About this Human Resources Operations Manager role at Harlem Grown
About Us
Harlem Grown is an independent, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to inspire youth to lead healthy and ambitious lives through mentorship and hands-on education in urban farming, sustainability and nutrition. We operate local urban farms, increase access to and knowledge of healthy food for Harlem residents, and provide farm-based development programs to Harlem youth.
Founded in 2011 by Tony Hillery with one school partnership, one urban farm and an idea to help Harlem children, today Harlem Grown’s farms and greenhouses are used as classrooms and as venues to cultivate a connection to the environment and food among young people. Harlem Grown operates 14 urban agricultural sites featuring soil-based urban farms, hydroponic greenhouses, and a mushroom chamber. All of our sites are located between 122nd and 152nd Streets in Central Harlem, Manhattan.
Our Programs
Harlem Grown cultivates deep community roots by growing fresh food, strong youth, and lasting relationships. We meet children where they live, learn, and grow—offering opportunities that extend beyond our farms to the classroom and into their futures. Through Food and Farm Education, we help youth build healthy habits, leadership skills, and a deeper connection to their community. Our urban farms provide free produce and nutritious meals for families while creating joyful spaces for connection and support. Through 14 urban farms and year-round programming, we provide free produce, nutritious meals, and cooking lessons while creating joyful spaces for connection and support. In addition, our programs increase economic opportunity for families and develop leadership and advocacy skills so participants can drive transformational change in their communities.
At Harlem Grown, we grow healthy children and communities through hands-on education, access to resources, and long-term youth support. Our Food and Farm Education —including summer camp, in-school and after-school programs, mobile education, service learning, and farm tours—delivers farm-based lessons to children in our community. We offer free community resources like farmstands, Saturdays on the farm, and events that provide fresh food and create spaces for support and connection. Through academic support, internships, and career readiness programs, we help our young people build confidence and skills to thrive from elementary school through adulthood.
Role Overview
Harlem Grown is seeking an experienced, highly organized, and proactive Human Resources Operations Manager to lead the day-to-day execution of HR operations and ensure efficient, accurate, and responsive people processes.
Reporting to the Chief of Staff, the HR Operations Manager is responsible for independently managing core HR functions, including recruitment operations, onboarding, payroll, benefits administration, HR systems, employee support, and compliance processes. As part of a lean team, this is a hands-on role requiring strong judgment, exceptional organization, clear communication, and consistent follow-through.
The ideal candidate takes ownership of their work, anticipates needs, solves problems, and drives priorities through completion with minimal oversight. They are comfortable managing competing demands, improving systems, and knowing when to make decisions independently or escalate issues. The Chief of Staff sets the strategic direction and priorities for the HR function, while the HR Operations Manager translates those priorities into effective processes and reliable execution. The role also collaborates with the Chief Operating Officer on legal and regulatory compliance matters.
Key Responsibilities
HR Operations, Payroll & Benefits
- Own day-to-day HR operations, ensuring accurate, timely, and consistent execution of processes and employee support.
- Manage semi-monthly payroll, including timekeeping, tax setup, deductions, payroll changes, audits, and discrepancy resolution.
- Oversee benefits administration, including new-hire enrollment, annual open enrollment, employee communications, and vendor coordination.
- Maintain accurate employee records and HR systems, establishing effective workflows, tracking mechanisms, and quality controls to ensure compliance and efficiency.
Recruitment, Hiring & Onboarding
- Manage recruitment operations in partnership with hiring managers, including job postings, candidate tracking, interview coordination, offer preparation, and hiring communications.
- Oversee applicant tracking systems and hiring workflows, ensuring accurate records, consistent processes, and timely candidate movement.
- Own the end-to-end onboarding process, including background checks, employment verification, required clearances, documentation, HRIS entry, and coordination with hiring managers.
- Proactively identify and resolve hiring and onboarding challenges, ensuring clear communication and a positive candidate and new-hire experience.
Employee Support, Engagement, Performance & Compliance
- Serve as the primary HR resource for employees, providing timely, accurate guidance on policies, benefits, procedures, and routine employment matters.
- Support managers with employee communications, documentation, and performance management; coordinate review cycles and employee engagement initiatives in partnership with the Chief of Staff.
- Lead internal communications through Harlem Grown’s weekly newsletter, compiling org-wide and department-specific updates for staff.
- Support the design, administration, and analysis of periodic employee engagement surveys and other initiatives.
- Manage recurring compliance requirements, including mandatory trainings, staff clearances, certifications, audits, and policy acknowledgments.
- Identify potential compliance risks, maintain knowledge of applicable employment requirements, and partner with the Chief of Staff and COO on compliance matters and policy implementation.
Planning, Communication & Process Improvement
- Translate HR priorities into actionable plans, timelines, and deliverables, independently managing execution from start to finish.
- Anticipate needs, manage competing priorities, and proactively communicate progress, challenges, and decisions requiring input or approval.
- Identify operational gaps and lead improvements to HR systems, workflows, and processes to strengthen efficiency, accuracy, and the employee experience.
- Maintain HR reports and workforce data to support decision-making, while collaborating across departments to ensure clear expectations and consistent follow-through.
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience, with at least 5 years of progressive HR experience.
- Demonstrated experience managing core HR functions, including payroll, benefits, recruitment, onboarding, HR systems, and employee support.
- Exceptional organizational and time management skills, with the ability to independently manage competing priorities, maintain accuracy, and drive work to completion.
- Strong judgment, initiative, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to anticipate needs, navigate ambiguity, and recognize when to escalate issues.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with demonstrated accountability, attention to detail, and discretion in handling confidential matters.
Preferred
- Experience in a nonprofit or similarly sized organization with a lean HR team.
- Knowledge of New York State and NYC employment requirements and experience with HRIS/ATS platforms or PEOs.
- Direct experience with OCFS, DYCD or DOHMH clearance and compliance requirements strongly preferred.
- Experience advising managers on HR matters; SHRM-CP or PHR certification a plus.
#LI-Onsite
At Harlem Grown, diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the heart of what we do. We are an equal opportunity employer, and are committed to creating a culture of inclusivity, where each individual feels as if their identity, experience, and values are represented and supported. We are dedicated to creating a space where children, especially those of color, are given the opportunity and skills to lead healthy and ambitious lives. We strongly believe in building a team that reflects and appreciates the underrepresented population of students, families, and people that we serve. Become a member of our family.
