Human Resources (HR) Manager

Job Description

Job Description

We are looking for an experienced Human Resources (HR) Manager to support a mission-focused organization in Newburyport, Massachusetts. This Long-term Contract position will oversee core HR operations, including talent acquisition, employee relations, compliance, payroll coordination, benefits administration, and performance management. The ideal candidate brings strong judgment, a collaborative approach, and the ability to build effective HR practices that support employee engagement and organizational goals.

Responsibilities:
• Create, update, and maintain human resources policies, procedures, and workplace guidelines that align with organizational needs and legal requirements.
• Drive end-to-end hiring efforts by coordinating job advertising, reviewing applicants, facilitating interviews, and managing offer preparation and onboarding activities.
• Foster an inclusive and supportive work environment through employee engagement programs, retention strategies, and day-to-day HR partnership with staff and leadership.
• Address employee relations matters with discretion and sound judgment while providing guidance to managers on workplace concerns.
• Administer payroll in coordination with an external processing partner and ensure accurate maintenance of employee information in HR and payroll systems.
• Manage employee benefit programs, leave processes, workers’ compensation matters, and all related records and documentation.
• Lead performance review cycles and assist with development planning to support employee growth and organizational effectiveness.
• Monitor compliance with applicable federal, state, and local employment laws, as well as agency standards, and update the employee handbook as needed.
• Track HR data and prepare reports, summaries, and workforce metrics for leadership and board-level review when requested.• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.
• At least 5 years of progressive HR experience that includes broad generalist responsibilities or HR management-level work.
• Strong working knowledge of employment law, HR operations, and established best practices across the employee lifecycle.
• Experience supporting payroll, benefits administration, onboarding, employee records, and HR information systems.
• Excellent communication, conflict resolution, organizational, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust across teams.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities effectively, and respond quickly to changing business needs in a small-team environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, web-based systems, and new technologies; HR certification is preferred.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and successfully complete required pre-employment screenings.