Manager, People and Culture

The Manager, People and Culture at STEM From Dance is tasked with a variety of responsibilities aimed at fostering an inclusive workplace culture. This includes leading human resources operations such as employee onboarding and compliance, overseeing recruitment processes, managing performance reviews, coordinating team-building activities, and implementing people and culture strategies. Your role plays a crucial part in aligning these functions with the overall mission of empowering girls of color in STEM.

To be considered for the Manager, People and Culture position at STEM From Dance, candidates should have 4-6 years of progressive HR experience, preferably within the nonprofit sector. A Bachelor’s degree in human resources management or a related field is essential, alongside certifications like SHRM-CP or PHR being strongly preferred. Additionally, knowledge of New York State labor law and a passion for promoting equity in the workplace are key components of the ideal candidate's profile.

The Manager, People and Culture plays a vital role in cultivating team culture at STEM From Dance by designing and executing annual retreats aimed at enhancing team identity and connection. This individual will also spearhead initiatives to boost team engagement and retention, ensuring that all team members feel valued and included. By partnering with leadership, the Manager helps maintain a culture that aligns with the organization's values and strategic goals.

In the role of Manager, People and Culture at STEM From Dance, you will work with various HR systems to manage HR operations effectively. These include HRIS platforms like Gusto, Justworks, and Lattice to track employee records, administer benefits, and streamline onboarding/offboarding processes. Your expertise in these systems will be crucial for optimizing human resources functions and ensuring compliance with employment laws.

STEM From Dance is an inspiring organization dedicated to changing the landscape of STEM for girls of color. As the Manager, People and Culture, you will join a passionate team focused on innovation, inclusion, and empowerment. You'll have the unique opportunity to shape the workplace culture that supports these vital missions and foster connections in a collaborative environment. The organization's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, along with a comprehensive benefits package, makes it an exciting place to further your HR career.

In the role of Manager, People and Culture, I would prioritize creating a diverse talent pipeline by establishing partnerships with organizations that support girls and women of color in STEM. Additionally, I would focus on developing detailed job descriptions that reflect our organization's values and equity mission, ensuring a thorough vetting process that aligns with our strategic goals.

Yes, I have extensive experience using various HRIS systems such as Gusto and Lattice for employee record management and performance tracking. By leveraging these systems at STEM From Dance, I would streamline HR processes, enhance data-driven decision-making, and ensure compliance with employment laws, ultimately contributing to a more efficient HR function.

To ensure compliance with employment laws, particularly in New York, I stay updated through continuous education and resources from organizations such as SHRM. I would conduct regular audits of HR practices, maintain accurate documentation, and train the team on compliance standards, ensuring that everyone is aware of their responsibilities regarding HR policies.

To enhance employee engagement at STEM From Dance, I would introduce regular feedback loops through performance reviews and check-ins, and create learning and development opportunities for skill enhancement. Additionally, organizing team-building retreats and promoting a values-aligned environment that fosters open communication would be key strategies.

Handling conflicts within a team requires a balanced approach of empathy and effective communication. I would first listen to all parties involved to understand their perspectives, then facilitate a constructive dialogue to explore solutions. My goal is always to restore collaboration and maintain a positive team dynamic.

My approach to onboarding new employees would involve structured programs that not only familiarize them with their roles but also immerse them in the organization's culture and values. I would ensure that onboarding includes mentorship and resources to provide support in their transition, enhancing both their engagement and retention.

Measuring the success of HR initiatives involves tracking key performance indicators such as employee satisfaction surveys, retention rates, and the effectiveness of training programs. I believe in utilizing data from HRIS to inform decisions and continuously improve initiatives in alignment with the organization's mission.

To promote diversity and inclusion in recruitment practices, I would focus on broadening our outreach to underrepresented communities. This includes collaborating with organizations, universities, and networks that focus on girls of color in STEM. Crafting job descriptions that emphasize our commitment to diversity and partnering with diverse interview panels would also be key strategies.

Data plays a critical role in my decision-making as a human resources leader. I utilize data to identify trends, measure the effectiveness of HR programs, and make informed recommendations for improvement. By analyzing metrics such as employee engagement and turnover rates, I ensure that our strategies are aligned with the overall goals of STEM From Dance.

I am deeply motivated to work at STEM From Dance because I am passionate about empowering girls of color in STEM fields. I admire the organization's mission and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. As the Manager, People and Culture, I see an opportunity to leverage my HR expertise to make a meaningful impact on future generations and help foster a workplace where creativity and innovation thrive.