Job Description:
Title: HR Director
Base Salary Range: $105,000 – $135,000 (depending on experience)
Benefits Eligible: Yes
Start Date: Flexible
Location: Manhattan, New York City
Work Policy: M-Th in office, Friday in office optional
Company Overview:
EverWonder Studio is a New York–based production company and studio focused on premium documentaries and live sports. We partner with world-class creative partners to build distinctive series, films, and live-event formats. As we grow, we’re building a thoughtful, people-first culture that supports both our internal team and our productions in the field.
Since our founding in 2023, we’ve built an incredible team and the beginnings of a strong culture. We’re looking for an HR Director who is excited to build and own the HR function, while growing with the company over time.
The Role:
The HR Director will be the day-to-day owner of HR at EverWonder Studio — overseeing core people operations for our staff and supporting production HR for our shows. This is a mid-level role with significant responsibility and visibility, ideal for someone who has solid HR experience and is ready to step into running the function with mentorship and support from leadership.
We have the basics in place. This role will enhance what exists and prepare us for a future of growth. You will manage everything from policies and onboarding to benefits and compliance, working closely with leadership and department heads to ensure a consistent, equitable, and legally compliant employee experience.
This role is based in NYC and requires being in the office Monday–Thursday. Fridays are optional in-office.
Key Responsibilities:
People Operations & HR Administration
- Serve as the primary HR point of contact for employees and managers across the company.
- Own and manage TriNet for payroll, employee records, benefits, and HRIS accuracy.
- Manage new hire documentation (offers, onboarding packets, I-9s, background checks where applicable, NDAs, freelance agreements, etc.).
- Oversee offboarding (exit communications, final pay, equipment returns, system access, documentation).
- Maintain accurate, organized employee files and HR records; ensure confidentiality and compliance with applicable laws.
- Policies, Compliance & Employee Relations
- Draft, maintain, and communicate company policies, including updates to the employee handbook as the company grows.
- Monitor compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws (NYC and NYS in particular) and flag risk areas to leadership.
- Serve as a trusted, professional resource for employees and managers on performance, conduct, and conflict-resolution issues, escalating to legal counsel or leadership when appropriate.
- Manage HR-related reporting and documentation in a timely, accurate manner.
Performance & Review Processes
- Enhance, coordinate, and administer the performance review process, including timelines, tools, manager guidance, and communications.
- Support managers in giving clear, constructive feedback and documenting performance conversations.
- Partner with leadership to build career paths, growth frameworks, and promotion criteria as the company scales.
Onboarding, Culture & Engagement
- Own the onboarding experience for new employees and key freelancers: pre-start communications, first-day setup, welcome materials, orientation sessions, and initial check-ins.
- Help maintain and evolve company culture through thoughtful rituals, internal communications, and feedback loops.
- Support planning of internal gatherings, culture initiatives, and recognition programs in partnership with leadership.
Benefits & Payroll / TriNet Management
- Administer employee benefits (health, dental, vision, 401(k), etc.) through TriNet (or similar PEO): enrollments, changes, open enrollment, and employee questions.
- Work with finance and TriNet to ensure payroll is processed accurately and on time, including changes in compensation, bonuses, and contractor payments where applicable.
- Track and manage time off, leaves of absence, and other time-related programs in coordination with managers and finance.
Production HR & Compliance
- Partner with line production management, and legal to ensure production HR is handled properly, including:
- Onboarding processes for production staff and crew (including freelance/short-term hires)
- Required harassment prevention training and other mandated trainings for staff and production teams.
- Compliance with relevant labor laws, including overtime, rest breaks, and other on-set requirements, in partnership with production and legal.
- Help standardize HR practices across productions to create consistency while allowing for project-specific needs.
HR Infrastructure & Continuous Improvement
- Evaluate and improve HR processes, tools, and documentation as the company grows.
- Proactively identify gaps or risks in the people experience and propose solutions.
- Track basic HR metrics (headcount, turnover, time-to-fill, etc.) and provide simple, clear reporting to leadership.
What We’re Looking For
Experience & Skills
- 5–7 years of progressive HR/People experience (generalist, HR manager, or people operations role) in a dynamic and/or high-growth environment.
- Experience owning core HR processes for a small to mid-sized company or a major team/function.
- Familiarity with TriNet or similar PEO/payroll/HRIS platforms.
- Experience with benefits administration, onboarding/offboarding, performance reviews, and HR policy.
- Prior exposure to entertainment, production, media, or creative industries is a strong plus (production HR, crew or freelance-heavy environments, union/non-union familiarity, etc.).
- Comfort working closely with leadership and being the “go-to” person for HR questions.
Traits & Working Style
- Extremely diligent and detail-oriented — you catch inconsistencies and care deeply about getting documentation, dates, and processes right.
- Highly organized, able to manage multiple workflows (staff HR, production HR, benefits, reviews) without dropping balls.
- Professional and discreet, with excellent judgment around sensitive information and employee relations.
- People-oriented and collaborative — you communicate clearly, listen well, and can build trust with employees at every level.
- Proactive and resourceful — you don’t just execute, you suggest improvements and help build the next version of our HR function.
- Comfortable in a fast-moving, entrepreneurial environment where roles evolve and the company is growing.
Work Environment
- Full-time, exempt role based in New York City.
- Expected in the office 4 days per week (Monday–Thursday); Friday in-office is optional.
- Occasional additional time may be required for production support, trainings, or company events.
How to Apply: Please send your resume and a brief note about why you’re excited to build and lead HR at EverWonder Studio to: lisa.greene@everwonder.studio
