Senior Manager, People Operations

The Allen Institute for Artificial Intelligence • Seattle, WA

112d • $144,500 - $217,000

About The Position

The Allen Institute for AI (Ai2) is seeking a strategic and hands-on Senior Manager, People Operations to join our People Operations team. In this senior leadership role, you’ll oversee key areas such as compensation design and administration, HRIS management, immigration, employment compliance, and recruiting and benefits programs. You’ll also lead and develop two direct reports, fostering their growth and ensuring alignment across the broader People Operations function. You bring a strong foundation in total rewards, HR systems, and legal compliance, along with the ability to manage vendors, streamline processes, and deliver exceptional support to internal stakeholders. With 12+ years of progressive HR experience, you’re known for your analytical mindset, organizational excellence, and proactive approach to solving complex challenges. You’re a collaborative and empathetic HR leader who thrives on helping people and improving systems. You think creatively, communicate clearly, and take pride in building programs that make a tangible impact.

Requirements

• 12+ years of progressive experience in Human Resources, with a focus on compensation, systems, compliance, and benefits.
• Proven experience designing and administering compensation plans and conducting market analysis.
• Strong knowledge of HRIS systems and reporting tools; UKG Ready or similar platform experience preferred.
• Familiarity with U.S. immigration processes and working with immigration counsel or in-house legal teams.
• Solid understanding of employment law and compliance requirements across multiple jurisdictions.
• Experience overseeing benefits administration and managing vendor relationships.
• Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to interpret and act on data.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and project management skills.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize effectively, and maintain confidentiality.
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field required; Master’s degree or relevant certification (PHR, SHRM-CP, CCP) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and manage compensation structures, including base pay, variable pay, and annual salary reviews.
• Conduct market benchmarking, job evaluations, and compensation analysis to ensure internal equity and external competitiveness.
• Partner with finance and leadership on budgeting, forecasting, and compensation planning.
• Oversee the configuration, optimization, and maintenance of the HRIS platform (e.g., Workday, ADP, UKG Ready, etc.).
• Lead HRIS initiatives related to automation, data integrity, reporting, and system enhancements.
• Serve as the internal expert and point of contact for HR reporting and analytics.
• Manage all aspects of immigration for international employees, including visas (e.g., H-1B, L-1, TN, O-1) and green card processes.
• Liaise with legal counsel, government agencies, and internal stakeholders to ensure accurate and timely processing.
• Maintain accurate records and ensure compliance with all immigration laws and regulations.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations (e.g., FLSA, FMLA, ADA, EEOC).
• Monitor changes in employment law and advise leadership on necessary policy updates or procedural changes.
• Manage HR audits, reporting (e.g., Affirmative Action Plan, EEO-1), and documentation requirements.
• Oversee administration of health, wellness, and retirement benefits in collaboration with internal teams and external brokers/vendors.
• Provide strategic input on benefits design, employee communications, and annual open enrollment.
• Ensure ongoing compliance with ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, and related regulations.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, basic life insurance, basic accidental death and dismemberment insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, and an employee assistance program.
• Voluntary life insurance program, voluntary accidental death and dismemberment program, health savings account plan, healthcare reimbursement arrangement plan, and health care and dependent care flexible spending account plans.
• 401k plan.
• $125 per month to assist with commuting or internet expenses and $200 per month for fitness and wellbeing expenses.
• Up to ten sick days per year, up to seven personal days per year, up to 20 vacation days per year and twelve paid holidays throughout the calendar year.
• Annual bonuses and participation in the long-term incentive plan.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees