Director of People Operations

Chesapeake Search Partners; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Chesapeake Search Partners partners with a mission-driven nonprofit to identify an impactful Director of People Operations. This role shapes the employee experience, builds scalable people strategies, and drives operational excellence across a growing organization dedicated to serving communities.

As a member of the leadership team, the Director will lead strategy for People & Culture operations, including HR compliance, compensation, total rewards, HRIS, employee records, and policy

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive HR leadership experience with strong HR ops, compliance, employee relations, compensation, and benefits.
• Experience leading HR initiatives in a complex, growing organization.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws.
• Experience managing HRIS and using data analytics to influence decisions.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Project management, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Ability to balance strategic priorities with day-to-day execution.
• High integrity, discretion, and sound judgment.

Responsibilities

• Lead People Operations strategy aligned with growth and culture.
• Build scalable HR systems and processes to enhance employee experience.
• Partner with executives on workforce planning and organizational effectiveness.
• Oversee compensation, benefits, HRIS, compliance, employee records, and policy governance.
• Streamline processes and improve service delivery across the employee lifecycle.
• Implement technology solutions to boost performance and engagement.
• Develop workforce metrics, dashboards, and executive reporting.

Skills

HR leadership

HR operations

Compliance

Employee relations

Data analytics

Communication

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR or related field

Master's degree or HR certification preferred

Tools

HRIS systems

Data analytics tools

Job description

CSP has partnered with a thriving, mission-driven nonprofit organization to identify an impactful Director of People Operations. This is a unique opportunity for an experienced HR leader to shape the employee experience, build scalable people strategies, and drive operational excellence across a growing organization dedicated to making a difference in the communities it serves.

As a key member of the leadership team, the Director of People Operations will lead the strategy, execution, and continuous improvement of all People & Culture operations, including HR compliance, compensation, total rewards, HRIS, employee records, and policy development. This role also serves as the organization’s Affir...??

What You’ll Do

Lead People Operations Strategy

• Develop and execute a forward-thinking People Operations strategy that supports organizational growth, culture, and long-term business objectives.
• Build and enhance scalable HR systems, processes, and infrastructure that create an exceptional employee experience.
• Partner with executive leadership to drive organizational effectiveness and workforce planning initiatives.

Elevate HR Operations

• Oversee all aspects of People & Culture operations, including compensation, benefits, HRIS administration, compliance, employee records, and policy development.
• Identify opportunities to streamline processes, increase efficiencies, and improve service delivery across the employee lifecycle.
• Implement best practices and technology solutions that enhance operational performance and employee engagement.
• Serve as the strategic owner of the HRIS, ensuring system optimization, data integrity, reporting, and functionality.
• Collaborate with IT and Finance to implement system enhancements, integrations, and upgrades.
• Develop meaningful workforce metrics, dashboards, and executive reporting that drive informed decision-making across the organization.

Champion Compliance & Employee Relations

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• Partner closely with leadership and legal counsel on compliance initiatives, risk management, investigations, and policy governance.
• Serve as a trusted resource for complex employee relations matters and provide guidance on workplace issues and resolutions.
• Act as the designated People & Culture leader in the absence of senior HR leadership.

Lead Total Rewards & Leave Administration

• Oversee compensation programs and a highly competitive total rewards strategy designed to attract and retain top talent.
• Manage benefits vendor relationships and evaluate programs to ensure market competitiveness and cost effectiveness.
• Lead ADA accommodations, FMLA administration, and other leave management processes while ensuring compliance and a positive employee experience.

Build & Develop High-Performing Teams

• Lead, coach, and mentor People & Culture team members while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Support organizational initiatives, change management efforts, and strategic projects that advance the organization's mission and goals.

What We’re Looking For

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive HR leadership experience with a strong background in HR operations, compliance, employee relations, compensation, and benefits.
• Demonstrated success leading HR initiatives in a complex and growing organization.
• Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• Experience managing HRIS platforms and leveraging data and analytics to influence business decisions.
• Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong project management, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Ability to balance strategic priorities with day-to-day operational execution.
• High level of integrity, discretion, and sound judgment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Master's degree and/or HR certification (SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR) preferred.
• Experience within a nonprofit or mission-driven organization is a plus.

Why This Opportunity?

• Join a respected nonprofit organization making a meaningful impact in the community.
• Influence organizational strategy as a key member of the leadership team.
• Lead transformational HR initiatives that elevate culture, engagement, and performance.
• Oversee a comprehensive total rewards program and modern people operations function.
• Enjoy the opportunity to built, innovate, and leave a lasting impact within a growing organization.