What are the responsibilities and job description for the Manager of People Relations position at Goodwill Industries of Greater New York and Northern New Jersey?
Goodwill Greater New York and Northern New Jersey (GWNYNJ) believes that the power of work and sustainable fashion is how we unlock the good in our communities. For over 100 years, we have helped people get jobs, stay employed, and progress in careers across New York and Northern New Jersey. We believe that diversity drives innovation and strengthens our workplace. We are committed to fostering our inclusive environment where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute fully. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, identities, experiences, and abilities.
Position Summary
The Manager of People Relations is a trusted partner and culture champion who ensures that Goodwill NYNJ’s people practices reflect our mission, values, and commitment to equity. This role leads employee relations across a diverse, multi-site workforce spanning retail, social services, and administrative functions. Reporting to the Director of People Experience and sitting on the People & Culture team, this role provides guidance, coaching, and solutions that support a positive employee experience, reduce risk, and strengthen organizational effectiveness.
This leader balances empathy with accountability, supports managers in navigating complex workplace issues, and helps build a respectful, inclusive environment where employees can do their best work in service of our mission.
Key Responsibilities
Employee Relations Leadership
Required
We believe in creating space for everyone to do their best work and have individual and collective impact. We believe in challenging the status quo and setting ambitious goals in the name of doing more good. We believe that being your best self and helping others do the same is how we bring our mission alive. Even if you don’t think you meet all the qualifications listed for the job, we would love to hear from you!
If you require a reasonable accommodation at any point in the application or interview process, or if you are unable to apply through our recruitment portal, please contact us at humanresources@goodwillny.org. We are happy to assist and ensure you have an equal opportunity to apply.
Position Summary
The Manager of People Relations is a trusted partner and culture champion who ensures that Goodwill NYNJ’s people practices reflect our mission, values, and commitment to equity. This role leads employee relations across a diverse, multi-site workforce spanning retail, social services, and administrative functions. Reporting to the Director of People Experience and sitting on the People & Culture team, this role provides guidance, coaching, and solutions that support a positive employee experience, reduce risk, and strengthen organizational effectiveness.
This leader balances empathy with accountability, supports managers in navigating complex workplace issues, and helps build a respectful, inclusive environment where employees can do their best work in service of our mission.
Key Responsibilities
Employee Relations Leadership
- Serve as the primary point of contact for employee relations, leave and accommodation matters across retail stores, program sites, and administrative departments.
- Conduct fair, thorough, and timely investigations into workplace concerns, including conduct issues, performance matters, policy violations, and complaints.
- Provide coaching and guidance to managers and supervisors on conflict resolution, performance management, and effective communication.
- Partner with People & Culture leadership to ensure consistent application of policies and practices across all business lines.
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, as well as internal policies and collective bargaining agreements (where applicable).
- Identify trends in employee relations issues and recommend proactive solutions, training, or policy updates.
- Maintain accurate documentation and case management records to support transparency and organizational learning.
- Oversee the administration of employee leave and workplace accommodation programs, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations (including FMLA, ADA, and applicable paid leave laws).
- Manage the end-to-end process for leave requests and accommodations, partnering with employees, managers, and external vendors to ensure timely, consistent, and empathetic support.
- Monitor trends, ensure policy adherence, and drive process improvements to enhance the employee experience and operational efficiency.
- Promote a people-centered, mission-driven culture that reflects Goodwill’s values of respect, integrity, learning, and community impact.
- Support initiatives that strengthen employee engagement, belonging, and trust across a geographically dispersed workforce.
- Help managers connect day-to-day decisions to Goodwill’s mission and the needs of the individuals and communities we serve.
- Build strong relationships with leaders in retail operations, mission services programs, and administrative departments.
- Understand the unique needs of each business line—fast-paced retail environments, compliance-driven social services, and office-based functions—and tailor guidance accordingly.
- Serve as a thought partner in shaping a consistent, equitable staff experience across all Goodwill NYNJ locations.
Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Social Work, or related field—or equivalent experience.
- 5 years of progressive HR or employee relations experience, preferably in a multi-site or frontline workforce environment.
- Strong knowledge of employment laws, leave and accommodation process and best practices.
- Demonstrated ability to conduct sensitive investigations with discretion, fairness, and professionalism.
- Excellent communication, coaching, and relationship-building skills.
- Ability to travel regularly to retail stores and program sites across NYC and Northern NJ.
- Experience in nonprofit, social services, retail, or unionized environments.
- HR certification (PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP/SCP).
- Bilingual skills (English/Spanish or English/ASL).
We believe in creating space for everyone to do their best work and have individual and collective impact. We believe in challenging the status quo and setting ambitious goals in the name of doing more good. We believe that being your best self and helping others do the same is how we bring our mission alive. Even if you don’t think you meet all the qualifications listed for the job, we would love to hear from you!
If you require a reasonable accommodation at any point in the application or interview process, or if you are unable to apply through our recruitment portal, please contact us at humanresources@goodwillny.org. We are happy to assist and ensure you have an equal opportunity to apply.