Are you an organized, people-centered operations professional who thrives in environments where clarity, consistency, and culture matter? Strategic Association Management (SAM) is seeking a HR & People Operations Manager to help deliver a seamless, values-aligned employee experience across the organization.

In this role, you will serve as the operational backbone of SAM's People & Culture function. This role is responsible for executing HR processes, managing systems, coordinating benefits and performance workflows, and supporting organization-wide engagement efforts. This position ensures SAM's people operations run smoothly while partnering closely with our President & CXO and our outsourced HR Advisor, who provides HR strategic oversight, compliance and risk guidance.

The ideal candidate is a detail-driven, relationship-oriented professional who brings clarity, consistency, and a warm presence to the employee experience. If you excel at building structure, coordinating details, and supporting a positive workplace culture, this role offers an opportunity to make a significant impact at a growing, mission-driven company.

JOB TITLE: HR & People Operations Manager

SALARY RANGE: $60,000-$73,000

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

REPORTS TO: Head of People & Culture (President & CXO)

LOCATION: Hybrid (Austin area required for in-person onboarding and culture initiatives)

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

HR Operations & Systems

• Create, maintain and organize HR workflows, checklists, templates, forms, and process documentation
• Maintain the HRIS, ATS and other employee records, templates, and process documentation

Talent Acquisition Support

• Manage the operational aspects of recruiting, including posting roles, facilitating candidate communications, scheduling interviews, and supporting managers in moving candidates through the hiring process
• Support hiring managers by ensuring they have clear guidance, consistent templates, and reliable timelines
• Prepare offer letters, onboarding packets, and administrative HR documents

Onboarding & Offboarding (In-Person Required)

• Lead new employee onboarding and organize team members to facilitate 30/60/90-day milestones
• Work with Office Operations Specialist to coordinate technology, access, equipment, and communications for new hires
• Manage offboarding process including communication, documentation, and access removal

Employee Support

• Initial point of contact for day-to-day employee support (policies, benefits, employee relations)
• Administer company-wide PTO process
• Manage non-exempt employee time tracking and overtime process
• Provide support for internal and external professional development logistics
• Facilitate remote employee processes (policies, travel)
• Coordinate companywide communications plan around new hires, promotions, terminations

Benefits & Total Rewards Administration

• Coordinate day-to-day benefits administration, provide enrollment support, and respond to routine employee questions
• Facilitate engagement with the Total Rewards incentives promotion, implementation and tracking
• Communicate and ensure payroll updates tied to benefits, compensation, and employment status are complete
• Support open enrollment and new hire enrollment logistics in benefit plans
• Assist HR Advisor in management of relationships with external benefit brokers and providers (Insurance, 401K, etc.)

Performance & Development Support (Administrative)

• Coordinate the logistical aspects of Quarterly Conversations and Annual Review cycles, including scheduling reminders, ensuring documentation is completed, and tracking follow-up items
• Support administration of KSA assessments and upkeep of performance-related templates and forms
• Prepare materials, slides, communications, and attendance tracking for manager and staff training sessions
• Maintain organized records of training participation, certifications, awards and identified development areas

Culture, Engagement & Internal Communications

• Facilitate coordination and logistics for company engagement and culture building activities - staff events, retreats, social activities, recognition programs, and community impact activities
• Coordinate employee surveys and support follow-up tracking and communications

Policy & Process Adherence

• Maintain SAM's internal HR process documentation and ensure alignment with the SAM Employee Handbook
• Implement and communicate policy updates provided by the outsourced HR Advisor
• Track compliance-related internal actions such as acknowledgements

Collaboration with Outsourced HR Advisor

• Partner with the advisor on compliance updates, policy revisions, sensitive employee issues, and benefits or compensation guidance
• Implement advisor-recommended changes into SAM systems, templates, and workflows
• Coordinate documentation and scheduling for escalated HR matters

Note: Coaching managers, complex employee relations, conflict resolution, and sensitive HR decision-making are managed by the Head of People & Culture and Outsourced HR Advisor, not this position.

EXPERIENCE & SKILLS

Required

• 5+ years' experience in managing HR functions, People Operations, or related roles
• HRIS and ATS experience, along with basic HR compliance concepts
• Strong organizational and project management skills with high attention to detail
• Ability to bring clarity to complex systems and processes
• Warm, professional communication style; strong follow-through
• Experience managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and proficiency with a variety of computer/technology tools; preferably with Zoom and Mac OS (SAM is a Mac environment)

Preferred

• HR certified or demonstrated trainings
• Experience in professional services, nonprofit, or multi-client environment
• Experience coordinating training, staff events, and/or culture programs
• Familiarity with Texas and federal employment regulations
• Comfort working alongside executive leadership

EMPLOYEE EXPERIENCE

• The SAM staff team and culture reflects passionate individuals who create meaningful experiences through engaging and creative service and by honoring a diversity of thought and experience.
• Our values are defined by the active way in which we work to achieve them. In everything we do, it's critical that we consider the ways in which we: Build Trust, Seek Clarity, Stay Curious, Practice Empathy and Champion Growth. LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR CORE VALUES.
• SAM is committed to creating and maintaining an employee experience that provides meaningful recognition and incentives, fosters inclusivity and belonging, and ensures professional and personal development and growth.
• The SAM Total Rewards program represents a robust, employee-driven engagement and incentive our program that intentionally addresses seven key elements that make up the comprehensive employee experience: Compensation, Benefits, Well-Being, Development and Support, Community Impact, Work Environment and Resources, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. LEARN MORE ABOUT SAM TOTAL REWARDS.

Strategic Association Management (SAM) is an association management company (AMC) providing professional management services for a diverse array of organizations. An AMC provides creative staffing, strategic and administrative solutions for association and non-profit organizations. At SAM, a team of experienced professionals takes care of day-to-day operations-increasing efficiency and enabling scalability-so volunteers are empowered to pursue their organization's mission. Through long-term partnerships, our clients experience organizational sustainability, growth and, ultimately, transformation.

SAM will provide equal opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment regardless of actual or perceived race, color, national origin, citizenship status, age, religion, disability, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other category protected by applicable law.