Human Resources Director

Commonwealth Foundation for Public Policy Alternatives; Harrisburg (Dauphin County); Hybrid; USD 92,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement plan contributions

Health benefits

Mobile technology stipend

Flexible time off

Tuition assistance

Professional development

Job summary

Commonwealth Foundation for Public Policy Alternatives is seeking a seasoned Human Resources Director in Harrisburg, PA with a hybrid schedule (3 days in-office, 2 days remote). You will oversee all HR functions across a 30-employee nonprofit, driving strategy, policy, payroll, benefits, and culture.

The role requires 7+ years of HR leadership, strong communication, and thorough knowledge of employment law. SHRM certification is preferred and nonprofit experience is a plus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in HR, Business, or related field or equivalent experience.
• 7+ years of progressive Human Resources experience.
• Strong knowledge of employee relations, recruiting, performance management, employment law, and HR best practices.
• Experience independently managing multiple HR functions.
• SHRM certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Partner with leadership to develop and implement people strategies that support organizational goals.
• Lead recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and offboarding processes.
• Serve as primary contact for employee relations, coaching, conflict resolution, and workplace concerns.
• Manage performance management processes and support employee development.
• Maintain HR policies, procedures, and the employee handbook.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• Work with outside counsel in consultation with the COO/General Counsel as needed.
• Administer employee benefits and manage relationships with benefit providers.
• Work with a third-party vendor to approve payroll.
• Oversee HRIS/Gusto administration and employee records.
• Lead employee engagement, recognition, professional development, wellness, and culture-building initiatives.
• Provide workforce data, reporting, and recommendations to support organizational decision-making.
• Promote a positive, collaborative and mission-driven workplace culture.

Skills

Recruitment

Employee relations

Performance management

HR policy development

Benefits administration

Payroll administration

Compliance

HRIS

Gusto

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR / Business

SHRM-CP / SHRM-SCP / PHR / SPHR preferred

Tools

Gusto

Job description

Human Resources Director

Location: Harrisburg, PA.Hybrid Schedule: three days in the office, two days remote.

Reports To: Chief Operating Officer/General Counsel

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and people-centered Human Resources Director to lead all aspects of Human Resources for our mission-driven nonprofit organization of 30 employees. This is a unique opportunity for a strategic HR leader who enjoys building strong workplace cultures while remaining actively involved in the day-to-day work of HR.

As a department of one, the Human Resources Director will serve as a trusted advisor to leadership and the primary resource for employees. The successful candidate will be responsible for the full employee lifecycle, including recruitment, onboarding, offboarding, employee relations, performance management, engagement, compliance, benefits administration, and organizational development.

What You'll Do

• Partner with leadership to develop and implement people strategies that support organizational goals.
• Lead recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and offboarding processes.
• Serve as the primary contact for employee relations, coaching, conflict resolution, and workplace concerns.
• Manage performance management processes and support employee development.
• Maintain HR policies, procedures, and the employee handbook.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• Work with outside counsel in consultation with the COO/General Counsel as needed.
• Administer employee benefits and manage relationships with benefit providers.
• Work with a third-party vendor to approve payroll.
• Oversee HRIS/Gusto administration and employee records.
• Lead employee engagement, recognition, professional development, wellness, and culture-building initiatives.
• Provide workforce data, reporting, and recommendations to support organizational decision-making.
• Promote a positive, collaborative and mission-driven workplace culture.

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• 7+ years of progressive Human Resources experience.
• Strong knowledge of employee relations, recruiting, performance management, employment law, and HR best practices.
• Experience independently managing multiple HR functions.
• Excellent communication, coaching, and relationship-building skills.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• High level of professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality.
• SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR certification preferred.
• Nonprofit experience is a plus.

Success Measures

• Successfully lead and complete key HR initiatives within established timelines and budget.
• Resolve employee relations issues promptly, with documented action plans and outcomes.
• Maintain compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws, with no significant compliance violations.
• Execute annual employee engagement and culture-building plan.
• Maintain HRIS/Gusto data accuracy.
• Successfully balance strategic HR leadership with day-to-day execution.
• Contribute measurable improvements in employee engagement, retention, talent quality, and organizational effectiveness.

Why Join Us?

At Commonwealth Foundation, our people are at the heart of our mission. We are committed to building a workplace where employees feel valued, supported, engaged, and empowered to make a meaningful impact. The Human Resources Director will play a key leadership role in shaping our culture, strengthening our workforce, and helping our organization thrive.

If you are a strategic HR professional who enjoys rolling up your sleeves and making a difference, we encourage you to apply.

Compensation

The salary range for this role is $92,000-$100,000.This salary is contingent upon the specific experience and qualifications of the selected candidate.

Commonwealth Foundation Benefits Include

• 4% company contributions towards a retirement plan.
• Comprehensive health benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Monthly stipend for needed mobile technology.
• Flexible time off.
• Tuition Assistance program.
• Professional development opportunities.

Physical Requirements (ADA Compliance)

• Ability to work at a computer for extended periods.
• Travel Requirements: Up to 10%.
• Occasional lifting of equipment (up to 25 lbs).
• Manual dexterity to operate keyboards, mice, and other office equipment.
• Visual acuity to read technical documentation and screens.

The Commonwealth Foundation is an equal-opportunity employer.