Director, HR & Culture

Work Model & Compensation Eligibility:

• This role is not eligible for incentive, bonus, or commission-based compensation.
• This role is not eligible for fully remote work. It requires a hybrid, on-site presence.
• Relocation: This position is not eligible for relocation assistance.

ABOUT NYC TOURISM + CONVENTIONS

New York City Tourism + Conventions is the official destination marketing organization and convention and visitors bureau for the five boroughs of New York City. Our mission is to invite the world and energize the City, building equitable, sustainable economic prosperity and community through tourism for the mutual benefit of residents, businesses, and visitors.

NYCtourism.com is the official website of New York City, reaching visitors in their trip-planning stages and showcasing everything the City has to offer. The site is also home to key marketing programs including NYC Restaurant Week®, NYC Broadway WeekSM, and more.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Director of HR & Culture will oversee the Human Resources function, including employee relations, recruiting, talent management, benefits, compensation, compliance, performance management, employee development, and organizational culture. The Director will lead HR operations, policies, programs, and compliance requirements; manage the HR team; liaise with Finance on payroll; and collaborate closely with Senior Staff to ensure HR strategies and practices support the organization’s mission, vision, core values, and business objectives.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

HR Strategy & Department Administration

• Plan, organize, and control all activities of the department, including development of department goals and objectives.
• Support the management of HR systems and software and monitor HR Operations expenses to inform budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning.
• Manage, lead, and execute HR projects, including the design and delivery of transformational strategies and solutions.
• Recommend, implement, and maintain personnel policies, procedures, employee communications, and the employee handbook in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, organizational needs, and best practices.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory updates and ensure compliance with applicable employment requirements.
• Oversee the organization’s workplace safety plan for public health emergencies in accordance with applicable OSHA, CDC, and best practices.
• Monitor HR metrics and organizational trends to identify opportunities and recommend strategies that support business goals, culture, engagement, and retention.
• Collaborate with the HR consultant on sensitive HR matters and other specialized HR initiatives, as appropriate.
• Oversee accurate and confidential HR records and systems, audits, compliance reviews, and required employment reporting.
• Partner with the Payroll service team on semi-monthly payroll processing and serve as back-up as needed.

Culture and Employee Relations

• Develop and implement programs and policies that support employee engagement, culture, well-being, morale, productivity, and retention.
• Contribute insights and perspective on scaling our various work models and workplace policies, organizational effectiveness, and evolving work models.
• Identify and address cultural and performance challenges while providing day-to-day performance management guidance, coaching, and counseling to managers and supervisors.
• Develop and maintain training strategies for management and other employees.
• Partner with management and employees to resolve workplace issues, strengthen relationships, support productivity and retention, and advise on disciplinary matters as appropriate.
• Counsel employees on benefits, payroll, leave, and HR administrative matters.
• Oversee the performance management process, including company-wide reviews, job descriptions, timelines, and compliance with organizational policies and legal requirements.
• Manage and administer Leave of Absence programs (FMLA, ADA, personal leave, NY PFL) and workers’ compensation, serving as the primary contact for employees regarding these programs.

Recruitment and Onboarding

• Oversee recruiting operations and partner with hiring managers and Senior Staff on workforce planning, recruiting strategies, and talent needs.
• Refine our internal on-boarding process that supports employee engagement, retention, and organizational culture.

Compensation and Benefits

• Assist the CFO with the annual review, preparation, and administration of the organization’s compensation and salary program.
• Coordinate and complete salary and benefit surveys.
• Develop and maintain annual statement of benefits for all employees.
• Manage and administer all benefit programs and coordinate annual plan reviews and renewals in partnership with the CFO.
• Serve as liaison between employees, insurance brokers, and benefit providers, supporting benefit questions, claims resolution, and policy clarification.
• Prepares data for Form 5500 annual return/reports.
• Monitor benefit utilization, costs, and trends and recommend plan design and employee offerings in partnership with the CFO.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• 10+ years of progressive Human Resources experience, hospitality background preferred but not required.
• 3+ years of supervisory experience.
• Strong knowledge of applicable federal, New York State, New York City, and other state employment laws and regulations, including requirements applicable to employees working remotely in other jurisdictions.
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to build relationships, navigate cross-functional teams, and effectively communicate with employees at all levels.
• Strong judgment, discretion, and ability to manage sensitive and confidential employee and organizational matters.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, projects, and deadlines in a fast-paced environment while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• Experience partnering with senior leadership on organizational strategy, workforce planning, and culture initiatives.

A significant portion of this position requires in-office presence. While the organization’s current minimum schedule is three (3) days per week in the office, additional in-office presence may be required based on business needs, organizational priorities, employee matters, meetings, and other responsibilities of the role.

New York City Tourism + Conventions offer a competitive benefits package including: 

• Hybrid Schedule: Minimum of 3 days in-office (Tues/Wed required + 1 flex day); Fridays remote.
• Generous Time Off: PTO days
• Holidays: Subject to Company allotment each year, up to 12 paid company holidays, plus extended Winter Break.
• Floating Holiday: 1 per year, front-loaded.
• Healthcare: Premium medical, dental, and vision plans, plus HRA and DCA.
• Retirement & Development: Retirement savings plan and professional development opportunities.
• Perks: Quarterly cell phone credit to subsidize your plan and monthly transit/commuter allowance.

Applicants for this position must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

NYC Tourism + Conventions Commitment to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion

Here at NYC Tourism + Conventions we are an equal opportunity employer, committed to our diversity and inclusiveness. We provide equal work opportunities for all and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, nationality, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion, disability or age. We strongly encourage women, people of color, members of the LGBTQIA community, people with disabilities and veterans to apply.

If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process because of a medical condition or disability, please send an email to HRCulture@nyctourism.com let us know the nature of your request.

If you think you might thrive in this environment, we would love to hear from you!

EOE