Divisional Human Resources Director

Sacbar; Carson, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

The Salvation Army in Southern California seeks a Divisional Human Resources Director to provide strategic HR leadership to officers and line managers, overseeing recruitment, compensation, benefits, employee relations, and litigation claims, while aligning people initiatives with division goals.

The role leads a team, partners with field HR, ensures compliance with labor laws, drives workforce planning, and champions HR technology and analytics to support operations and growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in HR or related field required.
• 10+ years HR experience with at least 5 in a management role.
• Strong knowledge of California labor laws and benefits administration.
• Professional HR certification preferred (SHRM-CP/SCP, PHR, SPHR).

Responsibilities

• Lead a HR team of ~10 direct reports and advise leadership.
• Oversee recruitment, compensation, benefits, employee relations.
• Ensure compliance with labor laws and internal policies.
• Develop workforce planning, talent acquisition, and succession planning.
• Manage HR analytics and HRIS systems, and provide training.

Skills

Team leadership

Time management

Independent work

Interpersonal skills

Verbal and written communication

Highly organized

Electronic filing systems

Adapt to new software

Contracts in construction

Education

Bachelor’s degree in HR or related field

Master’s degree preferred

HR certification preferred

Tools

HRIS systems

UKG payroll

Job description

Mission Statement

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

Position Summary

The Divisional Human Resources Director (DHRD) is a key member of the Southern California Division management team, responsible for providing strategic HR leadership and expert consultation to officers and line managers. This role oversees recruitment and selection, compensation and benefits, employee relations, and litigation claims. The DHRD ensures that all people-related initiatives support the command’s goals and operational effectiveness.

Essential Functions

• Lead a team of approximately 10 direct reports.
• Support and advise the Southern California Senior Leadership Team.
• Lead strategically. Seek out opportunities to grow the organization, identify solutions to ensure the most effective processes are in place and lean into technology to improve efficiency.
• Maintain comprehensive knowledge of The Salvation Army policies and relevant employment laws and regulations (e.g., U.S. Department of Labor, OSHA, ADA, Department of Fair Employment and Housing, OFCCP).
• Collaborate with field HR representatives and management to coordinate daily HR functions, including benefits, payroll, and risk management, while maintaining professionalism and confidentiality.
• Ensure employment-related compliance across the Division in accordance with The Salvation Army’s policies and applicable state and federal labor laws.
• Initiate strategic workforce planning initiatives, including talent acquisition, succession planning, and workforce development.
• Support organizational change efforts, including restructuring, policy updates, and cultural initiatives.
• Support field locations through guidance, policy, and training opportunities.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the Division and Territorial Human Resources (THR); travel within the Southern California region as required.
• Monitor and support Corps/units to ensure compliance with internal policies and external labor regulations.
• Utilize HR metrics and analytics to inform leadership decisions and drive continuous improvement.
• Maintain expertise in the development of HRIS systems. Maintain efficient HR systems and processes to support daily operations and long-term strategic goals.
• Deliver training The Salvation Army leadership on HR-related topics through webinars, conference calls, and in-person sessions.
• Support conflict resolution efforts and provide guidance on employee relations matters
• Conduct HR audits at corps/units to assess compliance and identify areas for improvement.
• Manage the performance evaluation process across the Command, ensuring consistency and alignment with organizational standards.
• Prepare HR submissions for the weekly Command Finance Council (CFC) and maintain updated employee records.
• Oversee UKG payroll system accuracy and ensure employee data integrity.
• Manage the workers’ compensation program, including the Injury Illness Prevention Program (IIPP).
• Lead the Employee Relations and Employee Benefits programs. Extensive knowledge in investigating cases, making recommendations for resolution, and identification of solutions.
• Safeguard the confidentiality of employee information across the division.
• Collaborate with the Finance Department to provide personnel cost data for divisional budgeting
• Participate in crisis and emergency response planning related to personnel and workplace safety.
• Evaluate and recommend HR technology solutions to enhance operational efficiency and data management.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions

• Ability to sit, walk, stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel, and twist on an intermittent or sometimes continuous basis.
• Ability to grasp, push, and pull objects such as files, and file cabinet drawers, and reach overhead.
• Ability to participate in developed programs.
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. (usually file boxes)
• Ability to operate a desktop or laptop computer.
• Ability to access and produce information from a computer.
• Ability to understand written information.
• Must be able to operate a motor vehicle.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Proven team leadership skills with the ability to motivate and guide others effectively.
• Strong time management and organizational abilities to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
• Capable of working independently with minimal supervision while maintaining accountability.
• Excellent interpersonal skills for building positive relationships across all levels of the organization.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, with attention to clarity and professionalism.
• Highly organized with strong planning skills and attention to detail.
• Proficient in maintaining accurate and well-structured electronic filing systems.
• Quick to learn and adapt to new software and technology tools.
• Solid understanding of business contracts, particularly within the construction industry.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or a closely related field is required.
• Master’s degree in Human Resources or a related discipline is preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive HR experience, including at least 5 years in a management or leadership role.
• Strong working knowledge of California labor laws, workers’ compensation regulations, and employee benefits administration.
• Professional HR certification is preferred (e.g., SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR).
• Valid California driver’s license with a clean Motor Vehicle Record (MVR); must pass a driving test if applicable.
• Must successfully pass a criminal background check and obtain certification in Protect the Mission policies and procedures.