People Operations Specialist

Job Title: People Operations Specialist

Position Summary:
The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research ("the Foundation") is seeking top talent for its People Operations Specialist position.  Reporting to the Director of People Operations, this position is responsible for the day-to-day administration of People Operations, including employee lifecycle administration, HRIS data management, benefits, retirement and leave administration, payroll coordination, and HR compliance activities. This role ensures accurate processing, regulatory compliance, and positive employee experience by serving as a key operational partner to employees, managers, Finance, and external vendors, including the organization’s Professional Employer Organization (PEO). 

This is a hybrid-flex position that will require in-person attendance at The Michael J. Fox Foundation’s headquarters in New York City.

Key Responsibilities:

Employee Lifecycle System Administration (30%) 

• Manage employee data in PEO and internal systems, ensuring accuracy of records related to personnel changes, compensation updates, and terminations 

• Manage People Operations inbox and respond to employee inquiries 

• Manage time and attendance administration for non-exempt employees including auditing of accurate timekeeping to ensure timely payroll processing 

• Manage offboarding activities such as exit interviews, exiting payroll information, coordination of system shutdown and return of equipment, and termination processing in PEO 

• Partner with People Operations team to continuously improve HR operational workflows 

• Generate HR reports for internal use, audits, and compliance needs 

• Provide back-up support on recruitment administration, as needed 

 

Leave Coordination (25%) 

• Manage and coordinate the administration of employee leave programs in partnership with our PEO and leave management partner, including FMLA, state and local leaves, medical, parental, and personal leaves 

• Process and track leave requests in compliance with organizational policy and applicable laws 

• Manage and maintain accurate leave data in HRIS and partner systems 

• Respond to employee and manager inquiries regarding leave process, status, and other related internal policies 

• Audit leave and payroll data to ensure accuracy before, during, and after leave periods 

 

Benefits Administration (15%) 

• Manage and maintain the employee benefits site ensuring content is accurate, current, and accessible in partnership with Employee Experience team 

• Update, post, and share benefits-related information, policies, and resources as needed throughout the year 

• Coordinate the organization’s 401(k) retirement plan, including enrollments, contribution changes, and loan and hardship withdrawals. Collaborate with internal team members and external partners on education, audits and annual compliance requirements. 

• Maintain accurate retirement and benefits-related records in HRIS and partner systems 

• Partner with the PEO on benefits-related escalations as needed (medical, dental, vision, and related benefits administered by the PEO) 

 

Payroll Coordination & Finance Partnership (15%) 

• Partner closely with Finance and payroll partners to support accurate and timely payroll processing, including support on payroll audits and reconciliations related to retirement contributions, leave, and employee changes 

• Communicate and document payroll-impacting changes, including new hires, salary changes, promotions, bonuses, and 401(k) elections 

• Manage and maintain staffing updates to be shared with Finance and leadership for organizational changes  

 

Compliance & Policy Administration (15%) 

• In partnership with PEO, manage HR compliance activities including but not limited to required employee notices, opening and managing state specific employer accounts and required documentation as needed 

• Maintain HR policies and procedures and employee guidebook changes in alignment with federal, state, and local regulations 

• Manage and track required compliance training 

• Ensure accurate recordkeeping and document retention in accordance with regulatory requirements 

Qualifications & Skills:

• Significant knowledge and experience in HR operations 

• Familiarity with multi-state employment requirements 

• Working knowledge of HR compliance and employment regulations 

• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities 

• High level of discretion when handling confidential information 

• Strong written and interpersonal communications skills 

• Customer service orientated and collaborative mindset 

• Experience with HRIS and Microsoft products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Teams, Outlook). Familiarity with Lattice and Greenhouse preferred 

 

 

How to Apply: 
Interested candidates should submit a resume and thoughtful cover letter describing through examples, their specific qualifications and interest in the position. If you think that your skills are transferable and can add value to this role, please apply. Applicants who best match the position’s needs will be contacted. 

 
About Us: 
The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research was founded in 2000 with one clear objective: accelerating meaningful therapeutic advances and, ultimately, a cure for Parkinson’s disease (PD). The Foundation applies extraordinary scientific, business and media assets to this singular focus—thus creating a unique and dynamic organization. Since inception, MJFF has quickly grown into the largest nonprofit funder of Parkinson’s disease research, having funded over $2 billion in research projects in both academic and industry labs worldwide. 

Visit www.michaeljfox.org for more information. 

 
  Research has shown that people from marginalized communities apply to roles only when they meet 100% of the job requirements. If you think that your skills are transferable and can add value to this role, and you are someone who will contribute to our efforts to build and support a diverse, equitable and inclusive workforce, we strongly encourage you to apply.