Human Resources Manager

Position Announcement

Mohonk Preserve, New York State’s largest member & visitor supported nature preserve, is seeking a dynamic and passionate HR professional looking to make a significant impact to fill the position of:

Human Resources (HR) Manager

Who We Are
Located in the beautiful Hudson River Valley, Mohonk Preserve is New York’s largest nonprofit nature preserve. We manage over 8,200 acres of mountain cliffs, forests, fields and streams through four integrated programs – Conservation, Education, Stewardship, and Visitor Experience – and welcome over 300,000 members and visitors each year who come to hike, run, rock climb, boulder, bike, enjoy winter recreation and experience nature.

Based in a vibrant university community, Mohonk Preserve offers a great working environment in one of New York’s greenest counties, with all-season recreation, access to Preserve lands, a dynamic, committed team of conservation professionals and long legacy of conducting ecological research and environmental education. The Preserve is also the “Home of the Gunks,” one of America’s premier rock-climbing destinations.

Our Mission & Vision
Our mission is to protect the northern Shawangunk Ridge and inspire people to care for, enjoy, and explore the natural world. Mohonk Preserve supports thriving and resilient natural environments that are welcoming to all who explore, play and work here, and those who seek peace, wellbeing and inspiration amid its lands. To read more about our Vision and learn more about the Preserve visit https://www.mohonkpreserve.org/.

Our Core Values

Teamwork: We trust each other and value collaboration and accountability.
Transparency: We are clear, honest and ethical in our decision-making and communications.
Belonging:  We welcome everyone and treat all with respect and compassion.
Exploration: We value curiosity, education and innovation as pathways to learning and growth.
Stewardship: We are committed to responsibly stewarding Mohonk Preserve in service to the land and the community.

About the Position:
We are seeking a Human Resources (HR) Manager who will be responsible for the planning, budgeting, implementation and administration of most human resources functions including but not limited to benefits, employee relations, recruitment, and learning and development. Reporting to the Chief of Staff, the HR Manager will execute HR strategies that align with our mission and values while promoting a vibrant culture. This position professionalizes operations, ensures legal compliance, and encourages a more diverse, equitable, inclusive and just (DEIJ) environment where all employees feel valued and respected. If you have a Human Resources degree or equivalent combination of education and experience, we’d like to meet you.

Primary Responsibilities and Expectations – see Job Description for full details:

Benefits Administration:

• Oversee a comprehensive benefits strategy that aligns with the organization’s overall goals and supports employee retention, well-being and satisfaction.
• Perform benefit administration to include claims resolution, invoice approval, and annual re-evaluation of policies for cost effectiveness.

Employee Relations:

• Foster a positive and supportive organizational culture, providing opportunities for staff to connect and ensuring that staff at all levels feel valued and heard.
• Develop initiatives that acknowledge and reward employees for their achievements and contributions, and plan fun activities to enhance organizational culture.
• Lead workplace investigations ensuring fair treatment and compliance with organizational policies and employment laws.

Recruiting/Hiring/Onboarding/Offboarding:

• Collaborate with senior leadership to advance recruitment and retention strategies and work with relevant supervisors to develop/revise job descriptions.
• Create/post job listings, screen candidates, plan for, set up, and participate in interviews and seek to improve and expand diversity, equity, inclusion and justice practices within these processes.
• Oversee and process all HR records and files regarding new hires.

Learning and Development:

• Develop and implement training programs to enhance staff skills, knowledge and professional growth such as diversity, equity, inclusion and justice (DEIJ), leadership development and employee engagement.
• Coordinate and implement required annual sexual harassment prevention and drug/alcohol abuse awareness trainings.

General Business:

• Attend Human Resources (HR) Committee meetings of the Board and transcribe minutes.
• In collaboration with President & CEO, oversee the performance management/evaluation process.
• Identify ongoing opportunities for system and process improvements that will enhance the employee experience, equity and effectiveness.
• Manage Employee Handbook including required legal updates, revisions and distribution to staff.

What You’ll Bring:
At Mohonk Preserve, our priority is finding the best candidate for the job. We encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet all the qualifications or have a less traditional background.

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Psychology or related subject matter; a minimum of 4+ years of management level experience, preferably in Human Resources for a nonprofit organization of similar size and scope OR equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Current Professional Human Resources (PHR), SHRM-PHR, or SHRM-CP certification.
• Deep knowledge of HR principles and federal/local regulations.
• Displays the highest ethical and professional behavior and exhibits extraordinary discretion and confidentiality.
• Experience with personnel benefits management and other aspects of human resources management.
• Experience with recruitment and screening techniques and practices.
• Proficiency in using a variety of technological systems including Microsoft Office 365 applications and remote work platforms (e.g., Teams, Zoom).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to communicate human resources policies and procedures to a variety of audiences.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and justice to ensure that all people are respected and welcomed at the Mohonk Preserve.
• Willingness to work occasional irregular hours, including some weekends, evenings and/or holidays.

Bonus If…

• Non-profit experience
• New York Notary Public commissioned
• Knowledge of Human Resources Information System (HRIS) systems
• Bi-lingual (Spanish/English)

Total Rewards Package:
This is a permanent, full-time position with a generous benefits package including health insurance (with substantial employer contribution toward premium), retirement plan, vacation, paid holidays, sick time and other paid time off.

• Salary range is $60-65k per year based on experience and qualifications
• Mohonk Preserve membership for the duration of the position
• Access to lands and activities of Mohonk Mountain House resort

Eligibility for certain benefits is dependent upon a variety of factors including employment status.

Location:
Mohonk Preserve’s main offices are located at our Visitor Center in Gardiner, NY. Candidates must be able to work primarily on-site to fulfill the daily duties of the position. Generally standard working hours, with some flexibility, to be coordinated with the supervisor. Mohonk Preserve is a smoke-free campus.

Physical Demands:

• Minimal to light physical effort is required in performing duties in an office environment. This position requires the ability to operate a computer and standard office equipment and lift up to 20 pounds.
• May require sitting, standing, walking, hiking, climbing stairs, stooping, bending, carrying equipment.
• Events indoors or outdoors outside standard office hours and in other locations around the Preserve.

How to Apply:
Please submit your resume and a one-page cover letter tying your experience to specifics in the job responsibilities and 3 professional references (include phone and email) to: employment@mohonkpreserve.org with the subject line “HR Manager application.”

Position is open until filled. No phone calls please. Anticipated start date of this position is early June 2025.

Click here for the full job description.

Equal Opportunity Employer:
Mohonk Preserve is an Equal Opportunity Employer dedicated to creating an inclusive culture where employees from diverse backgrounds can thrive and support our mission. Successful candidates will be equity-minded and committed to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ). Mohonk Preserve encourages applications from women, minorities and/or other underrepresented groups.

This job announcement is not intended to represent a complete, comprehensive list of all duties and responsibilities that may be required in this position. There may be unplanned activities and other duties assigned.

Banner photo by Gerald Liddelow