SR. HR Director

Nelson Connects; Berkeley (CA); Hybrid; USD 139,000 - 166,000; Full time

Job summary

Nelson Connects in Berkeley, CA is seeking a Senior Director of Human Resources to lead the HR function, oversee a team of three, and report to the COO. This contract, full-time, hybrid role focuses on aligning HR strategy with the mission to end homelessness.

The role requires 10+ years of progressive HR experience, nonprofit leadership, and expertise in HRIS, recruitment, compensation, and compliance. Onsite 3 days a week, travel within NorCal, and background/credit checks are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; senior-level HR certification preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive HR experience with at least five years in leadership and supervisory roles in nonprofit organizations.
• Commitment to serving people experiencing 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.
• Flexible, solutions-oriented approach; able to manage competing priorities and work with minimal supervision.
• A valid California driver’s license, clean driving record, and reliable personal vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, performance management, compensation, benefits, training, compliance, and HR systems.
• Lead, coach, and develop the HR and Recruitment team toward service excellence.
• Develop recruitment, retention, onboarding, engagement, and professional development strategies aligned with needs.
• Manage employee relations, investigations, performance improvement plans, and separations with COO and legal counsel as needed.
• Develop and maintain HR policies, procedures, and programs promoting accountability and inclusion.
• Oversee compensation and benefits programs, including market reviews and cost-effective practices.
• Coach managers on leadership, recruitment, retention, and performance management.
• Ensure compliance with employment laws and reporting requirements.
• Oversee workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance, leaves, accommodations, personnel records, and HR information systems.
• Partner with the COO on HR budgeting and special projects.

Skills

HR leadership

Recruitment

Onboarding

Employee relations

Performance management

Compensation & benefits

HR policy development

HRIS

Nonprofit experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Senior HR certification (SHRM-SCP/SPHR)

Tools

HRIS

Applicant Tracking System (ATS)

Payroll system

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.