Recruiting & HR Manager
Smooth Media is the talent management company for knowledge creators — the people teaching, explaining, and breaking down the world through smart, insightful content. We serve as a true strategic partner to our creators — an extension of their team that helps them run, grow, and professionalize their business.
We're looking for our first HR hire — someone who can own recruiting, help shape our culture, and build the foundation for how we support and develop our team. This is a high-impact role for someone who wants to be in on the ground floor of building something special.
A huge part of this job is recruiting. We're planning to hire 10+ roles next year, and you'll lead that effort end-to-end — from sourcing and interviewing to closing candidates and onboarding them into Smooth. You'll work directly with our leadership team to understand what we need, who we're looking for, and how to find them.
But this role goes beyond recruiting. As our first HR hire, you'll also help make sure Smooth is a great place to work — where people are challenged, rewarded, supported, and set up to do their best work.
What you'll do:
Own recruiting end-to-end — manage the full hiring process for 10+ roles across creator partnerships, brand partnerships, events, operations, and more
Partner with leadership — work closely with founders and managers to define hiring needs, craft role descriptions, and build scalable hiring processes
Build our people operations foundation — set up onboarding, performance management, employee engagement, and other core HR functions
Shape and strengthen our culture — help us create an environment where people are motivated, supported, and excited to contribute
Support employee development — identify opportunities for growth, feedback, and recognition across the team
Handle HR logistics — manage benefits administration, compliance, employee records, and day-to-day people questions
What we're looking for:
3–5+ years of experience in recruiting, HR, or people operations — ideally at a startup or fast-growing company
You're a strong recruiter — you know how to source, evaluate, and close great candidates across multiple functions
You're a builder — you're excited to be the first HR hire and create systems, processes, and programs from scratch
You're people-focused — you care deeply about creating a positive, high-performing workplace culture
Based in NYC or open to being in NYC — our team is in-office Mon–Thurs
What we can offer:
Competitive compensation
Health, dental, and vision insurance
Unlimited PTO (mandatory 10 days per year minimum)
High-impact role with direct access to leadership and real ownership over how we grow