[Hiring] Human Resources Lead @Cortico.ai

Role Description

Cortico seeks an HR Lead to own the full employee lifecycle — from recruiting and onboarding through performance management, benefits administration, and offboarding — while serving as a trusted resource for our team and a culture champion across the organization.

• This role works closely with the VP of Operations and reports into the Operations function.
• You’ll manage our relationship with Insperity, our PEO, and handle the day-to-day mechanics of HR with care and precision.
• You’ll help us hire well, develop our people, and build a workplace where everyone feels seen and supported.
• One week you might be running a recruiting process; the next you’re coordinating open enrollment, facilitating a performance conversation, or helping plan a team retreat.

This role is right for someone who genuinely enjoys people operations — the details and the human moments both.

The estimated pay range for this role is $75,000 – $85,000. Where you land on our range depends on your unique background and experience and where you live. We have competitive benefits which can be found here .

Our team members must be based in the U.S. Unfortunately, we are unable to sponsor visas at this time.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of HR experience, ideally in a nonprofit or mission-driven organization.
• Demonstrated experience across recruiting, onboarding, benefits, performance management, and offboarding.
• Proven ability to manage multiple workstreams simultaneously, keep systems running, and hold the details without dropping the ball.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the judgment to know when to escalate, when to act, and how to navigate sensitive people situations with discretion.

Requirements

• Organized and detail-oriented without being rigid.
• Comfortable in a PEO environment (or ready to learn).
• Cares about culture and brings ideas for how to make it better.
• Sees the big picture and loves wearing multiple hats.
• Has worked alongside or in support of a software engineering or tech-related team.
• Cares about the work and Cortico’s commitment to equity, inclusion, and community-centered practice.

Responsibilities

• Lead recruiting processes end-to-end — from job description through offer — in partnership with hiring managers.
• Own new hire onboarding and oversee employee promotions, transitions, and offboarding.
• Process payroll and manage benefits administration through Insperity, our PEO, serving as the primary relationship manager.
• Support annual open enrollment, compensation increases, and market benchmarking.
• Maintain employee records, manage our ATS, and ensure compliance with employment law across the employee lifecycle.
• Serve as the first point of contact for HR-related questions from staff.
• Own the performance review cycle and support managers on performance conversations, documentation, and development.
• Coordinate recurring culture touchpoints — all-team syncs, team celebrations, staff retreats — and help foster a connected, inclusive team environment.
• Spearhead DEIB and values initiatives in partnership with the VP of Operations.
• Support the VP of Operations on board governance activities, including the annual Conflict of Interest survey and the CEO review process.
• Support the VP of Operations on operations activities, as needed.

Preferred

• Professional certification in HR (PHR, SHRM-CP, or equivalent).

About Next Steps

Please apply here and include the following information:

• A little about you and your interest in the role.
• A résumé / CV.
• Answer the following question: Tell us about a time you had to manage a sensitive employee situation. How did you approach it, and what did you learn?

This is not an entry-level position and we know great candidates come from a wide range of backgrounds. If you’re passionate about what we’re building at Cortico, don’t hesitate to apply — even if you’re not sure you meet every qualification.

About Our Process

We aim to review and respond to all applicants within three to four weeks of submission. Our interview process includes multiple rounds:

• Initial screening interview with our VP of Operations.
• Panel Interview with key stakeholders.
• Interview with the CEO.
• Reference checks.

Through all of these sessions we make sure that you have plenty of time to ask questions of Cortico team members.

Cortico maintains a strong policy of equal opportunity in employment. It is our objective to recruit, hire, and retain the most qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation or identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic or status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.