POSITION OVERVIEW

The Manager, Human Resources (Admin) serves as a critical operational link between Human Resources and Finance, with the primary responsibility of managing the accuracy and execution of bi-weekly payroll processes. The position ensures seamless data transfer from the applicant tracking system (ATS) to the human resources information system (HRIS), including verifying and manually entering key employment data, reconciling discrepancies, and coordinating with vendor representatives to resolve integration or compliance issues in real time.

The role requires strong attention to detail and data integrity, particularly in overseeing I-9 documentation, onboarding and offboarding compliance, and employee record audits to meet federal and state requirements. In addition to payroll and system oversight, the role functions in a generalist capacity to support the organization’s wellness program, and the time and attendance system to ensure accurate tracking, reconciliation, auditing of time and leave data, and ensuring compliance with applicable labor laws and internal policy.

Working closely under the Assistant Director, Human Resources & Administration, the Manager, Human Resources Administration also provides frontline support and guidance to employees and supervisors on timekeeping best practices, paid time off policies, and process improvements, with a focus on promoting consistency and compliance across a multi-state workforce.

This full-time position will be based out of the greater Boulder, CO; Los Angeles, CA; New York, NY; or Salt Lake City, UT areas in order to collaborate onsite in a hybrid capacity throughout the year with opportunities for day-to-day work to be performed remotely. Preference will be given to candidates based in the greater Boulder and Los Angeles areas. Extended hours, including evenings and weekends will be required at key points throughout the year. Occasional travel to other hubs and events may also be required.

Top priorities include but are not limited to…

• Acting as a primary contact for the HRIS Account Manager (ADP Workforce Now) on addressing issues that arise (i.e. file feed connections), payroll, time and attendance, and communicating timely updates to internal key stakeholders.

• Maintaining general information within the HRIS, including the home page, HR documents, employee personnel files, building a variety of reports and queries as requested, and building workflows to enhance efficiency and resolve issues as they arise.

• Managing all new hire/rehire paperwork and employee notices to ensure federal and state compliance and leading the weekly/bi-weekly onboarding process which includes employee database maintenance prior to payroll deadlines.

• Managing I-9 verifications and compliance with employee information changes, and onboarding process audits.

• Managing bi-weekly payroll with the Finance Department, including resolving timecard inaccuracies, tracking position status, title, pay, and benefit changes for processing throughout the employment cycle, and tracking infractions.

• Documenting and maintaining administrative procedures for all payroll and time and attendance processes, including tracking infractions.

• Working with fellow team members to review and update new employee orientation content, compliance training to ensure accuracy of information, and tracking completions.

• Managing the exit process for seasonal and year-round employees, including conducting exit interviews, completing state required exit paperwork, annually creating experience surveys, analyzing data, presenting learnings, and proposing strategic plans for improvement.

• Managing processes related to unemployment, including insurance verifications, notices, and appeals for departed employees and maintaining online accounts with state unemployment insurance departments.

• Processing all annual federal and state reporting and managing key deadlines.

• Hiring, training, and supervising seasonal employees as needed, delegating appropriate work, and providing direction, feedback, and support.

• Routinely reviewing general HR processes and policies to ensure efficiency, legal compliance, consistency in application, content, and recommending improvements.

• Advising employees and supervisors on Institute policies and procedures, federal and state regulations, and effective problem resolution, serving as a confidential sounding board and guidance on disciplinary action processes.

• Developing and implementing wellness initiatives designed to reduce health risk, medical costs, and encourage healthy lifestyles.

• Partnering with the Corporate Partnership team to collaborate with Festival specific sponsors and Assistant Director, HR & Admin to plan on-the-ground wellness initiatives and activities for remote and hybrid employees.

• Supporting the Manager, Administration in efforts to enhance employee appreciation, recognition, and engagement, virtually and in-person, across the organization.

• Continually analyzing and researching health, wellness, and employee engagement programs to contribute to effective and competitive benefits and company perks that align with our mission, culture, and employee population.

You have the following direct or transferable skill sets:

• 3 years Human Resources generalist experience, preferably in payroll, onboarding, and benefits.

• Understanding of employment compliance and regulatory environments, including relevant country statutory employment requirements, common work authorization and immigration practices, and social insurances.

• Skilled in project management including the ability to manage and prioritize to meet simultaneous deadlines.

• Exceptional verbal and written communication for clear stakeholder updates and documentation, coupled with meticulous attention to detail in data entry and quality assurance

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and remain impartial.

• Ability to operate independently where appropriate, resolve complex problems, and understand when to escalate issues.

• Strong leadership skills, including experience supervising employees in-person and remotely.

• Strong analytical skills and ability to work on basic processes as well as strategic initiatives.

• Knowledge of HR information systems, ADP Workforce Now preferred, a basic understanding of database systems, and ability to conduct research.

• Professional in Human Resources (PHR) or equivalent certification preferred.

• Working knowledge of and proficiency in Google products preferred.

• Valid driver’s license and successful completion of MVR background check preferred.

• Legal authorization to work in the United States.

You will be successful in this role if you...

• Cultivate strong and positive relationships with employees at all levels of the organization to provide understanding of federal and state employment regulations.

• Manage complex projects simultaneously in order to meet deadlines.

• Ensure a robust and effective employee onboarding program, partnering with the HR Talent team to continually refine and assess its effectiveness and ensure federal, state, and local compliance.

• Obtain higher participation rates in employee wellness, appreciation, and engagement initiatives across all hub locations, fostering a sense of community and belonging among employees.

In addition to an annual salary of $54,000.00 to $75,000.00*, this position** is eligible for our comprehensive benefits package, highlights include:

• Health, vision, and dental insurance

• 25 paid Institute holidays plus accrued vacation time

• Paid sick, family, and medical leave

• Employee Wellness initiatives

• 401(k) with automatic 3% employer contribution after one year of employment

• Sundance Film Festival passes and benefits (varies each year)

*Final rate of pay is determined based on the applicant's geographic location, relevant experience and skills, and internal equity among similar positions within our organization.

**Applications open 2/9/2026 and will be accepted for at least one week