Director of HR & Employee Relations

Samaritan House; San Mateo (CA); Hybrid; USD 72,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Samaritan House, located in San Mateo, CA, is seeking a Director of Human Resources. The role partners with the Vice President of HR to lead employee relations, investigations, and compliant leave administration while shaping HR strategy and operations.

The director will oversee HR staff, policy interpretation, and risk management, ensuring confidential handling of sensitive matters and alignment with mission-driven nonprofit values.

Qualifications

• Minimum seven years of progressively responsible HR experience with employee relations and investigations.
• Significant HR leadership or management experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of California employment laws (wage/hour, FEHA, ADA, FMLA/CFRA).
• Experience using HRIS and ATS systems; ability to handle multiple sensitive matters discreetly.

Responsibilities

• Oversee employee relations investigations, policy interpretation, and leave administration.
• Coach leaders and managers on performance, documentation, and corrective action.
• Develop and improve HR processes, templates, and reporting.
• Lead HR staff and manage departmental operations in the VP's absence.
• Monitor HR metrics and ensure compliance with applicable laws.

Skills

Employee relations

Workplace investigations

Leadership

Policy interpretation

HR analytics

Education

HR leadership cert (SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP/PHR/SPHR)

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or related field

Tools

HRIS

Applicant tracking systems

Job description

Samaritan House, located in San Mateo, CA, is seeking a Director of Human Resources. The role partners with the Vice President of HR to lead employee relations, investigations, and compliant leave administration while shaping HR strategy and operations.

The director will oversee HR staff, policy interpretation, and risk management, ensuring confidential handling of sensitive matters and alignment with mission-driven nonprofit values.