits portfolio, including medical, retirement (403(b)), wellness, and ancillary benefit programs, ensuring effective design, administration, compliance, and ongoing improvement.
• Manage strategic relationships with brokers, consultants, and third-party vendors, establishing performance expectations, monitoring service delivery, resolving issues, and identifying opportunities to improve the employee experience and operational effectiveness.
• Oversee the integration and accuracy of benefits data and system feeds between the HRIS, carriers, and third-party vendors, ensuring timely processing, data integrity, and effective issue resolution.
• Lead the annual open enrollment process from planning through implementation, including plan design and renewal analysis, vendor and broker negotiations, funding considerations, employee communications, and coordination of a seamless enrollment experience.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local benefits regulations, including the Affordable Care Act (ACA), HIPAA, ERISA, and requirements applicable to self-funded benefit programs. Oversee regulatory filings, nondiscrimination testing, required notices, and related compliance activities.
• Oversee complex leave administration, ensuring consistent and compliant administration of FMLA, New York State Paid Family Leave (PFL), short-term disability, and applicable New York City and New York State statutory leave programs.
• Analyze benefits utilization, cost trends, employee needs, and market benchmarks to identify opportunities for plan design and program enhancements that balance financial sustainability with the JCC's commitment to providing competitive and meaningful benefits.
• Develop and implement employee-focused benefits communications and education, translating complex benefits information into clear, accessible resources that help employees understand and effectively utilize their benefits.

HR Compliance & Risk Management

• Lead the organization's HR compliance program, ensuring adherence to applicable federal, New York State, and New York City employment and labor laws, including the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), NYC Human Rights Law, NYS Wage Theft Prevention Act, Form I-9 and immigration requirements, pay transparency requirements, protected leave laws, and other applicable regulations.
• Monitor changes in employment legislation and regulatory requirements, assess their impact on the organization, and translate evolving requirements into practical policies, processes, systems, and communications.
• Oversee required regulatory filings, reporting, audits, and compliance reviews, ensuring accurate and timely completion and appropriate documentation.
• Maintain and continuously strengthen HR policies, procedures, systems, and communications to support compliance, mitigate organizational risk, and promote consistent application of employment practices.
• Provide guidance on complex and sensitive employee relations and compliance matters, including internal investigations, claims and appeals, employee classifications, terminations, and other matters requiring careful assessment and documentation.
• Partner with the Chief Human Resources Officer and organizational leadership to identify, assess, and mitigate employment-related risks and ensure appropriate and consistent resolution of complex matters.
• Engage and collaborate with outside legal counsel, as appropriate, on regulatory matters, investigations, claims, and other situations requiring legal guidance.

HR Systems & Data

• Lead the effective use and continuous improvement of HR systems and technology, including the HRIS and related platforms supporting performance management, learning and development, benefits, payroll, employee data, and other core HR processes.
• Design, implement, and optimize enterprise-wide HR processes and workflows, leveraging technology to improve efficiency, data integrity, compliance, and the overall employee experience.
• Own HR data governance and integrity within the HRIS, ensuring accurate, secure, and compliant employee data and establishing appropriate processes, controls, and access protocols.
• Develop a working understanding of HRIS technical requirements and system integrations, including vendor relationships, data feeds, interfaces, file specifications, and data dependencies across internal and third-party systems.
• Manage the relationship with the HRIS provider and other HR technology vendors, ensuring effective implementation, ongoing system performance, timely issue resolution, and a high level of customer service and support.
• Develop and maintain standard and ad hoc HR reports and dashboards that provide meaningful workforce insights and support data-informed decision-making by HR and organizational leaders.
• Identify opportunities to leverage HR technology and workforce data to streamline processes, improve reporting capabilities, and strengthen organizational decision-making.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field (MBA, MS in HR, or equivalent) preferred.
• 8+ years of progressive Human Resources experience, including at least 3 years managing comprehensive health and welfare benefits and HR operations, systems, and infrastructure within a complex organization.
• Strong knowledge of and demonstrated experience ensuring compliance with federal, New York State, and New York City employment laws and regulations, including HIPAA and applicable benefits requirements.
• Prior experience in a nonprofit, mission-driven, or regulated environment preferred.

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

• Change Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead organizational and process change, including implementing new HR technology and systems and effectively training and guiding employees and managers through transitions.
• Communication & Influence: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex HR matters clearly and effectively and build credibility and influence across all levels of the organization.
• Analytical & Financial Acumen: Strong analytical and budgeting skills, including the ability to evaluate benefits, costs, utilization, and trends; identify cost-containment opportunities; and leverage HRIS data and reporting to inform decisions.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Proven ability to partner effectively with Finance, IT, executive leadership, and other internal stakeholders to develop and implement practical, organization-wide solutions.
• Relationship Building: Skilled at developing trusted relationships across diverse teams and cultivating productive partnerships with external vendors, brokers, consultants, and other service providers.