Senior Human Resources Manager

Greater Old Saybrook Chamber; Madison (CT); On-site; USD 85,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

AD&D coverage

Long‑term disability

403(b) with employer contributions

PTO

Job summary

Vista Life Innovations seeks a Senior Human Resources Manager to lead the HR function and build a culture where employees grow their careers. You will run HR operations end‑to‑end, oversee a small team, and partner with senior leaders on workforce planning and organizational development.

The role emphasizes policy, compliance, and people development, with a competitive benefits package and a salary range of $85,000–$95,000 per year. On‑site location in Madison, CT, with full‑time exempt status.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of progressive HR experience, including mentoring other HR professionals.
• Strong working knowledge of CT and federal employment law, compliance, and HR best practices.
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands‑on execution.
• Experience building or scaling engagement and culture programs.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills; you are the face of HR.
• SHRM-CP/SCP or PHR/SPHR certification is a plus, not required.

Responsibilities

• Own the full People function for the organization, including HR policy, compliance, benefits administration, and employee relations.
• Lead and develop a team of two direct reports: Talent and Engagement Manager and HR Coordinator; set priorities and coach.
• Partner with senior leadership to shape people strategy, workforce planning, and organizational development.
• Oversee employee engagement, retention, and culture programs in partnership with your team.
• Ensure HR operations run smoothly from onboarding through off‑boarding with administrative execution.
• Manage compensation and benefits administration to ensure competitiveness and regulatory compliance.
• Serve as trusted advisor for employee relations issues and drive HR process improvements.

Skills

HR leadership

Employment law CT/federal

Policy & compliance

Talent development

Communication & leadership

SHRM/PHR certification

Job description

Senior Human Resources Manager

About Vista Life Innovations

For more than 35 years, Vista Life Innovations has supported adults with disabilities in building independent lives, finding meaningful work, and becoming active members of their communities. Our programs are grounded in a person‑centered philosophy, meeting each individual where they are and supporting them toward greater independence at every stage of life.

About the Role

We're looking for a Senior Human Resources Manager to lead our HR function and build a workplace where people genuinely want to grow their careers. This is a hands‑on leadership role for someone who can balance the operational backbone of HR— compliance, policy, process — with the people‑first work of culture, engagement, and talent development.

You’ll lead a team of two: a Talent and Engagement Manager and an HR Coordinator, giving you the ability to focus on strategy and oversight while your team executes on the day‑to‑day.

What You'll Do

• Own the full People function for the organization, including HR policy, compliance, benefits administration, and employee relations
• Lead and develop a team of two direct reports — a Talent and Engagement Manager and an HR Coordinator — setting priorities, providing coaching, and ensuring alignment across talent and operational workstreams
• Partner with senior leadership to shape people strategy, workforce planning, and organizational development initiatives
• Oversee employee engagement, retention, and culture‑building programs in partnership with your Talent and Engagement Manager
• Ensure HR operations run smoothly — from onboarding through off‑boarding — with your HR Coordinator handling day‑to‑day administrative execution
• Manage compensation and benefits administration, ensuring competitiveness and compliance with state and federal regulations
• Serve as a trusted advisor and point of escalation for employee relations issues
• Drive continuous improvement of HR processes, systems, and policies

What We're Looking For

• 8+ years of progressive HR experience, including experience managing or mentoring other HR professionals
• Strong working knowledge of CT and federal employment law, compliance, and HR best practices
• Demonstrated ability to balance strategic thinking with hands‑on execution
• Experience building or scaling engagement and culture programs
• Excellent communication and leadership skills — you'll be the face of HR for the organization
• SHRM‑CP/SCP or PHR/SPHR certification a plus, not required

Why This Role

This is an opportunity to lead Human Resources end‑to‑end at an organization small enough that your fingerprints will be on everything, but structured enough that you'll have a team to execute alongside you rather than doing it all solo. You’ll report directly to the VP of Business Operations & Administrative Services and have real influence over how the company grows and takes care of its people.

We offer a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance; company‑paid life and AD&D coverage; long‑term disability; a 403(b) with employer contributions and match; generous accrued PTO; an Employee Assistance Program; and a wellness incentive program. A full benefits summary is available upon request.

Salary Range: $85,000 - $95,000 annually, commensurate with experience

Location: Madison, CT (on‑site) | Status: Full‑time, Exempt

Reports to: VP of Business Operations & Administrative Services

Vista Life Innovations is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a team that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve.

Vista and the CT Shoreline

https://www.vistalifeinnovations.org/community/connecticut-shoreline

Vista Life Innovations

• 1356 Old Clinton Road Westbrook CT 06498
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Please visit our website for more information about Vista Life Innovations and our career opportunities.