[Hiring] People Operations Associate/Manager @National Education Opportunity Network

Role Description

The People Operations Associate/Manager is central to building a thriving, equitable workplace that enables staff to do their best work in service of NEON’s mission and vision. Responsible for ensuring that NEON’s core people processes, systems, and employee experiences are thoughtfully designed, well-organized, and effectively executed, this role works closely with the Chief People and Impact Officer to translate people strategy into effective day-to-day practices while identifying opportunities to develop new approaches, strengthen existing systems, and improve the employee experience across the employee lifecycle.

The People Operations Associate/Manager serves as a trusted resource to team members and managers, owning many of NEON’s core people processes and helping shape how they evolve as NEON grows, while escalating complex or strategic matters to the Chief People and Impact Officer.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, proactive, and detail-oriented, with the creativity and sound judgment to build practical solutions, navigate ambiguity, and balance confidential employee matters with the operational demands of a growing organization.

Though the role responsibilities will shift to meet the needs of our growing organization, your skills and expertise will be leveraged to:

• People Operations & Employee Lifecycle:
  • Own day-to-day administration of core people processes across the employee lifecycle, including onboarding, offboarding, employee changes, personnel records, benefits administration, and related communications.
  • Serve as a first point of contact for routine employee questions related to HR policies, benefits, processes, and resources, escalating complex or sensitive matters as appropriate.
  • Ensure employees have a smooth, organized, and thoughtful experience throughout their time at NEON while identifying opportunities to streamline and improve people processes.
• Talent Acquisition, Performance & Development:
  • Coordinate day-to-day recruitment processes in partnership with hiring managers and the Chief People and Impact Officer, including candidate communications, scheduling, interviews, assessments, references, and hiring documentation.
  • Coordinate NEON’s annual performance management process and support managers and employees throughout the performance cycle.
  • Coordinate and support organization-wide professional development and learning initiatives, maintaining resources, communications, participation data, and feedback to inform continuous improvement.
• Employee Relations, Engagement & Culture:
  • Serve as a first-line resource for employees and managers navigating routine employee relations questions and concerns, documenting matters appropriately and escalating complex issues to the Chief People and Impact Officer.
  • Coordinate NEON’s annual team engagement survey and monitor employee feedback and engagement data to identify trends and elevate insights and recommendations.
  • Support initiatives that strengthen employee connection, recognition, collaboration, engagement, and an inclusive team culture.
• Benefits, Policies & Compliance:
  • Maintain NEON’s employee handbook, policies, forms, templates, and other people-related resources; coordinate regular reviews, updates, employee acknowledgments, and compliance-related activities.
  • Liaise with benefits, payroll, HR, legal, and other external partners as needed to support effective and compliant people operations.
• HR Systems, Data & Organizational Support:
  • Maintain accurate HR data across NEON’s people systems and develop trackers, calendars, dashboards, and other tools to support effective people operations.
  • Prepare routine people reports and analyses, identify trends and opportunities for improvement, and support efforts to streamline systems and automate administrative processes.
  • Coordinate the operational planning and logistics for organization-wide retreats, team-building events, and other people initiatives in partnership with Ops, People, and Special Projects team members.

Qualifications

• Experience:
  • For Associate Level:
    • Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, Education, Organizational Development, or a related field or equivalent relevant professional experience.
    • 2–4 years of experience in HR, people operations, talent development, program operations, or a related field.
    • Experience supporting core people processes such as onboarding, recruiting, performance management, employee engagement, or professional development.
    • Demonstrated interest in employee experience, organizational culture, learning and development, and/or equitable people practices.
    • Strong written and verbal communication, organization, and follow-through.
  • For Manager Level:
    • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent relevant professional experience; advanced degree and/or HR certification (e.g., SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR) preferred.
    • 5–8+ years of progressive experience in HR, people operations, employee relations, talent development, or organizational development.
    • Demonstrated experience independently owning and improving HR processes and programs from planning through implementation.
    • Experience advising managers and employees on people-related questions, with sound judgment around when to escalate complex or sensitive matters.
    • Experience designing, implementing, and/or facilitating professional development, employee engagement, or organizational initiatives.
    • Working knowledge of employment practices, HR compliance, and applicable employment law.
    • Experience working in a small, growing, or resource-constrained organization preferred.
• Skills & Competencies:
  • Strong execution and ownership.
  • Process improvement mindset.
  • Data-informed thinking.
  • Communication and facilitation.
  • Judgment and emotional intelligence.
  • Organization and attention to detail.
  • Adaptability and resourcefulness.
  • Relationship building.
  • Equity-centered approach.
  • Commitment to Educational Equity.

Salary

The People Operations Associate/Manager role offers a competitive compensation package ranging from $55,000 to $70,000 (Associate Level) and from $60,000 to $90,000 (Manager Level) commensurate with experience and qualifications. New hires typically start between the range minimum and midpoint. A comprehensive benefits package is also available, including medical, dental, and vision coverage; 401(k) with 4% match (fully vested); professional development support; remote work stipends and equipment; coworking space access; and paid sick leave with flexible vacation.

Team

The People Operations Associate/Manager will join a fast-paced team committed to providing opportunities for students who have historically and systemically been left out of opportunities. This position will report to the Chief Growth Officer. Our organization is 100% remote, with team gatherings throughout the year, and opportunities to travel. Applicants do not need to live in the state of New York.

How to Apply

To be considered for this position, please submit a resume and cover letter on our website. This is a competitive and active national search. You will be notified promptly if you are being considered for this position. Thank you for your interest in propelling opportunities!