Senior Human Resources Generalist

MoMA•Long Island City, NY

30d

About The Position

Inspired by daring artists, MoMA PS1 is committed to the exploration of contemporary art and culture, broadening perspectives on the issues of our day, and engaging New Yorkers and communities across the world. Founded in 1976, the institution was a defining force in the alternative space movement in New York City, transforming a nineteenth-century public schoolhouse in Long Island City into a site for artistic experimentation and creativity. PS1 has been a member of New York City’s Cultural Institutions Group (CIG) since 1982 and affiliated with The Museum of Modern Art since 2000. The Senior HR Generalist is a strategic partner and operational leader reporting to the HR Director. This role drives program improvements, leads complex employee relations matters, and provides expert guidance across payroll, compliance, labor relations, talent management, and workforce analytics. The ideal candidate operates independently, exercises sound judgment, and serves as a trusted resource across all levels of a mission-driven nonprofit.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business Administration, or related field (or equivalent experience)
5–7 years of progressive HR generalist experience with expertise in payroll, benefits, leave, employee relations, and compliance
Hands-on payroll platform experience (UKG, ADP, Paycom, or equivalent)
Expert knowledge of federal, NYS, and NYC employment law
Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, VLOOKUP); experience with ATS and HRIS platforms
Strong interpersonal skills; ability to handle sensitive matters with discretion

Nice To Haves

Experience in a nonprofit, cultural institution, or mission-driven organization
PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP certification
Experience in unionized environments with CBA administration
Passion for the arts and public cultural institutions

Responsibilities

Own end-to-end bi-weekly/semi-monthly payroll for all employee types; serve as the primary institutional payroll system expert
Lead audits, reconciliations, year-end close (W-2, ACA 1094-C/1095-C), and regulatory compliance
Design and maintain HR dashboards covering headcount, turnover, compensation equity, and benefits utilization; prepare EEO-1, OSHA, Form 5500, and NYC-specific filings
Lead full-cycle onboarding (offer letters, I-9/E-Verify, benefits enrollment, orientation) and structured offboarding (exit interviews, COBRA notices, final pay)
Analyze exit interview data and surface retention insights to leadership
Partner with hiring managers on job architecture, salary bands, and equitable full-cycle recruitment for mid-level and senior roles
Execute sourcing strategies advancing diversity; maintain ATS compliance with EEOC and NYC Pay Transparency Law
Administer all benefit programs (medical, dental, 401(k), Pension/CSRS, FSA, EAP, etc.); lead open enrollment and annual plan renewal
Manage all leave types (FMLA, NY PFL, NYC Sick Leave, ADA accommodations) through the full case lifecycle
Advise on complex ER matters; lead workplace investigations with rigor and thorough documentation
Administer collective bargaining agreements; manage grievance processes and support contract negotiations
Serve as subject matter expert on federal, NYS, and NYC employment law; own the employee handbook and compliance calendar
Function as primary HRIS administrator (UKG, BambooHR, or equivalent); lead system improvements and staff training
Design engagement initiatives, administer climate surveys, and contribute actively to DEI strategy