Human Resources Lead

Cortico Overview

Cortico is a non-profit 501(c)(3) committed to fostering constructive conversations and surfacing underheard voices. We believe that intentionally designed and deployed technology can enable communities to achieve these aims in ways that are more inclusive and scalable.

Our platform brings people together in recorded small-group conversations. Through a powerful combination of AI and human listening, this platform enables organizations to make sense of the conversations they collect, and surfaces community voices into public dialogue and decision making.

Partners across 300+ communities have used our platform to lift up voices and perspectives in the selection of Madison, WI’s police chief and the election of Boston’s mayor. Local newsrooms have used our platform to understand citizen agendas and include underheard voices directly in their reporting. Global nonprofits are using our platform to elevate conversations on climate from around the world.

Cortico’s unique human/machine system is the product of an effort led by Cortico in cooperation with MIT’s Center for Constructive Communication.

About This Role

Cortico seeks an HR Lead to own the full employee lifecycle — from recruiting and onboarding through performance management, benefits administration, and offboarding — while serving as a trusted resource for our team and a culture champion across the organization.

This role works closely with the VP of Operations and reports into the Operations function. You’ll manage our relationship with Insperity, our PEO, and handle the day-to-day mechanics of HR with care and precision. But the job is more than administration: you’ll help us hire well, develop our people, and build a workplace where everyone feels seen and supported.

One week you might be running a recruiting process; the next you’re coordinating open enrollment, facilitating a performance conversation, or helping plan a team retreat. This role is right for someone who genuinely enjoys people operations — the details and the human moments both.

The estimated pay range for this role is $70,000 – $85,000. Where you land on our range depends on your unique background and experience and where you live. We have competitive benefits which can be found here.

Our team members must be based in the U.S. Unfortunately, we are unable to sponsor visas at this time.

About Our Culture

Cortico’s team is kind, collaborative, inquisitive, and inclusive. We have high standards for quality and ethics, and help each other learn in order to reach our objectives. We think technology is best built by teams with a diversity of background, thought, and experience. Every team member is a human first, and we strive to create a culture and environment that supports your career goals and respects all of the hats you wear in life, not just the ones that earn you a paycheck.

About Our AI Approach

At Cortico, we recognize the complexity of building technology that thoughtfully balances human judgment and AI capabilities. We want to avoid push-button AI and instead champion responsible and responsive AI approaches that emphasize transparency, security, human agency, and collaboration.

About You

These aren’t hard and fast requirements. Some of the best people we’ve ever hired didn’t fit the profile on paper — what we care about most is curiosity, care, and the willingness to learn fast and adapt.

• You genuinely like people and bring warmth and professionalism to every interaction — whether you’re interviewing a candidate, handling a sensitive employee situation, or sending a birthday shout-out in Slack.
• You’re organized and detail-oriented without being rigid. Payroll runs on time. Onboarding checklists get done. And when something slips through the cracks, you notice and fix it.
• You know how to hold confidential information with discretion and good judgment. You understand when to escalate and when to handle something yourself.
• You’ve worked in HR before and know the full employee lifecycle — recruiting, onboarding, benefits, performance management, and offboarding — from the inside.
• You’re comfortable in a PEO environment (or ready to learn). Insperity is our partner for payroll and benefits — you’ll be the primary point of contact.
• You care about culture and bring ideas for how to make it better. You notice when people seem disconnected and you do something about it.
• You see the big picture and love wearing multiple hats. While HR is your home base, you’re energized by the chance to cross over into operations and support the team.
• You’ve worked alongside or in support of a software engineering or tech-related team and understand the rhythms, culture, and needs that come with it. This isn’t required, but it’s a genuine plus.
• You care about the work. Cortico’s commitment to equity, inclusion, and community-centered practice resonates with you.

Responsibilities

Talent Acquisition & Onboarding

• Lead recruiting processes end-to-end — from job description through offer — in partnership with hiring managers.
• Own new hire onboarding and oversee employee promotions, transitions, and offboarding.

Payroll & Benefits

• Process payroll and manage benefits administration through Insperity, our PEO, serving as the primary relationship manager.
• Support annual open enrollment, compensation increases, and market benchmarking.

HR Administration & Compliance

• Maintain employee records, manage our ATS, and ensure compliance with employment law across the employee lifecycle.
• Serve as the first point of contact for HR-related questions from staff.

Performance Management

• Own the performance review cycle and support managers on performance conversations, documentation, and development.

Culture & Internal Communications

• Coordinate recurring culture touchpoints — all-team syncs, team celebrations, staff retreats — and help foster a connected, inclusive team environment.
• Spearhead DEIB and values initiatives in partnership with the VP of Operations.

Board Governance Support

• Support the VP of Operations on board governance activities, including the annual Conflict of Interest survey and the CEO review process.

Miscellaneous

• Support the VP of Operations on operations activities, as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• Experience: 6+ years of HR experience, ideally in a nonprofit or mission-driven organization. We don't require a degree — what matters is that you know this work from the inside. Prior experience with a PEO is a plus.
• Full-cycle HR knowledge: Demonstrated experience across recruiting, onboarding, benefits, performance management, and offboarding.
• Operational & Administrative Skills: Proven ability to manage multiple workstreams simultaneously, keep systems running, and hold the details without dropping the ball. Strong organizational skills with experience in Google Drive, Slack, and ATS platforms.
• Communication & Judgment: Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the judgment to know when to escalate, when to act, and how to navigate sensitive people situations with discretion.
• Preferred: Professional certification in HR (PHR, SHRM-CP, or equivalent).

About Next Steps

Please apply here and include the following information:

• A little about you and your interest in the role. Please share with us why this role excites you and how you see yourself in this work.
• A résumé / CV
• Answer the following question: Tell us about a time you had to manage a sensitive employee situation. How did you approach it, and what did you learn?

This is not an entry-level position and we know great candidates come from a wide range of backgrounds. If you’re passionate about what we’re building at Cortico, don’t hesitate to apply — even if you’re not sure you meet every qualification.

About Our Process

We aim to review and respond to all applicants within three to four weeks of submission. Our interview process includes multiple rounds:

1. Initial screening interview with our VP of Operations
2. Panel Interview with key stakeholders
3. Interview with the CEO
4. Reference checks

Through all of these sessions we make sure that you have plenty of time to ask questions of Cortico team members.

Cortico maintains a strong policy of equal opportunity in employment. It is our objective to recruit, hire, and retain the most qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation or identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic or status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Our equal employment philosophy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, compensation, benefits, training, promotions, transfers, job benefits, and terminations.