Human Resources Manager

Human Resources Manager

Position Summary

The African American Policy Forum (AAPF) seeks an experienced and mission-driven Human Resources Manager to elevate our talent management, employee relations, and HR operations. AAPF is a social justice think tank dedicated to advancing racial and gender justice by connecting scholars, activists, and policymakers to dismantle structural inequalities. Co-founded in 1996 by Dr. Kimberlé Crenshaw and Luke Harris, AAPF develops transformative frameworks and strategies that address the intersections of race, gender, and other systemic barriers.

AAPF’s impact spans groundbreaking initiatives such as the Say Her Name campaign, which brings visibility to Black women affected by police violence, and efforts to resist widespread attacks on racial and gender justice education. As we continue to expand, we seek an HR leader who will cultivate a diverse, high-performing, and values-driven workplace.

The Human Resources Manager will play a key role in recruiting top talent, fostering an inclusive organizational culture, ensuring compliance with labor laws, overseeing payroll and benefits administration, and supporting employee development. Reporting to the Vice President, People and Culture, this individual will work closely with leadership to implement HR best practices that align with AAPF’s mission. The hybrid position is based in our New York City office. This hybrid position follows a three-day in-office, two-day remote work schedule, with Mondays and Fridays as remote workdays.

The ideal candidate has at least five years of HR experience—preferably in a nonprofit setting—and deep knowledge of DEI-focused talent management, employee relations, and HR operations. SHRM or HCI certification is preferred. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of AAPF’s workforce and contribute to the broader movement for justice and equity.

Key Responsibilities

Talent Acquisition & Recruitment

• • Develop and implement recruitment strategies to attract diverse and mission-aligned talent.
  • Manage the full-cycle recruitment process, including job postings, interviews, reference checks, and onboarding.
  • Partner with hiring managers to assess staffing needs and ensure equitable hiring practices.
  • Maintain relationships with external recruitment partners, academic institutions, and professional networks.

Employee Relations & Culture

• • Serve as a trusted advisor to employees and leadership on HR policies, conflict resolution, and workplace concerns.
  • Promote a culture of inclusivity, engagement, and professional growth through staff development initiatives.
  • Design and facilitate DEI-focused training programs to support AAPF’s commitment to racial and gender justice.
  • Conduct employee check-ins and manage feedback processes to enhance workplace satisfaction.

HR Operations & Talent Administration

• • Oversee payroll processing and benefits administration, ensuring accuracy and compliance with labor laws.
  • Manage HRIS systems (Rippling), personnel records, and compliance with employment regulations.
  • Develop and update HR policies in alignment with nonprofit best practices and AAPF’s values.
  • Support performance management processes, including goal setting, evaluations, and professional development.

Organizational Development & Compliance

• • Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local labor laws, including workplace safety and reporting requirements.
  • Lead initiatives to improve HR processes, employee engagement, and retention strategies.
  • Assist in workforce planning and organizational development to support AAPF’s long-term strategic goals.
  • Maintain and analyze HR metrics to inform decision-making and policy improvements.

Qualifications & Experience

• • A minimum of 5 years of HR experience, preferably in a nonprofit organization.
  • Professional certification such as SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, or HCI certification preferred.
  • Strong knowledge of HR best practices, labor laws, and talent management strategies.
  • Experience with HRIS, payroll systems, and benefits administration.
  • Excellent interpersonal, problem-solving, and conflict-resolution skills.
  • Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice in the workplace.

Compensation & Benefits

The salary for this position is $75,000-$85,000 including health insurance, retirement plan options, generous PTO, and professional development opportunities.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter detailing their experience and alignment with AAPF’s mission to Julian.Jackson@aapf.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

AAPF is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply.