POSITION SUMMARY

The People & Culture Manager plays a key role in fostering a positive employee experience and supporting the organization's people, culture, and operational needs. Reporting directly to the VP of People, Culture & Purpose (VP), this position oversees day-to-day human resources functions, including payroll, benefits administration, recruitment and onboarding, employee relations, recognition programs, employee records management, HRIS and compliance.

In addition, the People & Culture Manager leads general coordination for the office, including coordinating staff meetings, managing the office budget and needs, and ensuring a productive workplace environment. The role also provides project coordination and executive support to the VP on organizational initiatives and special projects.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

HR Operations & Compliance:

• Serve as the primary day-to-day administrator for People & Culture (HR) operations.
• Maintain HRIS, employee records, payroll coordination, benefits administration, and HR reporting.
• Coordinate bi-monthly payroll processing and serve as liaison with HRIS vendors.
• Administer employee benefit programs including enrollments, changes, reconciliations, and employee communications.
• Respond to team member inquiries regarding policies, benefits, payroll, and HR processes.
• Support employee relations matters, investigations, coaching conversations, and documentation under the direction of the VP.
• Assist with compliance, employment law requirements, and policy development and administration.
• Partner with management to explain and illustrate various HR policies and procedures and share updates as necessary.
• Maintain and oversee employee data within the HRIS, including changes related to compensation, leaves, disability accommodations, and terminations.

Employee Experience & Culture:

• Develop and manage wellness, engagement, recognition, professional development, and culture-building initiatives.
• Lead performance review platform and employee-facing processes, to include training efforts, system updates and customization, communication timelines, and ongoing support.
• Coordinate recruiting, onboarding, offboarding, and performance management processes.
• Help foster a positive employee experience through effective internal customer service, communication, programs, training and engagement activities.

Departmental & Office Administration:

• Serve as the primary point of contact for daily office operations, helping ensure a productive, safe, and welcoming workplace.
• Manage annual compliance training and office safety programs.
• Coordinate office vendors, supplies, equipment, maintenance requests, and workplace-related services.
• Coordinate with other departments on logistics for all-staff meetings, leadership meetings, board meetings, retreats, and special events.
• Provide project coordination and administrative support to the Vice President of People, Culture & Purpose.
• Generate HR metrics, reports, and dashboards to support decision-making and organizational planning.
• Manage office calendar, conference room scheduling, and meeting logistics.
• Support cross-functional People & Culture initiatives by tracking action items, deadlines, and follow-up activities.

Perform other duties or projects as assigned.

Qualifications

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent relevant experience required; HR certifications are preferred.
• Minimum of five years of progressive experience in human resources management or HR generalist roles.
• Knowledge of California employment law, HR compliance, payroll, benefits, and leave administration.
• Proficiency with ADP or comparable HRIS platforms and Microsoft 365 applications.
• Strong organizational, project management, and prioritization skills, with the ability to manage competing demands in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent written, verbal, facilitation, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to build relationships and work effectively at all levels of the organization.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, think critically, solve problems creatively, and work independently.
• Demonstrated attention to detail, follow-through, and ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Curiosity and comfort with emerging AI tools and their practical application in workplace programs and processes.
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering an inclusive, collaborative, and positive employee experience.
• High integrity, professionalism, and alignment with organizational values.
• Ability to work occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Work Environment / Physical Requirements:

• Normal office conditions with extensive computer and phone usage.
• Able to work efficiently and accurately in an atmosphere of frequent interruption.
• Light physical effort equal to frequent lifting or moving of lightweight materials.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Must be based in San Diego, CA.

Benefits Options Include:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment
• Flex Spending and Dependent Care plans
• Matching 401k
• Hybrid work schedule

The expected annual base pay range for this position is $95,000 to $125,000. We consider many factors in determining base compensation, including position scope, job related knowledge, education, skills, experience, and work location.

To Apply:

Complete the online application, including submitting a current resume and a cover letter.

Offer of employment will be contingent upon satisfactorily clearing background checks.