Human Resources Transformation Specialist

Archdiocese of Detroit; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Archdiocese of Detroit in Detroit, MI seeks a Human Resources Transformation Specialist to guide organizational changes, workforce modernization, and HR transformation across parishes, schools, ministries, and central services.

The role partners with leaders to assess effectiveness, design staffing models, and develop a HR Processes Handbook while ensuring compliance with laws and Archdiocesan policies.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of organizational development and workforce planning principles.
• Understanding of change management methodologies and organizational effectiveness practices.
• Strong employee relations, and federal and Michigan employment law knowledge.
• Excellent communication, coaching, conflict resolution, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage sensitive and confidential matters with professionalism and discretion.
• Ability to influence and collaborate with leaders at all organizational levels.

Responsibilities

• Lead HR support for organizational transformation and renewal initiatives across parishes, schools, ministries, and administrative entities.
• Partner with pastors, principals, parish administrators, and Archdiocesan leaders to assess organizational effectiveness and identify opportunities for improvements.
• Develop HR Processes and Procedures Handbook for pastors and parish leaders handling multi-location teams.
• Provide HR support to organizational design, including staffing model development and reporting structures.
• Lead workforce transition activities, redeployment, and employee support services.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws during transformation initiatives.

Skills

Organizational development

Change management

Employee relations

Communication

Project management

HRIS familiarity

Office productivity

Education

Bachelor’s degree in HR/Business/Organizational Development

Job description

Careers

Questions regarding job postings listed under a parish and school should be directed to the appropriate parish or school. AOD Human Resources is not responsible for the hiring of parish and school employees.

Position: Human Resources Transformation Specialist Location: Detroit, MI
Job Id: 5598 # of Openings: 0 Job Summary The Human Resources Transformation Specialist serves as the primary Human Resources professional supporting organizational changes, workforce modernization, strategic change initiatives, and HR transformation efforts throughout the Archdiocese of Detroit. This position partners with Curia leaders, pastors, parish leadership, school administrators, and central services departments to develop and implement people-centered strategies that enhance organizational effectiveness, strengthen ministry sustainability, and support the mission of the Archdiocese. The Human Resources Transformation Specialist provides expertise in workforce planning, organizational design, talent alignment, change management, employee engagement, and organizational effectiveness. The position plays a key role in reorganization initiatives and realignment efforts, operational improvements, workforce optimization, and organizational renewal projects. Working collaboratively with leadership and stakeholders across the Archdiocese, the Human Resources Transformation Specialist ensures that organizational change initiatives are implemented with professionalism, transparency, compassion, and adherence to Catholic Church teachings, Archdiocesan policies, and applicable employment laws.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities

• Lead Human Resources support for organizational transformation and renewal initiatives across parishes, schools, ministries, and administrative entities.
• Partner with pastors, principals, parish administrators, and Archdiocesan leaders to assess organizational effectiveness, and identify opportunities for operational and workforce improvements.
• Lead the development of a HR Processes and Procedures Handbook to be used by pastors and parish leaders to guide them through the HR complexities of leading multi-location teams.
• Provide HR support to organizational design efforts, including position alignment, role clarification, reporting structures, and staffing model development.
• Support pastors and parish leaders on conducting workforce assessments and staffing analysis to identify current and future workforce needs
• Lead workforce transition activities, including redeployment, reductions in force when necessary, and employee support services.
• Evaluate organizational structures and recommend workforce solutions that enhance effectiveness and stewardship.
• Develop and lead change-management efforts related to organizational restructuring and workforce transformation initiatives.
• Provide coaching and guidance to pastors, principals, ministry leaders, and managers during periods of organizational change.
• Facilitate workshops, presentations, and planning sessions related to organizational effectiveness and change readiness.
• Develop engagement strategies that support employee morale and organizational stability throughout transformational initiatives.
• Guide leadership through employee communications associated with organizational changes.
• Support leaders in addressing employee concerns and workplace challenges arising from organizational change.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws during organizational transformation initiatives.
• Ensure workforce decisions align with Archdiocesan policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Evaluate the outcomes of transformation initiatives and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Assist leaders with succession planning, and talent development initiatives.
• Provide consultation on employee relations matters and organizational effectiveness challenges
• Assist leaders in navigating difficult workplace conversations and employee concerns.
• Support conflict resolution efforts and facilitate productive working relationships.
• Ensure consistent application of personnel policies and practices
• Partner with legal counsel and Human Resources leadership to identify and mitigate employment-related risks.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and Archdiocesan policies.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• This position does not have direct supervisory responsibilities.

Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Strong knowledge of organizational development and workforce planning principles.
• Understanding of change management methodologies and organizational effectiveness practices.
• Strong employee relations, and federal and Michigan employment law knowledge.
• Excellent communication, coaching, conflict resolution, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage sensitive and confidential matters with professionalism and discretion.
• Ability to influence and collaborate with leaders at all organizational levels
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills
• Ability to balance objectivity, compliance, and pastoral sensitivity.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and HRIS platforms.

Education and Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, Organizational Development, or related field.
• Five (5) to Seven (7) or more years of progressive Human Resources experience.
• Experience in workforce planning, organizational development, organizational design, employee relations, or change management.
• Experience leading or supporting organizational transformation initiatives.
• Experience advising senior leaders on workforce and organizational challenges.
• Demonstrated knowledge of employment law and Human Resources best practices.
• Experience conducting workplace investigations and managing employee relations matters. (preferred)
• Experience supporting multi-location organizations. (preferred)
• Experience with organizational restructuring, mergers, consolidations, or operational transformation initiatives. (preferred)
• SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR certification. (preferred)
• Experience in faith-based, nonprofit, healthcare, educational, or multi-site organizations. (preferred)
• Familiarity with Catholic schools, parishes, and ministries. (preferred)

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting and working at a computer.
• Ability to lift up to 15 pounds.
• Frequent standing, walking, and movement between worksites.
• Ability to facilitate presentations, meetings, and employee discussions.

Travel Requirements

• Must have reliable transportation and the ability to travel throughout the Archdiocese

Additional Requirements

• Must agree, upon acceptance of an offer of employment with the Archdiocese of Detroit, not to engage in, nor to endorse, any actions or beliefs contrary to the teaching and standards of the Roman Catholic faith and morality.
• Must demonstrate understanding, respect and support for Roman Catholic Church teaching, mission and values.
• Must have knowledge of the Roman Catholic faith, its institutions, policies and practices.
• Must maintain strict confidentiality regarding any archdiocesan information gained within the Archdiocese of Detroit, especially highly sensitive material such as protected Personally Identifiable Information and financial information.

Other Duties This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, and responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Affirmative Action/EEO Statement The Archdiocese of Detroit is an equal opportunity employer and does not illegally discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, height, weight, genetic information, or marital or other legally protected status. The Archdiocese of Detroit is committed to achieving excellence through cultural diversity and encourages applications and/or nominations of women, persons of color, veterans, and persons with disabilities.

If you have questions or would like to submit a job posting, please contact our Human Resources department.

Human Resources 12 State Street, Detroit, MI 48226-1823 [e-mail]
313-237-5947