Description

ABOUT ASPHALT GREEN 

Asphalt Green is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing health, fitness, and community through sports and wellness. Each year, we serve more than 50,000 New Yorkers—from young athletes developing lifelong skills to adults pursuing personal wellness goals. With two campuses in Manhattan, we offer world-class aquatics, recreational sports, summer camps, community programs, and school-based partnerships that promote active, healthy living for all. 

Our mission is fueled by the belief that access to sport and movement transforms lives. Whether teaching children to swim, coaching competitive teams, or delivering free programs to public schools, we are committed to excellence, inclusion, and the power of community. We are in an exciting chapter of organizational growth and innovation and are building a People & Culture function that reflects the same energy, impact, and ambition that defines our programs. 

If you are energized by building infrastructure, supporting people, and shaping culture at an organization with deep NYC roots and a bold vision for the future, we’d love to meet you.

POSITION SUMMARY 

The Director of People & HR Operations is a senior leader within the Human Resources team responsible for ensuring consistent, people-centered, and compliant HR operations across Asphalt Green. Reporting directly to the Chief People Officer, this role is an essential partner in building Asphalt Green’s long-term talent strategy and oversees all core HR functions including employee relations, HR policy and compliance, benefits and leave administration, HR systems, and the integrity of employee lifecycle processes.  

This position directly manages the HRIS Manager, Benefits & Wellness Manager, and Talent Acquisition Manager, ensuring strong execution and alignment across HR operations. The current total team size is four (4) and the current total department budget is ~$1.15MM. The Director partners closely with leaders and managers to build a positive and equitable workplace culture, strengthen people-management practices, and ensure HR operations scale effectively with organizational needs. 

This position is located out of Asphalt Green’s headquarters on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Asphalt Green has location on the Upper East Side, Battery Park City in lower Manhattan, and Crown Heights, Brooklyn. This is a hybrid role with at least 3 days in office. Occasional evening or weekend availability may be necessary for trainings, events, or emergent organizational needs. 

PRIORITY MILESTONES: FIRST 3, 6, AND 12 MONTHS 

First 3 Months: Learn, Assess, and Build Relationships 

• Build strong relationships with managers and key cross-functional partners; understand organizational rhythms and needs.
• Conduct a comprehensive assessment of HR operations, systems, policies, and employee lifecycle workflows.
• Identify immediate gaps or risks and align on first-year priorities with the CPO. 

First 6 Months: Stabilize, Standardize, and Strengthen Systems 

• Implement standardized HR processes, documentation practices, and manager-facing tools that improve consistency and compliance.
• Strengthen collaboration with Payroll, Finance, and Operations to enhance data flow and HRIS accuracy.
• Oversee the rollout of centralized hiring and onboarding workflows in partnership with the Talent Acquisition Manager. 

First 12 Months: Lead, Optimize, and Advance HR Excellence 

• Launch and refine major HR operations improvements, including HRIS workflows, leave administration, and policy updates.
• Establish clear service standards and communication expectations for the HR function across all sites.
• Develop a multi-year HR operations roadmap and deliver training/resources that strengthen manager capability. 

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES 

Human Resources Leadership & Team Management 

• Lead and develop a high-performing HR operations team by directly supervising the HRIS Manager, Benefits & Wellness Manager, and Talent Acquisition Manager.
• Provide coaching, guidance, and performance management to ensure clarity of roles, consistent execution, and collaborative partnership across HR sub-functions.
• Partner with the Chief People Officer to design and implement HR strategies, systems, and practices aligned with organizational goals. 

Employee Relations & Culture 

• Serve as a trusted advisor to managers and staff, providing guidance on employee relations, performance concerns, and conflict resolution.
• Conduct or oversee sensitive investigations while ensuring fairness, consistency, and compliance.
• Support initiatives that strengthen employee engagement, communication, and organizational culture. 

HR Operations, Systems & Compliance 

• Oversee HRIS administration and data integrity, ensuring accurate employee records, reporting, and workflow management.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws; continuously update and maintain HR policies and procedures.
• Maintain high-quality recordkeeping and documentation standards across all HR processes.
• Partner with Payroll to ensure accurate processing of employee changes, compensation actions, and leaves. 

Benefits, Wellness & Leave Administration 

• Oversee benefits and wellness programs, including vendor relationships, open enrollment, and employee support.
• Ensure accurate, timely administration of leave programs (FMLA, PFL, disability, internal leave policies).
• Support compensation benchmarking, annual salary review processes, and consistent application of pay practices. 

Talent, Learning, & Performance 

• Oversee components of the employee lifecycle including onboarding, orientation, performance evaluations, and offboarding.
• Support the development of training and tools that strengthen manager capability and HR system literacy.
• Partner with the Talent Acquisition Manager to ensure a smooth candidate-to-employee handoff, accurate data flow, and centralized recordkeeping. 

Cross-Functional Collaboration 

• Maintain strong partnerships with Finance, Payroll, Operations, and Program leadership to ensure seamless processes.
• Contribute to organizational initiatives related to compliance, diversity and inclusion, staff wellness, and strategic planning. 

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES 

• Strategic Thinking & Judgment: Anticipates organizational needs, connects HR strategy to organizational goals, and makes sound, timely decisions grounded in data and insight. 
• HR Expertise (Compliance, ER, Benefits, HRIS): Applies deep knowledge of employment law, employee relations, benefits, and HR systems to ensure strong, compliant, and equitable HR practices. 
• Operational Excellence & Systems Thinking: Builds efficient, scalable processes; uses data to improve accuracy and workflow; and understands how decisions impact the broader organization. 
• Leadership & People Development: Leads and develops HR team members through coaching, clear expectations, and collaboration to drive strong performance across HR functions. 
• Relationship Building & Communication: Builds trust at all levels and communicates with clarity, empathy, and professionalism—especially in sensitive or complex situations. 
• Change Leadership: Guides teams through change with clarity and steadiness, anticipating barriers and supporting adoption of new systems, processes, and policies. 
• Confidentiality & Integrity: Handles sensitive information with discretion and fairness, upholding high ethical standards in all HR decisions and practices. 

Requirements

• 7+ years of progressively responsible HR experience, including supervisory experience.
• Deep knowledge of employment law, HR compliance, and core HR operations.
• Experience managing HRIS, benefits, leave administration, and employee relations.
• Demonstrated success leading teams and improving HR systems and processes.
• Strong communication, coaching, and problem-solving skills.
• SHRM SCP or SPHR preferred but not required.
• Nonprofit experience preferred but not required.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY 

Asphalt Green is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive, equitable workplace where employees of all backgrounds can thrive. We welcome applicants of all races, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, ages, abilities, and lived experiences. We believe that our differences strengthen our mission and enrich our community.