Human Resources Director

YWCA of Madison; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 75,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Short-term disability

Long-term disability

Flexible spending accounts

Retirement contributions

Earned time off

Sick time accrued

Job summary

YWCA Madison is seeking a strategic Human Resources Director to lead the full HR function as a solo HR leader, developing HR systems, policies, and employment practices while ensuring compliance and providing strategic guidance on employee relations and organizational needs.

The role serves as the primary HR resource, partnering with leadership to foster equitable, effective, and values-aligned employment practices that support the mission and people of YWCA Madison.

Qualifications

• At least 5–10+ years of progressive HR leadership experience.
• Deep knowledge of employment law and regulations.
• Experience conducting workplace investigations.
• Ability to balance day-to-day operations with strategic priorities.
• Proven ability to foster equitable, values-aligned employment practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead workforce planning and HR policy development.
• Manage investigations and employee relations.
• Oversee performance management systems and payroll/benefits (vendor-managed).
• Partner with CEO and leadership to advance organizational priorities.

Skills

HR leadership

Employment law

Investigations

Workforce planning

Policy development

Employee relations

Job description

Human Resources Director

YWCA Madison is seeking a strategic and experienced Human Resources Director to lead the organization’s full HR function as a solo HR leader. This role is responsible for developing and implementing HR systems, policies, and employment practices; ensuring compliance with applicable laws; and providing thoughtful, strategic guidance on employee relations and organizational needs.

The Human Resources Director will serve as the organization’s primary HR resource, working independently while partnering closely with leadership and staff to foster equitable, effective, and values-aligned employment practices that support the mission and people of YWCA Madison.

YWCA Madison is a 116-year-old organization committed to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. Our collective values are humanity, community, growth, and restoration. YWCA Madison is the largest provider of affordable housing for women in Dane County.

We serve as a vital bridge to long-term stability through our transitional housing programs and are one of two shelters for families in Madison. Additionally, we serve individuals through Employment and Training programs, Restorative Justice in schools and community centers, and through Learning and Movement Building. We are collectively creating the kind of world we want to live in.

The HR Director role partners closely with the CEO, HR Committee, and Directors Team to integrate justice-centered values into strong compliance practices in support of a healthy and dynamic organizational culture.

Responsibilities include workforce planning, HR policy development, investigations, employee relations, performance management systems, and oversight of payroll and benefits administration (managed by an external vendor).

Candidates should have 5–10+ years of progressive HR leadership experience, deep knowledge of employment law, and experience conducting workplace investigations. Strong judgment, discretion, and a commitment to equity are essential.

This is an opportunity to help build sustainable systems that support staff, strengthen leadership, and advance YWCA Madison’s long-term impact.

Candidates should feel strongly committed to this mission and resonate with our values of humanity, restoration, community, and growth.

YWCA Madison is an equal opportunity employer committed to racial and gender justice. We encourage candidates from historically marginalized communities to apply.

You have:

• 5–10+ years of progressive HR leadership experience, deep knowledge of employment law, and experience conducting workplace investigations.
• Demonstrated experience with workforce planning, HR policy development, investigations, employee relations, performance management systems, and oversight of payroll and benefits administration
• Experience working independently and serving as a strategic HR leader in a one-person HR team, balancing day-to-day operations with long-term organizational priorities.
• Experience cultivating and growing a collaborative team culture that centers trust, shared leadership, accountability, and growth.
• Strong judgment, discretion, and a commitment to equity are essential.
• Ability to adapt quickly to changing possibilities and scenarios.
• Strong commitment to the mission of YWCA Madison.
• Personal values aligned with organizational values: humanity, community, growth, and restoration.

Salary range: $ 75k–$100k annually; commensurate with experience.

This is a full-time position. Our generous benefits package includes health, dental, and vision insurance; life insurance; short- and long-term disability; access to flexible spending accounts; and retirement contributions, in addition to earned time and sick time accrued throughout the year.

For more information on the position, please see the full job description at the link below: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1sifoOPacSLXshoEMUNlTo8OSoVaF4y0ao4K_WPnh6Y8/edit?usp=sharing

If you have questions, you may contact the CEO at [e-mail].

Application Review: Applications received by September 20, 2026 will be given priority consideration. The position will remain open until filled, and applications received after this date may be considered based on the status of the search. AA/EOE