Part-time People Manager

About Pardon

Optimism is a venture studio creating media brands that transform how people see the world. As a team of creative entrepreneurs, we develop and launch ventures that foster community, encourage new ways of thinking, and create the context for positive change to occur. Our ventures are focused on art and wellness, all of which spark wonder and curiosity and are enjoyed by millions of readers every day.

Role Overview

The People Manager will be the go-to person for people-related initiatives and operations. This is a part-time, hands-on role where you’ll partner closely with leadership to maintain a strong employee experience, ensure HR compliance, and support cultural initiatives that make Optimism an exceptional place to work.

Requirements

People Operations & HR

• Maintain HR systems, processes, and compliance documentation.
• Support employee relations, policies, and performance management in partnership with leadership.
Manage payroll and benefits administration with finance partners.

Recruiting & Onboarding (Priority Roles)

• Partner with hiring managers to support key recruiting needs.
Coordinate and oversee the onboarding process for new hires.

Culture & Engagement

• Support cultural initiatives that align with our values and mission.
Help organize employee engagement opportunities and feedback mechanisms.

Offboarding

Ensure professional, compliant offboarding processes.

What You Bring

• 4+ years of experience in People Operations, HR, or related roles.
• Proven experience with recruiting and HR compliance in small to mid-sized organizations.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a collaborative mindset.
Ability to balance strategic thinking with day-to-day HR execution.

Benefits

Working here means:

• Collaborating with a small, high-performing team with a strong track record of success
• Having a voice in shaping early-stage ventures that prioritize meaning, impact, and growth
• Getting access to a thoughtful and ambitious network of founders, creatives, and investors
• Working in a fast-moving environment where smart ideas can become real things quickly
• Flexibility in location, schedule, and role structure for the right candidate