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.

Duties and Responsibilities

HR Operations, Policy, and Compliance

• 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

Recruitment, Hiring, and Onboarding

• 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

Performance Management

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

Benefits

• 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

Culture, Communication, and Organizational Support

• 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

Minimum Requirements

Education / Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree required

• SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP certification preferred

• Successful completion of criminal history check

Skills, Knowledge, and Experience
• 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 PowerPoint

Compensation
• Compensation commensurate with experience and includes comprehensive benefits package.

NESS is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer

About NESS
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, powerboating, 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. For more information, visit www.nessf.org