SR. HR Director

Nelson Connects; Berkeley (CA); Hybrid; USD 92,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Nelson Connects in Berkeley is seeking a Senior Director of Human Resources to oversee all HR functions and lead a team of three. You will partner with the COO to translate organizational needs into HR strategies that support homelessness services and build a high-performing, inclusive workplace.

The role requires onsite work in Berkeley at least three days per week with occasional travel to other Northern California offices. This is a contract, full-time position with a hybrid work model.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; senior HR certification preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive HR experience with 5+ years in leadership roles.
• Nonprofit HR experience and homelessness-focused mission are valued.
• Experience with HRIS, applicant tracking, performance management, and benefits administration systems.

Responsibilities

• Oversee HR functions: recruitment, onboarding, relations, performance management, compensation, benefits, training, compliance, and HR systems.
• Lead and develop the HR and Recruitment team to deliver high quality service and meet departmental goals.
• Develop recruitment, retention, onboarding, engagement, and professional development strategies aligned with organizational needs.
• Partner with COO on HR budgeting, financial accountability, and special projects.

Skills

HR leadership

Strategic thinking

Employee relations

Recruitment

Performance management

Benefits administration

HRIS

Compliance

Communication

Budgeting

Education

Bachelor’s degree

HR certification

Tools

HRIS

Applicant tracking systems

HR software

Job description

Senior Director of Human Resources

Location: Berkeley, CA

Schedule: Full time, hybrid-3 days onsite

Pay scale: $67-80.00 p/hour, depending on experience

Duration: Contract

A strategic, people-focused HR leader who will oversee the Human Resources function and lead a team of three. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer (COO), you will develop and implement HR strategies that support organizational goals, foster employee engagement, and build a high-performing, inclusive workplace. You are committed to the company mission to end homelessness and can translate organizational needs into creative, effective HR solutions.

This position requires onsite work in Berkeley at least three days per week, occasional travel to other Northern California offices, and successful completion of background and credit checks.

What you will be doing:

• Oversee all HR functions, including recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, performance management, compensation, benefits, training, compliance, and HR systems.
• Lead, coach, and develop the HR and Recruitment team, ensuring effective service delivery and achievement of departmental goals.
• Develop strategies for recruitment, retention, onboarding, employee engagement, and professional development aligned with organizational needs.
• Manage employee relations, workplace investigations, performance improvement plans, and separations in partnership with the COO and legal counsel as needed.
• Develop and maintain HR policies, procedures, and programs that promote accountability, inclusion, and a high-performance culture.
• Oversee compensation and benefits programs, including market reviews, renewals, and equitable, cost-effective practices.
• Coach managers on leadership, employee relations, recruitment, retention, and performance management.
• Ensure compliance with applicable employment laws, regulations, and reporting requirements.
• Oversee workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance, leaves, accommodations, personnel records, and HR information systems.
• Partner with the COO on HR budgeting, financial accountability, and special projects.

What you bring:

• Bachelor’s degree required; senior-level HR certification preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive HR experience, including at least five years of leadership and supervisory experience in nonprofit organizations.
• Commitment to serving people experiencing homelessness and advancing solutions to homelessness. CARF-accredited program experience is a plus.
• Experience with HRIS, applicant tracking, performance management, and benefits administration systems.
• Strong strategic thinking, independent judgment, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, and persuasive communication skills, with the ability to build strong community relationships and networks.
• A flexible, solutions-oriented approach and the ability to manage competing priorities, work under pressure, maintain confidentiality, and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
• A valid California driver’s license, clean driving record, and reliable personal vehicle.