Director of Human Resources

City of Philadelphia•Philadelphia, PA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The HR Director is a senior executive role responsible for leading the Free Library of Philadelphia’s (FLP) human resources strategy and overseeing a comprehensive range of HR functions. These include DEI initiatives, employee relations, payroll, labor relations, training and development, safety, risk management, and more. The HR Director will ensure the Library fosters an inclusive and supportive workplace while remaining compliant with applicable laws and regulations, all while advancing the Free Library’s mission and vision. As a key member of the executive leadership team, the HR Director will report directly to the First Deputy Director. This role includes active participation and presentations at meetings with the Free Library’s Board of Trustees, the quarterly public hearings held by the Board of Trustees (open to the public), and the Free Library Foundation Board of Directors. The HR Director will provide strategic insights and guidance on matters related to staffing, employee relations, DEI, and organizational policies. Additionally, the HR Director will serve as the point of contact to ensure compliance for Free Library Foundation employees, ensuring consistency in personnel expectations. This includes overseeing that Foundation employees operate within the Library’s physical and digital infrastructure, in alignment with Free Library policies and practices.

Requirements

Completion of a bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Labor, Public Administration, or a closely related field.
Minimum of five years of experience in implementing human resources initiatives, policies, and cross-cultural resource efforts.
At least three years of management or supervisory experience in a related role.
Minimum of three years of experience developing and administering diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within a public or private organization.
Minimum of three years of experience designing and implementing strategies focused on diversity and inclusion, ensuring integration into organizational culture and policies.
Proven ability to develop and implement HR and DEI strategies, aligning initiatives with organizational goals and driving systemic change.
Deep understanding of anti-racist practices, DEI principles, and the ability to integrate these strategies into organizational culture and policy.
Expertise in federal, state, and local equal employment opportunity laws, ensuring compliance across all HR functions and with various stakeholders, including Foundation employees.
Experience working with executive leadership and Boards (including Trustees and Foundation), providing strategic insights on staffing, employee relations, DEI, and organizational policies.
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly present HR-related matters to Board members, leadership, and staff, as well as resolve conflicts effectively.
Strong ability to collaborate across departments, build consensus among diverse stakeholders, and guide teams toward shared goals.
High emotional intelligence and strong interpersonal skills to engage effectively with employees at all levels and external partners.
Expertise in addressing sensitive employee relations issues, conducting investigations, and fostering a respectful workplace.
Strong analytical skills to evaluate complex issues and data, making informed decisions that support HR and DEI goals.
Ability to design, implement, and refine HR programs and policies that enhance organizational effectiveness and drive DEI initiatives.
Skilled in influencing leadership behaviors and fostering a culture of collaboration and inclusion.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and relevant HR software tools for managing HR functions, reporting, and data analysis.
Ability to perform necessary physical duties and adapt to the environmental conditions required for success in this role.
The successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire.

Nice To Haves

Any equivalent combination of education and experience that meets the outlined requirements and is deemed acceptable by the Free Library of Philadelphia will also be considered.

Responsibilities

Lead the development and implementation of DEI strategies aligned with the Library’s mission.
Ensure DEI principles are integrated across all HR practices and policies.
Oversee the assessment and implementation of the DEI plan.
Manage recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and employee engagement.
Ensure HR policies comply with laws and promote fairness and equity.
Support managers in staffing and HR operations.
Oversee accurate payroll processing and competitive compensation strategies to support recruitment and retention.
Address employee concerns and mediate conflict to maintain a positive workplace culture.
Investigate and resolve workplace conduct violations.
Ensure compliance with collective bargaining agreements and engage with union representatives to maintain positive labor relations.
Develop and implement training programs to enhance staff skills and support professional growth.
Collaborate on DEI-focused training initiatives.
Oversee workplace safety compliance, manage injury claims, and ensure timely response to safety issues.
Provide safety-related training and address concerns promptly.
Ensure compliance with EEOC regulations and manage claims related to workplace discrimination.
Lead policy creation and revisions to ensure legal compliance and alignment with the Library’s mission, focusing on DEI and staff retention.
Track and report on DEI and HR metrics to evaluate program effectiveness and progress.
Promote DEI goals through advisory committees and employee resource groups, fostering an inclusive culture.
Participate in Board meetings and quarterly public hearings, providing strategic insights on staffing, employee relations, DEI, and policy matters.
Prepare and present HR-related updates for Board discussions.
Ensure compliance for Free Library Foundation employees, aligning personnel practices with Library policies and standards.
Oversee the integration of Foundation employees into the Library’s infrastructure and practices.
Perform additional tasks as assigned.