HR & Employee Experience Manager

Department: Operations
Reports To: Chief Operations Officer

About Science Central:

Science Central is a dynamic, hands-on science center serving Northeast Indiana. Our mission is to inspire curiosity and lifelong learning through interactive science experiences for children, families, and schools.

We are currently in a catalyst year of change, focused on strengthening internal systems, stabilizing infrastructure, and building a strong foundation for long-term growth. As we refine operations and invest in organizational health, we are seeking a strong HR professional who can help build structure, ensure compliance, and support a positive employee experience during this important season of organizational strengthening.

Position Summary:

The HR & Employee Experience Manager serves as the organization’s primary human resources professional and is responsible for independently managing day-to-day HR operations. This role ensures payroll coordination, benefits administration, compliance tracking, onboarding, performance processes, and employee support are handled accurately and consistently.

Reporting to the Director of Operations, this position plays a critical role in strengthening people systems, supporting supervisors, and maintaining a compliant, organized, and people-centered workplace. The ideal candidate is confident operating independently, demonstrates strong judgment, and brings practical experience in payroll, compliance, and employee relations.

Key Responsibilities:

Human Resource Operations & Compliance

• Serve as the primary HR resource for the organization
• Oversee and coordinate payroll processing, ensuring accuracy and timely tax compliance
• Maintain and track PTO balances and employee records
• Manage benefits administration, including employee enrollment, eligibility tracking, and ongoing support
• Serve as primary liaison with group insurance providers and brokers to ensure accurate coverage, timely renewals, compliance, and resolution of benefit-related issues
• Coordinate annual benefits renewal process and assist in evaluating plan options in partnership with leadership
• Coordinate FMLA and other leave processes in compliance with employment laws
• Maintain personnel files and required documentation
• Ensure compliance with employment regulations including FMLA, ADA, COBRA, and wage and hour laws
• Track required postings and compliance deadlines
• Maintain employee handbook and HR reference materials
• Handle sensitive employee matters with discretion and professionalism
• Partner with the COO to assess, recommend, and support the implementation of HR and people-management software solutions that strengthen organizational infrastructure and long-term operational efficiency

Talent Acquisition & Onboarding

• Post open positions across appropriate platforms
• Screen candidates and coordinate interviews
• Manage onboarding from offer acceptance through the first 90 days
• Ensure completion of required employment documentation
• Maintain structured onboarding and offboarding processes
• Develop and manage partnerships with local colleges, universities, and educational institutions to create and oversee internship and work-study opportunities
• Coordinate internship and work-study placements, ensuring compliance with institutional requirements and providing a structured, meaningful learning experience
• Performance & Employee Relations
• Support and track performance review processes
• Assist supervisors with documentation of performance conversations
• Coordinate performance improvement plans as needed
• Serve as a confidential and neutral resource for employees
• Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, and respect
• Training & Development
• Track required employee trainings and certifications
• Coordinate internal training initiatives
• Maintain training documentation within HR systems

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, Communications, or related field preferred
• Minimum of 3 years of progressive Human Resources experience required
• Direct experience managing or overseeing payroll processing required
• Demonstrated experience handling employee relations matters independently
• Working knowledge of employment laws, including FMLA, ADA, COBRA, and wage and hour regulations
• Experience managing benefits administration and HRIS systems
• Strong proficiency in Google Workspace; familiarity with Microsoft Office preferred
• Ability to handle highly sensitive information with integrity and discretion
• Demonstrated ability to operate independently and exercise sound judgment
• Strong organizational and documentation skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

This is a full-time, exempt position. The role operates in a hybrid work environment aligned with operational needs. On-site presence is required for onboarding, payroll coordination, employee support, and other key organizational responsibilities.

SCHEDULE: Full time

Pay: $40,000.00 - $55,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

License/Certification:

• SHRM Certified Professional (Preferred)
• HRM Certificate (Preferred)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Fort Wayne, IN 46805