People and Culture Coordinator

People And Culture Coordinator

The Neighborhood Defender Service of Harlem (NDS) is a community-based, client-centered, holistic public defense office located in Harlem, providing criminal, civil, and family representation to residents of Northern Manhattan who cannot afford to hire a lawyer. NDS clients are represented by multidisciplinary teams including attorneys, advocates, team administrators, and social workers. NDS is accepting applications for a People and Culture Coordinator, that will support all of NDS's core practices.

As part of NDS Harlem's national infrastructure, the People and Culture Coordinator, Harlem plays a key role in shaping employee experience and strengthening organizational culture. This role bridges local, national, and external HR efforts by working closely with the Chief Administrative Officer, People and Culture colleagues in other offices, and the external HR firm that manages payroll, compliance, and process functions.

In Harlem, the People and Culture Lead support staff by combining essential HR functions with initiatives that reflect NDS's values while supporting equity, dignity, and inclusion. This people-facing role balances recruitment, onboarding, professional development, and performance management with efforts that foster engagement, wellbeing, and connection. By weaving NDS's values into daily operations and staff experiences, the Generalist helps create a workplace culture in Harlem that is positive, equitable, and accountable while also contributing to shared efforts across the organization.

Responsibilities

Strategic Talent Management

• Partner with hiring managers, the HR outsourcing partner, and Harlem leadership to oversee recruitment, onboarding, and orientation processes that reflect NDS's values and priorities.
• Support learning and development initiatives by coordinating training opportunities, leadership development programs, and skills-building workshops for Harlem staff.
• Manage annual performance management cycles, including goal setting, reviews, feedback processes, and coaching support for managers.

Fostering a Positive Workplace Culture

Operational & Strategic HR Support

Qualifications

Skills & Qualifications

Work Environment

This is a hybrid role based in Harlem. The People and Culture Lead is expected to work in the office 23 days per week, or as needed, to support in-person onboarding, staff engagement activities, grievance processes, and other face-to-face responsibilities essential to building a strong workplace culture.

Compensation

Compensation is commensurate with experience. Full medical and dental benefits, as well as retirement plan with company match, robust time off perks, paid parental leave and other benefits, are provided. The salary range for this position is $75,000 - $100,000.

How To Apply

Interested applicants are required to submit a cover letter and resume through NDS's website at www.neighborhooddefender.org / careers. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. Applications will be accepted until November 15, 2025, and candidates will be interviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. For more information about NDS, please visit our website at www.neighborhooddefender.org. Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Don't meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At NDS we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

The Neighborhood Defender Service is committed to creating a diverse environment that reflects the community we serve. NDS is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. NDS encourages people with incarcerated loved ones, formerly incarcerated people, people of color, women, queer, transgender, gender non-conforming, and gender fluid people to apply.