Strategic HR Director — GovCon, Compliance & Growth

FosterThomas; Columbia (MD); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

FosterThomas in Columbia, MD is seeking a hands-on Director of Human Resources to lead and scale the HR function for a government contracting organization. You will partner with executive leadership to align HR strategy with business goals, support workforce growth, and ensure compliance across programs.

The ideal candidate blends strategic leadership with practical execution, with experience in government contracting, cleared workforces, and HR process improvement to drive measurable outcomes

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• SHRM-SCP certification required; HRCI SPHR may be considered equivalent.
• Significant hands-on HR leadership experience within government contracting.
• Strong knowledge of SCA wage determinations, fringe obligations, DCAA-compliant labor charging, LCATs, and key personnel requirements.
• Experience supporting DoD or Intelligence Community cleared workforces, including cleared recruiting and coordination with an FSO.
• Demonstrated success scaling an organization, with measurable results in headcount growth, time-to-fill, retention, or process improvement.
• Experience building and implementing HR programs in a lean or resource-conscious environment.
• Knowledge of employee relations, compensation, benefits, workforce planning, and employment compliance.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement scalable HR strategies, policies, and processes that support business growth and operational objectives.
• Lead talent acquisition, workforce planning, employee relations, performance management, retention, and professional development.
• Partner with leadership on organizational design, succession planning, employee engagement, and culture initiatives.
• Implement HR technology, automation, and AI-enabled solutions to improve efficiency and the employee experience.

Skills

HR Leadership

SHRM-SCP

DCAA compliance

SCA wage determinations

DoD cleared workforce

HRIS

Talent acquisition

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources

SHRM-SCP certification

HRCI SPHR considered equivalent

Tools

HRIS

Payroll software

Job description

FosterThomas in Columbia, MD is seeking a hands-on Director of Human Resources to lead and scale the HR function for a government contracting organization. You will partner with executive leadership to align HR strategy with business goals, support workforce growth, and ensure compliance across programs.

The ideal candidate blends strategic leadership with practical execution, with experience in government contracting, cleared workforces, and HR process improvement to drive measurable outcomes