Head of HR Operations and Payroll

Human Resources and Operations Manager

Reports To: Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

regular in-office presence required

Employment Status: Full-time, exempt

ABOUT THE JOINT CENTER The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, America’s Black think tank, provides compelling and actionable policy solutions to eradicate persistent and evolving barriers to the full freedom of Black people in America. We use evidence-based research, analysis, convenings, and strategic communications to support Black communities and a network of allies.

POSITION SUMMARY The Human Resources and Operations Manager supports an effective, inclusive, and well-organized workplace by managing day-to-day human resources administration and office operations. The position serves as a primary resource for employees on routine HR processes, coordinates recruitment and onboarding logistics, administers employee records and benefits processes, and ensures that the Joint Center’s office, facilities, technology, and administrative systems operate smoothly.

This role requires sound judgment, discretion, responsiveness, and close collaboration with the CFO, Director of Accounting and Operations, staff, leadership, and external vendors.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Human Resources Administration Manage day-to-day HR administration and serve as the primary staff liaison for routine questions regarding policies, leave, benefits, payroll processes, workplace procedures, and available employee resources.

Maintain accurate and confidential personnel files, employment records, required notices, and HR tracking systems in accordance with record-retention requirements.

Coordinate recruitment logistics, including posting approved positions, scheduling interviews, communicating with candidates, preparing interview materials, and supporting reference and background-check processes.

Coordinate the annual performance evaluation process, including maintaining the evaluation schedule, distributing approved forms and guidance, tracking completion, scheduling review meetings, and maintaining final documentation in personnel files.

Serve as the initial liaison for correspondence with outside legal counsel, coordinating requests, documentation, scheduling, and follow-up in consultation with the CFO and designated leadership.

Coordinate routine HR compliance activities, including required notices, employment documentation, policy acknowledgments, and recurring reporting or filing deadlines, and work with external HR, benefits, and payroll advisors when authorized.

Office Operations and Administration Lead daily office operations, including supplies, equipment, shared resources, conference-room scheduling, mail, and general administrative systems.

Serve as the primary office contact for staff, visitors, building management, and facilities vendors, maintaining a professional and welcoming workplace.

Coordinate maintenance requests, office improvements, workplace safety procedures, emergency information, and building access.

Manage the relationship with the Joint Center’s technology vendor, including equipment inventory, service requests, new-user setup, access changes, and issue resolution.

Maintain organized vendor, contract, office, equipment, records and monitor recurring renewal dates.

Coordinate logistics for staff engagement activities, internal meetings, board meetings, retreats, and professional-development sessions, including scheduling, room setup, technology, catering, materials, vendor support, and follow-up.

Track and process HR- and office-related invoices and expenses and monitor spending against approved budgets.

Identify and implement practical process improvements that strengthen efficiency, documentation, employee service, and internal controls.

Support cross-departmental administrative projects and perform other related duties as assigned.

Confidentiality and Escalation Protect confidential employee, payroll, benefits, and organizational information and share it only with authorized individuals.

Promptly elevate employee complaints, potential policy violations, requests for accommodation, leave matters requiring formal review, workplace conflicts, and other sensitive concerns to the CFO or designated leadership.

Support documentation and coordination for employee-relations matters without independently making decisions regarding compensation, discipline, investigations, or termination unless expressly authorized.

QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, nonprofit management, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.

At least five years of progressively responsible experience in human resources administration, office management, operations, or a related field.

Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, recurring deadlines, vendors, and operational details with limited supervision.

Sound judgment, discretion, diplomacy, and a high degree of integrity when handling sensitive or confidential information.

Proficiency with Microsoft 365 and comfort learning HR, payroll, benefits, project-management, and office technology systems.

Experience with ADP or a comparable HR/payroll platform is preferred.

Experience in a nonprofit, think tank, public-policy, or other mission-driven organization is preferred.

WORK ENVIRONMENT Regular in-office presence is required to support employees, visitors, facilities, and operational needs.

Occasional early-morning, evening, or off-site availability may be required for meetings, events, or urgent operational matters.

The role requires the ability to move throughout the office and occasionally lift or move office supplies and equipment, with or without reasonable accommodation.

The Joint Center offers a competitive benefits package that may include employer-sponsored medical, dental, and vision coverage; short- and long-term disability and life insurance; retirement contributions; and organizational holidays.

Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other status protected by applicable law.

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