Senior Director of People & Culture - Friends of the High Line

The Senior Director of People and Culture will be responsible for leading and overseeing all aspects of the human resources function. This role will develop and execute HR strategies in alignment with organizational goals, driving initiatives to attract, develop, and retain top talent while fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. This role will play a critical role in shaping the organizational culture and ensuring HR programs and practices support the overall success of the organization.

This position reports to the Chief Administrative Officer and oversees People and Culture (P&C/HR), and the Office Administration department.

Primary Responsibilities

People and Culture:

• Develop and implement comprehensive HR strategies aligned with organizational goals to drive business results, including workforce planning, talent management, succession planning, and change management initiatives.
• Design and execute strategies to attract, retain, and develop diverse talent through employee referral programs, employer branding initiatives, and targeted recruiting efforts.
• Establish performance management processes and systems to drive accountability, recognize achievements, and support professional development.
• Foster a positive and inclusive work environment by promoting open communication, collaboration, and respect among employees.
• Implement employee engagement strategies, including surveys, focus groups, and recognition programs, to enhance morale and retention.
• Oversee employee relations activities, including conflict resolution, disciplinary actions, and grievance procedures, ensuring fair and consistent application of policies.
• Develop and implement comprehensive learning and development programs to support employee growth and career advancement, addressing training needs identified through feedback, metrics, and assessments.
• Manage the design and administration of competitive compensation and benefits programs to attract and retain top talent, ensuring pay equity, market competitiveness, and compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Collaborate with external vendors, brokers, and consultants to optimize benefits offerings and control costs.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, including EEO, ADA, FMLA, FLSA, OSHA, etc.
• Develop and implement HR policies, procedures, and practices to mitigate legal risks and ensure a fair and inclusive workplace.
• Collaborate with legal counsel to address employment-related legal issues, investigations, and litigation as needed.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility strategy across leadership and the organization.
• Provide oversight to the team, including the People Operations Director, People Operations Manager, People & Culture Generalist, and Office Assistant, to ensure objectives are met and progress is communicated effectively.
• Oversee cyclical employee review processes and annual administration budgets for related departments.

Office Administration:

• Provide supervision to the office assistant responsible for managing office reception activities, ensuring smooth operations and professional service.
• Manage the onboarding and offboarding processes for employees, ensuring seamless transitions and compliance with organizational policies.
• Oversee office space planning efforts and sustainability initiatives, fostering an efficient and environmentally-conscious workplace.
• Establish and communicate telecommuting policies and practices, promoting flexibility and remote work opportunities where applicable.
• Ensure purchasing procedures and business practices are efficient, compliant, and aligned with organizational standards for transparency and accountability.

Requirements

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field; Master's degree preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive HR leadership experience, with at least five (5) years in a senior management role.
• Strong strategic thinking and business acumen, with a track record of developing and executing HR strategies that drive organization results.
• Demonstrated experience leading and developing high-performing HR teams and fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Proven ability to build strong relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization, including executive leadership, managers, and employees.
• Deep knowledge of HR best practices, employment laws, and regulations, with experience implementing policies and programs that ensure compliance and mitigate legal risks.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively communicate complex information and influence decision-making.
• Experience working in a diverse and inclusive environment and a commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the organization.
• Experience crafting a comprehensive diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) strategy for an organization and demonstrated proficiency in working within culturally diverse environments.
• Deep understanding of local, state, and federal employment law and regulations. 
• SHRM-CP or SHRM SCP certification is preferred.

This is a full-time, exempt position that reports to the Chief Administrative Officer and is part of the People & Culture team. Actual salaries may vary on various factors, including but not limited to experience and performance. The annual salary range is $160,000 - $180,000.

The location for the role remains hybrid, with a requirement to physically report to the office at least three days a week (located in Manhattan's Meatpacking District in New York City).

**If you are an individual with a disability and need accommodation during the application process, please send an email request to hr@thehighline.org. ** Resumes sent to this email address will not be given any special consideration.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance

• Paid primary and secondary caregiver leave
• 20 Vacation days, 7 sick days, and 10 paid holidays with floating holidays & Winter Fridays
• Discounts Citi Bike Membership
• Discounts with Vendor at the High Line & around the Meatpacking neighborhood
• Free entrance to Whitney Museum
• Supplemental short-term disability insurance and paid life insurance
• Commuter benefits
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Contribution in a 403(b) retirement plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• Growth & Development

About Friends of the High Line

The High Line is both a nonprofit organization and a public park on the West Side of Manhattan. We’re devoted to reimagining public spaces to create connected, healthy neighborhoods and cities through our work with communities on and off the High Line.

Built on a historic, elevated rail line, the High Line was always intended to be more than a park. You can walk through the gardens, view art, experience a performance, enjoy food or beverage, or connect with friends and neighbors while enjoying a unique perspective of New York City.

Nearly 100% of our annual budget comes through donations. The High Line is owned by the City of New York, and we operate under a license agreement with NYC Parks.

EEO Statement

The High Line is guided by a series of values through which we make decisions, including hiring. These values include proactively creating access points for all people, regardless of age, sex, color, creed, race, income, country of origin, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

As part of our commitment to living up to these values and advancing equity within our organization and through our work, we are committed to an equitable hiring process. Hence, we strongly encourage applications from people with a broad range of lived experiences. This description shall not be construed as a contract of any sort for a specific period of employment.