Director of Human Resources (HR)

Washington Humane Society; Madison (NJ); Hybrid; USD 145,000 - 155,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental and vision

401(k) retirement plan

Job summary

Humane Rescue Alliance seeks a Director of Human Resources to lead strategic and operational HR programs across its DC and New Jersey campuses. You will oversee employee relations, compliance, recruitment, compensation and benefits, and performance management while shaping learning initiatives to elevate organizational capability.

The role blends leadership with hands-on HR execution, guiding a growing team and aligning HR strategy with mission-driven animal welfare goals.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of federal and state employment laws and HR best practices.
• Minimum 8 years progressive HR experience, including leadership.
• Experience with benefits, payroll, and compliance programs.
• Ability to translate data into strategic decisions.

Responsibilities

• Oversee core HR functions: employee relations, compliance, recruitment, compensation and benefits, performance management.
• Develop learning initiatives to build manager capability and organizational effectiveness.
• Lead governance and operational excellence across HR processes.
• Manage HR department budget and partner with Finance and IT.

Skills

HR leadership

employee relations

data analysis

communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR/BA

Master's degree / SHRM a plus

Tools

ADP

HR software

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Director of Human Resources (HR)

Full Time Salaried Oglethorpe Street, Washington, DC, US

4 days ago Requisition ID: 1484

Salary Range: $145,000.00 To $155,000.00 Annually

For more than 150 years, the Humane Rescue Alliance has championed the protection of animals, support for people, and service to the community. With campuses in the District of Columbia and New Jersey, along with the nation’s leading pet transport initiative, it stands as the largest and most comprehensive animal services provider in the region. Each year, HRA transforms the lives of tens of thousands of animals through rescue and adoption, humane protection, access to medical care, innovative community programs, and legislative leadership. Its broad reach and deep expertise enable HRA to reimagine traditional sheltering and address the most complex challenges facing animals and the people who love them.

What We Are Looking For

The Director of Human Resources is a strategic and operational leader responsible for overseeing all core HR functions, including employee relations, compliance, recruitment, compensation and benefits, and performance management. This role also carries focused responsibility for the development and implementation of foundational learning and development initiatives that support manager capability, staff growth, and organizational effectiveness.

The Role: What You'll Do

• Establish and track key HR metrics and KPIs to inform strategic decision-making, measure program effectiveness, and report on workforce trends and organizational health and report regularly to senior leadership team
• Partner cross-functionally with Finance and IT to design and implement scalable, efficient HR processes that streamline and optimize employee and manager self-service
• Establish governance and operational excellence across HR functions, ensuring compliance and consistency
• Partner with organizational leadership to forecast and meet workforce needs.
• Lead the development and implementation of equitable compensation strategies, job architecture, and performance evaluation systems.
• Supervise HR team members and foster their professional growth and effectiveness.
• Develop and manage the HR department budget, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and responsible stewardship of resources.
• The role is a working role and not only leadership.

For more than 150 years, the Humane Rescue Alliance has championed the protection of animals, support for people, and service to the community. With campuses in the District of Columbia and New Jersey, along with the nation’s leading pet transport initiative, it stands as the largest and most comprehensive animal services provider in the region. Each year, HRA transforms the lives of tens of thousands of animals through rescue and adoption, humane protection, access to medical care, innovative community programs, and legislative leadership. Its broad reach and deep expertise enable HRA to reimagine traditional sheltering and address the most complex challenges facing animals and the people who love them.

What We Are Looking For

The Director of Human Resources is a strategic and operational leader responsible for overseeing all core HR functions, including employee relations, compliance, recruitment, compensation and benefits, and performance management. This role also carries focused responsibility for the development and implementation of foundational learning and development initiatives that support manager capability, staff growth, and organizational effectiveness.

The Role: What You'll Do

HR Leadership

• Establish and track key HR metrics and KPIs to inform strategic decision-making, measure program effectiveness, and report on workforce trends and organizational health and report regularly to senior leadership team
• Partner cross-functionally with Finance and IT to design and implement scalable, efficient HR processes that streamline and optimize employee and manager self-service
• Establish governance and operational excellence across HR functions, ensuring compliance and consistency
• Partner with organizational leadership to forecast and meet workforce needs.
• Lead the development and implementation of equitable compensation strategies, job architecture, and performance evaluation systems.
• Supervise HR team members and foster their professional growth and effectiveness.
• Develop and manage the HR department budget, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and responsible stewardship of resources.
• The role is a working role and not only leadership.

HR Operations:

• Provide expert guidance and coaching to managers on employee relations, performance management, conflict resolution, and compliance with employment laws including overseeing and supporting the organization’s response to employee-related legal issues
• Ensure HR policies, procedures, and programs support organizational goals and align with legal standards.
• Knowledgeofand ability to plan, implement, andadminister benefits program, systems, policies, guidelines,compliance,and best practices.
• Identify and prioritize organization-wide training needs and implement targeted learning strategies that build critical skills.
• Lead the design and delivery of core training modules, including those focused on management development, onboarding, and professional growth.
• Collaborate with departments to support team-specific development plans and continuous learning cultures.
• Other duties as assigned.

About You: Skills & Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of federal and state employment laws and HR best practices.
• Proven track record of driving process automation and efficiency
• Deep analytical mindset with experience leveraging people data for strategic decision-making
• Excellent interpersonal, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to effectively collaborate with other departments and staff members. Manage and maintain relationships with colleagues and departments.
• Ability to manage confidential matters with integrity and professionalism.
• Interest in and understanding of animal welfare.

Qualifications - Education & Experience

• Strong knowledge of federal and state employment laws and HR best practices.
• Proven track record of driving process automation and efficiency
• Deep analytical mindset with experience leveraging people data for strategic decision-making
• Excellent interpersonal, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to effectively collaborate with other departments and staff members. Manage and maintain relationships with colleagues and departments.
• Ability to manage confidential matters with integrity and professionalism.Previous experience in ADP a plus
• Interest in and understanding of animal welfare
• Bachelor's degree in human resources, Business Administration, Organizational Development or related field. (master's degree/SHEM-SCP/PHR a plus)
• Minimum of 8 years progressive HR experience, including at least 2 years in a leadership role
• ADP experience highly desired

What We Offer: Compensation & Benefits

HRA offers a collaborative, mission-driven environment where HR leaders can make a meaningful organizational impact. This role is supported by a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical coverage with a no-cost employee-only plan option , dental and vision insurance, competitive paid time off, employer-supported short- and long-term disability and life insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching, flexible spending and commuter benefits, and access to an Employee Assistance Program and wellness resources. At HRA, we value thoughtful leadership, partnership, and continuous improvement, offering a unique opportunity to shape people-centered practices while supporting an organization dedicated to animals, people, and the community. .

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, you may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program .

Where You’ll Work:

This position is based at our Washington, D.C. campus (71 Oglethorpe Street NW), or our New Jersey Campus (575 Woodland Ave, Madison NJ) with a work schedule that may include both on-site and remote responsibilities as determined by the supervisor based on operational needs. Occasional travel to our sister shelter is required (approximately 10%, or up tofive weeks per year ). Work location, schedule, and remote work eligibility are subject to change based on business needs . Team members in this role should be prepared for the following:

• Regularly sits at a computer station and operates electronic equipment.
• Regularly moves about the facilities to coordinate work.
• Ability to work in an environment that houses and cares for animals of a variety of species that may include interaction with these animals.
• Ability and willingness to travel to other shelter locations as needed.

*The Humane Rescue Alliance (HRA) offers a comprehensive benefits package including healthcare, vision, dental and select offerings for pets. Additional information may be provided upon request.

*Multilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. A salary premium may be offered for multilingual candidates who demonstrate proficiency in written and oral testing.

*HRA is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate because of race, color, creed, gender, religion, national origin, disability, age, pregnancy, genetic predisposition or carrier status, marital status, citizenship status, or sexual orientation. Accommodation will be provided to qualified individuals requiring them.