Director, People Operations
About The Position
The New York Philharmonic connects with millions of music lovers each season through live concerts in New York and around the world, as well as broadcasts, recordings, and education programs. After returning to a transformed David Geffen Hall in 2022, the Orchestra is acting on a renewed commitment to building on a legacy of more than 180 years, serving as a platform for today’s greatest musical artists and connecting with our communities. Gustavo Dudamel will become the Philharmonic’s Oscar L. Tang and H.M. Agnes Hsu-Tang Music and Artistic Director in the 2026–27 season. The New York Philharmonic seeks a strategic and collaborative Director of People Operations to help shape the future of the employee experience at a pivotal moment for the organization. Reporting to the Vice President of People & Culture, this role balances strategic leadership with hands-on operational execution — translating vision into scalable systems, processes, and practices that support our people and teams. As the Philharmonic continues its evolution, the Director will play a key role in developing data-informed, people-centered approaches that strengthen organizational effectiveness and workplace culture.
Requirements
- 7–10+ years of progressive HR, HCM/HRIS, or People Operations experience.
- Demonstrated success implementing HRIS/HCM (e.g., Workday, UKG, ADP, Dayforce, SAP SuccessFactors)
- Demonstrated success implementing scalable systems and improving processes that support a complex and/or unionized environment
- Expertise in employee relations, investigations, and employment law.
- Bachelor’s degree required
- Ability to effectively communicate with all levels of the organization.
Nice To Haves
- Experience leading HR operations in complex and/or unionized environments is a plus.
- Experience in nonprofit, arts, or cultural institutions strongly preferred.
- HR certification preferred.
- Bilingual capability is a plus.
Responsibilities
- Create and oversee onboarding and employee lifecycle experiences that connect employees to the organization’s mission, values, and ways of working
- Design and implement scalable workflows and people systems that improve role clarity, accountability, and overall team effectiveness
- Support workforce planning and organizational structure alignment
- Collaborate with VPPC to lead performance management process execution and continuous improvement.
- Equip managers with tools, guidance, and training to lead teams effectively
- Provide coaching on performance conversations, feedback, and team dynamics
- Support leadership capability-building initiatives across departments
- Oversee core HR operations including employee relations, compliance, benefits, and HR systems
- Ensure adherence to employment laws, union agreements, and organizational policies
- Lead employee relations matters and workplace investigations
- Monitor people trends and recommend operational or leadership interventions
Benefits
- Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
- Employer contributions to the 403(b) plan
- Employer-paid Life and Disability insurance
- 12 Holidays
- Competitive Vacation benefits
- Access to world‑class performances and events
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
