Director of Human Resources

Abilities First•Poughkeepsie, NY

17d

About The Position

Abilities First, Inc. is seeking a Director of Human Resources to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight of the human resources function, supporting a diverse workforce serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer, the Director leads workforce planning, talent acquisition and development, employee engagement, employee and labor relations, compensation and benefits, and HR compliance and recordkeeping. The Director partners with organizational leaders to strengthen management practices, promote accountability, and address workforce challenges with sound judgment, consistency, and compassion. The role translates organizational priorities into HR policies, systems, and practices that support employees, advance service quality, and foster a culture in which everyone is recognized and valued. This is a full-time exempt position with an annual salary range of $110,000 to $130,000, commensurate with experience. The successful candidate’s starting salary will depend on qualifications, experience, skills, education, internal equity, and other job-related factors. Abilities First has served individuals with developmental disabilities for over 60 years through services ranging from early education to adulthood. The organization describes itself as mission-driven, collaborative, inclusive, and committed to equal opportunity. Reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field; an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.
At least seven years of progressively responsible human resources experience, including at least three years managing an HR function and supervising staff.
Demonstrated experience in employee and labor relations, collective bargaining administration, employment compliance, and advising leadership on complex personnel matters.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English, including preparing accurate documentation, communicating sensitive information clearly, and delivering presentations to employees and management.
Extensive knowledge of employment laws, regulations, and HR compliance requirements, with the ability to apply them to practical workplace situations.
Strong business acumen and demonstrated ability to lead, supervise, and develop staff, establish priorities, and ensure accountability for results.
Sound judgment and the ability to handle complex employee and organizational matters with discretion, consistency, sensitivity, and confidentiality.
Ability to analyze workforce data, identify trends, and present actionable recommendations to executive leadership.
Working knowledge of budgeting, compensation, and benefits costs, including the ability to assess the financial implications of HR recommendations and decisions.
Current New York State driver’s license with no moving violations, as deemed acceptable by the organization’s insurance carrier.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
Current HR certification such as PHR, S-PHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP.
Experience in a nonprofit, human services, education, or similarly regulated organization.
Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish.

Responsibilities

Provide leadership, direction, and support to the Human Resources team; establish priorities, promote professional growth, and ensure timely, consistent, and responsive HR services.
Lead recruitment and workforce planning with agency leadership, including effective processes for position requisitions, approvals, and hiring.
Oversee the planning and execution of HR events, including recruitment events and benefits fairs, and participate as appropriate to support employee access and engagement.
Analyze workforce trends and employee feedback to identify retention and engagement opportunities, then lead and evaluate targeted strategies.
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and applicable regulatory requirements; identify risks and strengthen practices through policy development, management guidance, and proactive training.
Oversee employee HR communications to ensure information is accurate, timely, accessible, and consistent with agency policies and priorities.
Lead employee engagement surveys with the Chief Administrative Officer, analyze results, and recommend actions to strengthen engagement and retention.
Evaluate and optimize the HRIS and related tools to improve efficiency, data integrity, reporting, and employee experience.
Maintain the Employee Handbook and HR policies, reviewing them at least annually and updating them as needed to reflect legal requirements and agency practices.
Collaborate with the Training Department to develop and update HR-related training in the Learning Management System.
Evaluate employee benefits and recommend programs that meet workforce needs, remain competitive, and align with the agency’s budget.
Oversee performance management processes, support managers in setting expectations and addressing performance concerns, and recommend improvements that strengthen accountability and employee development.
Integrate diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility principles into HR practices and management guidance, and participate in agency initiatives advancing these priorities.
Serve as the primary HR contact for the labor union, address labor relations matters, and manage grievances according to the collective bargaining agreement.
Participate in collective bargaining and coordinate management proposals and responses, gathering input and facilitating collaboration across the AFI Management Team.
Develop, maintain, and implement a competitive and financially sustainable compensation strategy with the Chief Administrative Officer and Chief Financial Officer to support recruitment, retention, and internal equity.

Benefits

Vacation, personal, sick, and holiday time.
Medical, dental, and vision plans.
Employee Assistance Program available 24/7.
Retirement savings plan options.
Employer-paid life insurance.
Access to Free Will.
Tuition reimbursement.
Career development training opportunities.
On Demand Pay, providing access to earnings as early as the next day.
Staff appreciation events, employee awards, team celebrations, and ongoing recognition of exceptional performance and service.