Manager of People Relations

Goodwill NYNJ • New York, NY

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Manager of Employee Relations is a trusted partner and culture champion who ensures that Goodwill NYNJ’s people practices reflect our mission, values, and commitment to equity. This role leads employee relations across a diverse, multi-site workforce spanning retail, social services, and administrative functions. Reporting to the Director of People Experience and sitting on the People & Culture team this role provides guidance, coaching, and solutions that support a positive employee experience, reduce risk, and strengthen organizational effectiveness.
This leader balances empathy with accountability, supports managers in navigating complex workplace issues, and helps build a respectful, inclusive environment where employees can do their best work in service of our mission.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Social Work, or related field—or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of progressive HR or employee relations experience, preferably in a multi-site or frontline workforce environment.
• Strong knowledge of employment laws, leave and accommodation process and best practices.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct sensitive investigations with discretion, fairness, and professionalism.
• Excellent communication, coaching, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to travel regularly to retail stores and program sites across NYC and Northern NJ.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in nonprofit, social services, retail, or unionized environments.
• HR certification (PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP/SCP).
• Bilingual skills (English/Spanish or English/ASL).

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee relations, leave and accommodation matters across retail stores, program sites, and administrative departments.
• Conduct fair, thorough, and timely investigations into workplace concerns, including conduct issues, performance matters, policy violations, and complaints.
• Provide coaching and guidance to managers and supervisors on conflict resolution, performance management, and effective communication.
• Partner with People & Culture leadership to ensure consistent application of policies and practices across all business lines.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, as well as internal policies and collective bargaining agreements (where applicable).
• Identify trends in employee relations issues and recommend proactive solutions, training, or policy updates.
• Maintain accurate documentation and case management records to support transparency and organizational learning.
• Oversee the administration of employee leave and workplace accommodation programs, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations (including FMLA, ADA, and applicable paid leave laws).
• Manage the end-to-end process for leave requests and accommodations, partnering with employees, managers, and external vendors to ensure timely, consistent, and empathetic support.
• Monitor trends, ensure policy adherence, and drive process improvements to enhance the employee experience and operational efficiency.
• Promote a people-centered, mission-driven culture that reflects Goodwill’s values of respect, integrity, learning, and community impact.
• Support initiatives that strengthen employee engagement, belonging, and trust across a geographically dispersed workforce.
• Help managers connect day-to-day decisions to Goodwill’s mission and the needs of the individuals and communities we serve.
• Build strong relationships with leaders in retail operations, mission services programs, and administrative departments.
• Understand the unique needs of each business line—fast-paced retail environments, compliance-driven social services, and office-based functions—and tailor guidance accordingly.
• Serve as a thought partner in shaping a consistent, equitable staff experience across all Goodwill NYNJ locations.

Benefits

• We believe in creating space for everyone to do their best work and have individual and collective impact.
• We believe in challenging the status quo and setting ambitious goals in the name of doing more good.
• We believe that being your best self and helping others do the same is how we bring our mission alive.
• If you require a reasonable accommodation at any point in the application or interview process, or if you are unable to apply through our recruitment portal, please contact us at [email protected].
• We are happy to assist and ensure you have an equal opportunity to apply.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager