First HR Leader — Nonprofit, Hybrid Baltimore

Chesapeake Search Partners; Baltimore (MD); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Chesapeake Search Partners is seeking an HR Manager to establish and lead the HR function in a nonprofit environment. This pivotal role requires a “department of one” mindset and deep employee-relations expertise, with multi-state exposure. The position is hybrid and based in Baltimore, MD.

You will partner with leaders to address performance and conduct issues while shaping culture, onboarding, and HR operations as the organization grows.

Qualifications

• 8–10 years of experience in HR, people operations, or employee relations.
• Strong experience operating as a “department of one” or in standalone HR roles.
• Proven ability to manage employee relations and workplace issues effectively.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• High level of discretion and ability to manage confidential matters.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and follow-through.
• Ability to balance empathy with accountability.
• Experience in growing or evolving organizations preferred.
• Familiarity with HR systems and payroll processes preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and standard business tools.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee relations and workplace concerns.
• Ensure consistent application of policies, procedures, and workplace expectations.
• Document employee relations matters and support corrective action processes.
• Partner with leaders to address performance, behavioral, and conduct issues.
• Maintain confidentiality and escape matters appropriately.
• Support employee engagement and workplace culture initiatives.
• Reinforce organizational values through daily interactions and HR processes.
• Contribute to efforts that enhance retention, morale, and team collaboration.
• Support employee recognition and overall employee experience programs.
• Assist with candidate sourcing, screening, and interview coordination.
• Support onboarding and new hire integration processes.
• Maintain onboarding materials, policies, and related documentation.
• Partner with leaders to ensure a smooth and consistent onboarding experience.
• Support HR administrative functions and employee recordkeeping.
• Assist with HR workflows including onboarding, employee changes, and documentation management.
• Support payroll and HR systems processes as needed.
• Help ensure compliance with internal policies and employment requirements.
• Partner with leadership on employee relations and workforce needs.
• Provide guidance to managers on employee relations and communication matters.
• Contribute to the development and improvement of HR processes and systems as the organization grows.

Skills

Employee relations

HR operations

Communication

Organizational skills

Confidentiality

Onboarding

Policy compliance

Payroll systems

HR systems

Microsoft Office

Tools

HR systems

Payroll systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Chesapeake Search Partners is seeking an HR Manager to establish and lead the HR function in a nonprofit environment. This pivotal role requires a “department of one” mindset and deep employee-relations expertise, with multi-state exposure. The position is hybrid and based in Baltimore, MD.

You will partner with leaders to address performance and conduct issues while shaping culture, onboarding, and HR operations as the organization grows.