Director, HR and Administration

KidWorks Community Development Corporation; Santa Ana (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

401(k) plan

Paid vacation

Sick time

Holidays

Job summary

KidWorks Community Development Corporation in Santa Ana, CA seeks a Director of Human Resources & Administration to be the top HR leader and trusted partner to the CEO and leadership team.

You’ll shape culture, strengthen systems, and create a workplace where people feel valued, supported, and equipped to do their best work. This role balances strategy with practical execution and requires on-site presence.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of progressive HR experience with leadership roles.
• Broad HR expertise across employee relations, talent acquisition, performance management, compensation, benefits and compliance.
• Strong knowledge of California and federal employment law.
• Track record of building trust, strengthening culture, and leading with transparency.
• Nonprofit experience preferred.
• PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP certification preferred.
• Bilingual English/Spanish a plus.
• Willingness to work on-site in Santa Ana and travel to other KidWorks locations.
• Commitment to KidWorks’ mission, faith foundation, and values.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute an HR strategy aligned with KidWorks’ mission and priorities.
• Lead the full employee lifecycle including recruiting, onboarding, development, relations, performance, and retention.
• Coach leaders while strengthening communication, accountability, trust, and culture.
• Oversee compensation, benefits, payroll, compliance, and HR systems.
• Strengthen HR policies, processes, infrastructure, and EOS rhythms.
• Lead and mentor administrative and operations staff.
• Oversee facilities, technology, vendors, budgets, maintenance, and safety.
• Identify gaps, streamline processes, and improve operational effectiveness.
• Partner with the CEO, leadership team, and Board on priorities and reporting.

Skills

HR leadership

Employee relations

Talent acquisition

Performance management

Compensation & benefits

Compliance

Project management

Communication & collaboration

Job description

KidWorks is hiring a Director of Human Resources & Administration to serve as our top HR leader and a trusted partner to the CEO and leadership team.

You’ll have the opportunity to shape culture, build trust across the organization, strengthen systems and processes, and help create a workplace where people feel valued, supported, and equipped to do their best work.

We’re looking for a thoughtful, hands-on leader who can balance strategy with practical execution—someone who listens well, communicates clearly, builds credibility, and is energized by the chance to make a meaningful impact.

What You’ll Do

• Develop and execute an HR strategy aligned with KidWorks’ mission and organizational priorities.
• Lead the full employee lifecycle, including recruiting, onboarding, development, employee relations, performance management, and retention.
• Coach and support leaders while strengthening communication, accountability, trust, and organizational culture.
• Oversee compensation, benefits, payroll, compliance, HR systems, and employee records.
• Strengthen HR policies, processes, infrastructure, and the use of EOS tools and rhythms.
• Lead and mentor administrative and operations staff.
• Oversee facilities, technology, vendors, budgets, maintenance, and workplace safety.
• Identify gaps, streamline processes, and improve operational effectiveness.
• Partner with the CEO, leadership team, and Board of Directors on organizational priorities and reporting.

What We’re Looking For

• 8+ years of progressive HR experience, with 7+ years of leadership experience.
• Broad, hands-on HR expertise across employee relations, talent acquisition, performance management, compensation, benefits, and compliance.
• Strong knowledge of California and federal employment law.
• A track record of building trust, strengthening culture, and leading with sound judgment and transparency.
• Strong project management, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Nonprofit experience strongly preferred.
• PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP certification preferred.
• Bilingual English/Spanish a plus.
• Willingness to work on-site in Santa Ana and travel as needed to other local KidWorks locations.
• Commitment to KidWorks’ mission, faith foundation, and values.

What Success Looks Like

In the first six months, you’ll focus on:

• Building trusted relationships with leaders and staff.
• Assessing the current state of HR and administration.
• Creating an HR strategy with prioritized goals and activities.
• Strengthening HR systems, policies, processes, and infrastructure.
• Identifying operational gaps and improving efficiency.
• Beginning the work of shaping a culture with the aspiration of becoming a great place to work.

About KidWorks

For more than 30 years, KidWorks has served youth and families in under-resourced neighborhoods, creating meaningful and lasting change through preschool, after-school programs, tutoring, mentoring, college and career readiness, family services, and leadership development.

Founded by a youth pastor in 1993, KidWorks is anchored by God’s love, committed to Christ-like values, and grounded in the belief that every child is created to positively impact the world.

This full-time, exempt role offers medical, dental, and vision benefits, a 401(k) plan, paid vacation, sick time, and holidays.