People & Culture Coordinator

About Our Organization

Founded in 1968, the Studio Museum in Harlem is the nexus for artists of African descent locally, nationally, and internationally and for work that has been inspired and influenced by Black culture. It is a site for the dynamic exchange of ideas about art and society.

Job Summary

The People & Culture (P&C) Coordinator will be a highly visible and trusted member of the department, supporting staff throughout the employee experience. This role is responsible for helping ensure efficient HR processes while supporting a positive, inclusive, and mission-driven employee experience. Reporting to the People & Culture Senior Manager, this role assists with recruitment, onboarding, payroll processing, benefits administration, and employee relations. 

This role requires strong operational execution, emotional intelligence, confidentiality, and the ability to build trusted relationships.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

Human Resources and Payroll Operations

• Maintain employee records within Rippling and SharePoint systems.

• Oversee administrative duties such as data entry, document preparation, and filings

• Ensure HR compliance with federal, state, and local employment regulations.

• Administer and process payroll, with the assistance of the Finance department, with the awareness of factoring in payroll changes, leave updates, and any other organizational nuances impacting payroll administration.

• Support administration of FMLA, PFL, Workers’ Compensation, and leave tracking processes.

Recruitment & Onboarding

• Assist with scheduling interviews and conduct reference checks, as needed

• Coordinate onboarding paperwork including I-9/E-Verify and employee document collection within Rippling.

• Assist with offer letters and coordinate background checks

• Manage HR orientation materials and conduct orientations for new hires

HR Systems & Administration

• Maintain digital personnel files in SharePoint and employee documentation within Rippling.

• Prepare employment verification letters and P&C correspondence

• Run routine reports and support annual audits

Benefits Coordination

• Support Open Enrollment administration annually in November for January benefits renewal.

• Serve as a point of contact for employees with questions about medical, dental, vision, 401(k), leave, and other benefit programs

Employee Relations & Compliance

• Support managers and employees with workplace concerns, coaching, and employee relations matters.

• Coordinate compliance training and required workplace notices.

• Execute small staff engagement events and partner with the team and other departments on larger events

Training & Development

• Manage compliance training including anti-harassment and workplace safety initiatives.

• Support managers with coaching and performance development tools.

Skills and Qualifications  

• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to balance multiple priorities

• Experience managing HRIS systems such as Rippling.

• Ability to work independently while managing confidential and sensitive matters with professionalism.

• Excellent communication skills.

• Excellent attention to detail.

Education and Experience 

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, preferably in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field.

• 2-4 years of human resources experience, in roles of increasing responsibility

• Prior payroll experience is a plus

• Experience working in a museum, cultural institution, and/or nonprofit is a plus.

Physical Demands

N/A

Work Environment 

• This position is a full-time, non-exempt position, requiring a minimum of 35 working hours per week.

• Fast-paced environment with varying levels of guests and employees present.

• Building Accessibility – office locations are wheelchair accessible, with elevators in the building. Other accessibility accommodations can be further discussed.

Compensation

$33 - $35 per hour

A competitive benefits package is provided, including medical, dental, life and long-term disability insurance, a retirement account, and substantial vacation time.

Application Instructions

Please upload your resume and a cover letter to your application. No phone calls or emails, please.  

Please note that while careful consideration will be given to each submission, only a select number of applicants will be contacted due to the volume of interest.

The Studio Museum in Harlem is an equal opportunity employer and considers all candidates for employment regardless of race, color, sex, age, gender identification, national origin, creed, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or political affiliation. We celebrate our inclusive work environment and encourage folks of all backgrounds and perspectives to apply. At the Studio Museum, we are committed to having an inclusive and transparent environment where every voice is heard and acknowledged. We embrace our differences, and know that our diverse team is a strength that drives our success.  

Research shows that women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that an applicant meets 100% of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if much of this job description describes you, then you are highly encouraged to apply for this role.