Manager, People and Culture
2 days ago
Philadelphia
Job Description Position Title: Manager, People & Culture Department: People & Culture Reports to: VP, People & Culture Position Summary The Manager, People & Culture, plays a key leadership role in delivering comprehensive P&C services for the Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts (POEA). With a primary focus on team member and labor relations, this position also manages core P&C functions including performance management, policy administration, compliance, talent management, and P&C operations. The Manager, P&C serves as a trusted advisor to leaders and team members across artistic, production, technical, and administrative functions. This role balances the complexities of collective bargaining agreements with organizational goals, legal compliance, and the unique workforce demands of a performing arts environment. Responsibilities Employee & Labor Relations (Primary Focus) • Serve as the organization’s primary P&C lead for employee relations in a unionized environment., • Interpret, administer, and ensure consistent application of multiple collective bargaining agreements (CBAs)., • Manage the full grievance process, including intake, investigations, documentation, meetings, resolutions, and arbitration preparation when necessary., • Partner with senior leadership and legal counsel on labor negotiations, contract administration, and post-ratification implementation., • Maintain constructive, professional relationships with union representatives, stewards, and employees., • Conduct prompt, thorough, and impartial investigations related to employee complaints, misconduct, harassment, discrimination, and contract violations., • Prepare clear investigative findings and recommendations aligned with just-cause standards and organizational policies., • Advise managers on progressive discipline, performance improvement plans, and corrective action within a union framework., • Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, including wage and hour, leave laws, and labor regulations., • Partner with payroll and finance to ensure proper classification, pay practices, and contract compliance., • Support reporting, and recordkeeping requirements related to P&C and labor compliance., • Support recruitment, onboarding, and orientation processes for staff in collaboration with hiring managers., • Provide guidance on compensation practices, salary bands, and internal equity within budgetary constraints., • Administer performance review processes and coach managers on goal setting and feedback., • Support employee engagement, retention, and workplace culture initiatives., • Update and implement P&C policies and procedures that align with CBAs, legal requirements, and organizational values., • Deliver training for managers and employees on employee relations, respectful workplace standards, and supervisory best practices., • Serve as a resource to leadership during organizational change, restructuring, or workforce planning initiatives., • Establish and drive critical IDEAS principles to link organizational values to overall enterprise success., • Promote a workplace culture grounded in equity, inclusion, collaboration, and artistic excellence. Knowledge, Skills & Experience Required: • Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Labor Relations, Business Administration, or a related field., • 5–7 years of progressive P&C experience, with significant responsibility in a unionized environment., • Demonstrated experience administering collective bargaining agreements and managing grievances., • Strong knowledge of employment and labor laws (e.g., NLRA, FLSA, Title VII, ADA, state and local laws)., • Proven ability to manage multiple P&C functions simultaneously with sound judgment and discretion., • Strong employee relations and conflict resolution skills., • Excellent written and verbal communication abilities., • High degree of discretion and professionalism with sensitive information., • Ability to navigate complex organizational dynamics and competing priorities., • Experience in a non-profit, performing arts, cultural, or similarly complex workforce environment., • HR Certification or educational equivalent, • Experience supporting multiple bargaining units or unions. Work Environment & Schedule Work Environment and Requirements • This position is based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with an onsite/remote schedule as determined by organizational policy and business needs., • Routine office environment with extended periods of computer and desk work; ability to navigate performance and event venues as needed. Work takes place across office, rehearsal, production, and performance settings., • Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed to support performances and employee relations needs. About The Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts Philly The Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts Philly (POEA) bring together one of the world’s preeminent orchestras with the iconic venues that have anchored Philadelphia’s cultural life for nearly 170 years. As owner and operator of the Academy of Music, Miller Theater, and the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, and the programming partner for the historic Forrest Theatre, POEA serves as a cornerstone of the city’s artistic and civic identity, welcoming one million people annually to a vibrant constellation of stages across Center City. Representing both the world-renowned Philadelphia Orchestra and a dynamic roster of resident partners and visiting artists, POEA presents more than one-thousand events annually that represent a wide range of programming, including Broadway, classical, comedy, theater, jazz, dance, and family presentations, reflecting and serving the breadth of the region’s communities. Through innovative programming, robust educational initiatives, deep commitment to diverse communities, and expanding digital platforms, POEA acts as a convener and civic partner—bringing people together, fostering dialogue, and creating an expansive, inclusive future for the arts in Philadelphia and beyond. The Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are considered for employment without attention to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ethnicity, veteran or disability status. Employees are expected to be able to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this position, with or without job modification/reasonable accommodation. If an employee believes a job modification/reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact Human Resources so that a review can be conducted. POEA strives to comply with the accommodation provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, and other related federal, state, and local laws.