Senior Manager, People Strategy

MassChallenge • Boston, MA

3d • $90 - $95 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Manager, People Strategy is a hands-on HR generalist role responsible for leading and strengthening all core people functions, including benefits, compliance, employee relations, talent and performance management, and culture initiatives. This role reports to the COO and serves as the organization's sole HR function. This individual brings deep HR expertise and a strong passion for cultivating an inclusive, equitable, and mission-aligned workplace grounded in DEIBA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging, and Accessibility). This person should be knowledgeable about AI and energized to embrace AI to HR-related tasks.

As a key member of the organization, this role will partner closely with leadership and people managers to build and support scalable people systems that support growth while maintaining a values-driven, people-first culture. This position is ideal for a mid-career HR professional who thrives in a small nonprofit environment and is excited to shape and evolve the People function with lots of growth potential.

Requirements

• 4-5 years of progressive HR experience, including broad generalist responsibilities.
• Proficient in HR systems (ADP Workforce Now, LinkedIn Recruiter)
• Comfortable with other key platforms (SharePoint, Asana, Outlook, etc.)
• Strong working knowledge of benefits administration, employment law, and compliance.
• Demonstrated experience leading or advancing DEI/DEIBA initiatives.
• Excellent interpersonal, coaching, and conflict resolution skills.
• High level of discretion and emotional intelligence.
• Proven track record of success in positions that required a strong mix of business skills, leadership abilities, strategic thinking, and sound judgment in driving organizational effectiveness is required.

Nice To Haves

• HR certification (SHRM-CP/SCP, PHR/SPHR)preferred.
• Experience in a nonprofit or mission-driven organization strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the organization’s HR generalist lead, overseeing day-to-day people operations.
• Support development and implement people strategies aligned with organizational mission and growth plans.
• Build and sustain scalable processes and systems appropriate for a growing nonprofit.
• Partner with leadership on workforce planning, organizational design, and talent development.
• Working with our broker and direct manager, manage and continuously evaluate benefits programs (health, retirement, leave, wellness, etc.). Responsible for negotiating annual renewals to optimize cost and value.
• Oversee open enrollment and employee education on benefits.
• Manage all aspects of employee leaves with our outsourced partner.
• Ensure competitive, equitable, and mission-aligned compensation practices in alignment with our salary bands.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and nonprofit regulations for staff in all US-based roles.
• Maintain an up-to-date employee handbook, policies, and documentation.
• Oversee HRIS data integrity, personnel files, and required reporting.
• Advise leadership on employee relations issues and risk mitigation.
• Champion a strong, inclusive, and values-based organizational culture.
• Lead initiatives that enhance engagement, retention, and belonging.
• Support leadership in fostering transparent communication and accountability.
• Develop and lead employee listening and feedback initiatives, including engagement surveys (e.g., Pulse and ORG360), to gather insights and drive continuous improvement.
• Embed DEIBA principles into all people practices, including hiring, performance management, and advancement.
• Partner with leadership to set measurable DEIBA goals.
• Lead training and initiatives that advance equity and accessibility across the organization.
• Ensure equitable policies and consistent application of HR practices.
• Own end-to-end recruitment — from job posting and candidate screening through offer and pre-boarding.
• Ensure inclusive hiring practices across all stages of the recruitment process.
• Build, own, and continuously improve onboarding and offboarding programs that reinforce culture and values.
• Design and implement performance management frameworks that promote growth and accountability.
• Support managers in coaching, feedback, and career development conversations.
• Own mid-year and end-of-year performance review processes, including communication, timelines, and execution.

Benefits

• MassChallenge offers competitive salaries, excellent benefits, and a supportive working environment.
• Salary is based on a nonprofit scale and commensurate with skills and experience.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed