The Opportunity

As our People and Culture Manager, you will be in a highly collaborative, fast-paced environment, surrounded by a team with expertise in weather and climate, insurance, and technology. We’re looking for a highly professional individual who can build the people systems and cultivate our company culture to smooth the company scaling experience. You’ll manage the team calendar, support team travel, lead event planning and execution, and own day-to-day People Operations (HR, onboarding/offboarding, payroll/benefits administration, compliance/talent ops), while elevating employee experience and culture across a passionate, hybrid team.

Your main role responsibilities will include the following:

Team Support (25%)

• Support complex calendar management, prioritization, and scheduling
• Coordinate domestic & international travel
• Own and execute all company events logistics (QBRs, offsites, conferences); coordinate vendors, budgets, and run-of-show
• Assist us in identifying a new office location for our corporate employees and work to set the space up for optimal productivity and internal engagement

People Operations / HR Generalist (50%)

• Own HR administration (employee records, org changes, reporting, workflows, job postings, etc.).
• Run onboarding & offboarding end-to-end (pre-boarding paperwork, equipment, accounts, orientation, surveys)
• Support payroll & benefits administration and employee inquiries in partnership with Finance and brokers
• Maintain the compliance calendar (EEO-1, ACA, CA Pay Data, COBRA, I-9, handbook acknowledgements)
• Assist with compensation processes (benchmarking, cycles, tooling administration)
• Assist our external recruiting partners with interview scheduling, on-site interview coordination and process management

Culture & Employee Experience (25%)

• Be the culture catalyst—design rituals and programs that strengthen connection across a hybrid team (e.g., new-hire buddy program, recognition, volunteer days, interest clubs).
• Plan inclusive, high-impact events (onsite/virtual) that reinforce our mission and values.
• Measure what matters: pulse surveys, onboarding NPS, event feedback—turn insights into action.
• Plan and execute employee all-hands meeting: select the destination and coordinate logistics, travel, lodging, meals and team building activities, etc.
• Craft internal communications and employer-brand moments (spotlights, milestones, photos/video recaps).

You're exactly the role model we're seeking if you:

• Are willing and able to work a Hybrid schedule in our Madison, WI office 2-3 days per week.
• Have 2–5+ years in an HR or operations role combining Executive Assistant responsibilities and HR/People Ops generalist work (or adjacent roles that demonstrate both).
• Are a self-starter and have excelled at managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Have strong problem-solving abilities and show great attention to detail
• Proficiency with modern tools (Google Workspace, Slack, Zoom, Notion/Confluence, Airtable/Sheets).
• Have a growth mindset and a strong willingness to learn
• Track record managing C-level calendars, travel, and confidential communications in a fast-paced environment.
• Project management excellence—structured, proactive, and able to bring clarity to ambiguity.
• Discretion and sound judgment handling sensitive and confidential matters.

Compensation includes:

• Competitive base salary commensurate with experience + annual corporate bonus.
• Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance, plus a 401(k) plan.
• Unlimited PTO

About Understory

Understory is a leading provider of insurance solutions built for the era of climate change. The company's global network of Dot weather stations powers the world's most sophisticated weather risk model. By combining mutualized, optimized risk structures with precision weather technology and modeling, Understory develops affordable, stable property insurance solutions.

Traditional insurance is no longer fit for purpose. Natural catastrophes driven by the volatility of climate change is increasing rates and restricting coverage. Insurance and reinsurance companies are pulling out and leaving 76% of global assets unprotected. Transformation is inevitable, and disruption is coming to a $1T market. Understory cracked the code, and our approach is the only way to close this gap.

Comprising a compact yet fiercely dedicated & passionate remote team, Understory is a mission-centric, results-driven start-up that thrives on relentless adaptability and resilience. We cherish accountability and push the limits at breakneck speeds, always backed by the unwavering support of our colleagues. To sustain our drive, we place significant emphasis on work-life harmony, nurturing our families, and fostering our communities.