People and Culture Associate

UJA-Federation of New York is the largest local philanthropy in the world. For more than 100 years, we’ve brought New Yorkers together to solve some of the most pressing problems facing our community. Thanks to our network of hundreds of non-profits, we can leverage our expertise across any number of areas — including health and human services, arts and culture, and education — to care for Jews everywhere and New Yorkers of all backgrounds, respond to crises close to home and far away, and shape our Jewish future. Our reach extends from New York to Israel to nearly 70 other countries around the world, touching 4.5 million people each year.

Join a mission-based organization committed to caring for Jews everywhere and New Yorkers of all backgrounds, responding to crises near and far, and shaping the Jewish future. As the People and Culture Associate at UJA, you will join a team responsible for fostering a culture that thrives on connection, belonging, and collaboration. This is an incredible opportunity to work on meaningful initiatives, drive employee engagement, and make a real impact on our organizational culture and HR operations.

Key Responsibilities:

• • Plan and coordinate vibrant employee programs that honor and celebrate our diversity and culture—Yom Hashoah, Yom Ha’atzmaut, MLK Day, LGBTQ events, Women’s History Month, Purim, Hanukkah, and more. You will also bring “Bring Your Child to Work Day” and the annual flu vaccination program to life with fun and thoughtful details. Craft and design communications that make staff programs exciting, accessible, and inviting.
  • Lead a welcoming and seamless onboarding experience—from I-9 verification and pre-employment steps to Nixel updates and new hire paperwork—ensuring every new team member feels supported from day one. Handle offboarding with care and professionalism, creating a smooth transition for departing employees.
  • Manage and input key employee data—new hires, terminations, transfers, promotions, salary changes, and eyeglass reimbursements—into the HR system with precision, ensuring every detail is accurate and up to date to support a seamless employee experience.
  • Collaborate with payroll to ensure all salary and employee changes are processed correctly and on time.
  • Assist with the time and attendance process to ensure accuracy and efficiency.
  • Work closely with the VP of People and Culture on staff events, including staff recognition initiatives and summer celebrations.
  • Build meaningful relationships across departments to drive communication, collaboration, and cultural growth.
  • Stay on top of employment laws and organizational policies to ensure we are always in compliance.
  • Respond promptly and thoughtfully to employee inquiries.
  • Prepare employment verification letters and respond to external verification requests with efficiency and professionalism.
  • Take on special projects as assigned by the VP of People and Culture, contributing creativity and initiative.

Qualifications & Competencies:

• • Education: Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree is a plus.
  • Experience: 2+ years of HR experience, familiarity with UKG or other HR technology systems.
  • Communication Skills: Stellar verbal and written communication skills and a collaborative team player.
  • Project Management: Strong organizational and project management skills—juggling deadlines is no problem for you.
  • Confidentiality: You handle sensitive information with the utmost discretion.
  • Relationship Builder: Comfortable working with a variety of people and groups, you are approachable, empathetic, and authentic.
  • Jewish Holidays Knowledge: A strong understanding of the meaning and traditions behind Jewish holidays is essential.
  • Creative & Initiative-Driven: You bring fresh ideas to the table and think creatively.

The salary range for this role is $65,000 to $70,000; commensurate with experience and qualifications listed above.

Great Perks. Because We Appreciate Great Employees.

TIME OFF

We offer a generous number of vacation days and have the Jewish holidays off as well. Fridays our offices close early (October to March at 3:00 pm and April to September at 4:00 pm). All so you can relax and recharge.

HYBRID MODEL

We’re operating on a hybrid work model: three set days in the office and two days remote. So enjoy the best of both worlds — the comforts of home and the energy of the office.

HEALTH CARE

UJA provides a top-tier medical and dental plan, along with a flexible spending account. We also offer life insurance. And for a small cost you can take part in on-site yoga and exercise classes at our Manhattan office. Wellness matters to us.

PLANNING FOR RETIREMENT

UJA employees can enroll in a pension plan and tax deferred annuity.

CAREER DEVELOPMENT

Classes, workshops, and compelling speakers will keep you at the top of your game.

COMMUNITY

We come together as a staff to commemorate holidays (from Rosh Hashanah to MLK Day), volunteer at nonprofits, and celebrate our accomplishments together. (Our chocolate chip cookies are legendary!)

SOME MORE (YES, MORE!)

We also offer a backup childcare program. And a commuter benefit plan. So, you can get to work and feel good about it.