Employee Relations Specialist

Description

Full time, Exempt; $90,000 - $100,000

 Background

Internationally recognized as a premier museum and research center, the Frick is known for its distinguished Old Master paintings and outstanding examples of European sculpture and decorative arts.

The collection originated with Henry Clay Frick (1849–1919), who bequeathed his home, paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts to the public for their enjoyment. The institution’s holdings—which encompass masterworks from the Renaissance through the nineteenth century—have grown over the decades, more than doubling in size since the opening of the museum in 1935. A critical component of the institution is the Frick Art Research Library, founded in 1920 by Helen Clay Frick, daughter of the museum’s founder. Recognized as one of the world’s top art history research centers, it has served students, scholars, and members of the public free of charge for generations.

The Frick has undergone a comprehensive renovation and was open in a temporary home, Frick Madison, from 2020 through early 2024, while renovations were underway at the mansion on 70th Street. In addition to special exhibition galleries and education spaces, we have added enhanced visitor amenities and accessible spaces. The Museum and Art Research Library reopened to the public in April 2025.

Workplace Culture

At The Frick Collection, we pride ourselves on promoting an open and welcoming workplace culture that supports work-life balance. The Frick strives to provide our employees with competitive salaries and exceptional benefits in a beautiful and pleasant work setting, while offering an excellent opportunity to appreciate some of the world’s finest works of art.

The Frick Collection  provides equal opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to personal characteristics such as race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, marital and civil partnership/union status, alienage or citizenship status, creed, genetic predisposition or carrier status, unemployment status, familial status, domestic violence, sexual violence or stalking victim status, caregiver status, or other characteristics protected by law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Head of Human Resources, the Employee Relations Specialist will be an integral part of the Human Resources Department and work in close collaboration with the Head of Human Resources, Management Team, and department heads. They will serve as a trusted HR partner responsible for fostering a positive, inclusive, and legally compliant employee experience across the institution. This role leverages a strong HR Generalist background to provide employee relations guidance, support performance management processes, conduct workplace investigations, administer HR programs, and partner with managers to strengthen organizational culture.

Skills/Experience/Education

We recognize that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. If your experience is close to what you see listed here, please still consider applying. 

Requirements

Required:

· Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Development, or related field.

· 5-7 years of progressive HR experience.

· Minimum 3 years of employee relations experience.

· Demonstrated experience conducting workplace investigations.

· Strong knowledge of employment laws and HR best practices.

· Excellent interpersonal, conflict-resolution, and communication skills.

· Ability to manage highly sensitive and confidential information.

· Proficiency with HRIS systems and Microsoft Office Suite.

Preferred:

· Experience within a museum, cultural institution, higher education, or nonprofit environment

· Bilingual skills: English/Spanish helpful

· SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR certification

Key Responsibilities

· Serve as the primary HR resource for employee relations matters, including workplace concerns, conflict resolution, policy interpretation, and manager consultation.

· Conduct impartial investigations into employee complaints, misconduct allegations, and policy violations, and prepare related documentation and recommendations.

· Coach managers on employee performance, attendance, conduct, corrective action, and performance improvement plans.

· Partner with leaders to address workplace issues proactively and promote a positive, respectful, and inclusive work environment.

· Interpret and apply HR policies, employment laws, and regulatory requirements; recommend policy updates and best practices.

· Develop and deliver employee engagement, training, and professional development initiatives that support organizational culture and retention.

· Prepare HR metrics, reports, and analysis related to employee relations trends, workforce planning, and organizational effectiveness.

Physical Requirements

The physical requirements of this role are needed to perform the essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation(s). 

Physical requirements are comparable to most office roles. Ability to interact in-person with colleagues. Use common office tools and machines (computer, phone). Ability to traverse throughout the office and building(s) both inside and outside of the museum and visit different levels of the building. Ability to carry/transport materials weighing up to 20 pounds.

Benefits in Employment with the Frick Collection

Paid Holidays: Full-time employees are eligible for 14 paid holidays, all federal holidays including Juneteenth, and Election Day and four floating holidays: two may be used in the first half of the calendar year, two may be used in the second half of the calendar year. 

Sick and Vacation time: Eligible full-time employees accrue up to 12 sick and 15 vacation days their first year of employment. In subsequent years, eligible full-time employees accrue up to 12 sick days and 25 vacation days/year. 

Paid Family leave: In addition to adhering to all federal family leave laws, we provide all eligible employees with paid bereavement and family leave.

Health, Dental and Vision insurance: all full-time employees and their eligible dependents may enroll in employer sponsored benefits plans. Employees contribute to the cost of health insurance based on income level and type of coverage selected. 

Short and Long Term Disability and Life Insurance: the Frick covers the entire cost of these benefits for all full-time employees. The life insurance benefit is up to three times the employee’s annual salary.

Retirement: The Frick supports all employees in planning for retirement by offering participation in a Tax Deferred Savings Plan – 403(b) and a defined benefit pension plan. We also offer retiree health benefits for retirees and their eligible dependents. 

Wellness Programs at the Frick include an Employee Assistance Plan, a discount on Citi Bike memberships and a discount on bike helmets. 

Additional benefits include discounted transit benefit, flexible spending accounts for health, dependent care and commuting costs.

Employment Status and Compensation

The salary for this full-time exempt role is commensurate with skills and experience with a starting annual salary of $90,000-$100,000.