HR & People Operations Coordinator

Job Description

Job Description

Position Title: HR & People Operations Coordinator

Department: Human Resources, People & Culture

Reports to: Senior Director of People & Culture

FLSA Designation: Full Time, Non-Exempt

Supervises: None

POSITION PURPOSE:

The HR & People Operations Coordinator is a hands-on HR generalist responsible for executing day-to-day human resources operations across a dynamic performing arts organization. This role supports a diverse workforce of full-time, part-time, and union employees across performance, front-of-house, education, and administrative teams.

The Coordinator manages core HR functions including employee relations, onboarding, benefits administration, HR systems, compliance, and recruitment. This role also contributes to the development of HR programs, policies, and employee engagement initiatives that support a positive and inclusive workplace culture.

This position is well suited for an early-career HR professional who brings strong employee relations skills, sound judgment, and the ability to take ownership of processes while continuing to grow in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The following list of essential job functions is not exhaustive and may be supplemented as necessary.

1. Execute daily HR operations including onboarding, offboarding, employee status changes, and personnel file maintenance.
2. Maintain accurate and compliant employee records across HR systems and physical files.
3. Serve as primary administrator for HRIS platforms (ADP), ensuring data integrity, reporting accuracy, and timely updates.
4. Administer employee benefits programs including enrollments, changes, vendor coordination, and employee communication.
5. Partner with Finance to support payroll-related processes, audits, and reporting.
6. Track and administer employee leaves and accommodations in compliance with applicable laws and policies.
7. Serve as a first point of contact for employee questions related to HR policies, benefits, and workplace concerns.
8. Support employee relations matters including issue intake, documentation, and follow-up; escalate complex matters as appropriate.
9. Assist with investigations, performance management processes, and corrective action documentation in partnership with the Senior Director of People & Culture.
10. Support HR administration for union and non-union employees; coordinate processes in alignment with collective bargaining agreements and organizational practices.
11. Lead onboarding processes including orientation, systems access, and new hire experience.
12. Own the administration of required employee trainings, including assigning courses through learning or HR systems, tracking completion, maintaining accurate records, and following up to ensure compliance with organizational and regulatory requirements.
13. Monitor and report on training compliance, ensuring all mandatory trainings are completed within required timeframes.
14. Support employee engagement initiatives, internal communications, and culture-building efforts.
15. Assist in the development, implementation, and maintenance of HR policies and the employee handbook.
16. Coordinate recruitment processes including job postings, interview scheduling, background checks, and offer preparation.
17. Promote consistent and equitable hiring practices across departments.
18. Support diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, including programming, training, and policy development.
19. Identify opportunities for process improvements within HR operations and support implementation of enhancements.
20. Perform other duties as assigned.
21. Adhere to the organization’s values at all times and in all interactions with staff, volunteers and members of the public.
22. Fully comply with the organization’s rules and regulations for the safe and efficient operation of all spaces.

SKILLS AND SPECIFICATIONS:

The employee must possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities and be able to demonstrate that they can perform the above responsibilities and essential functions to a high level of competency, with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Ability to work onsite in Worcester, MA, with occasional evening or weekend availability based on organizational needs
• Strong employee relations skills with the ability to build trust and handle sensitive matters with professionalism
• Solid understanding of HR compliance and employment practices
• Ability to create, improve, and implement HR programs, policies, and processes
• Experience administering and tracking employee training programs, including use of HRIS or Learning Management Systems (LMS) to assign, monitor, and report on required trainings
• Ability to independently manage training compliance processes, including follow-up and accountability for completion
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and follow-through
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Proficiency in HRIS systems; experience with ADP strongly preferred
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and sound judgment
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and use of the internet
• Ability to effectively work with internal and external customers with professionalism, patience, courtesy, and tact
• Ability to read, listen and communicate in English proficiently, both verbally and in writing

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
• 2 + years of HR experience with exposure to multiple functional areas (employee relations, onboarding, benefits, compliance, recruitment)
• Experience administering employee benefits programs preferred
• Experience working with HRIS systems; ADP experience strongly preferred
• Exposure to employee relations processes including documentation, investigations, or performance management
• Experience supporting recruitment processes and coordinating hiring activities
• Experience working in a nonprofit, performing arts, or union environment preferred but not required
• Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities with strong attention to detail
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively across diverse employee groups