Director of Human Resources

Kelberman Center Inc•City of Utica, NY

About The Position

The Director of Human Resources is responsible for leading and managing the full scope of HR operations in a highly regulated non-profit environment. This includes oversight of all aspects of human resources practices and processes, including talent acquisition, employee relations, HR compliance, performance management, and organizational development. As a strategic partner to senior leadership, the HR Director ensures HR policies and procedures align with the organization’s objectives and regulatory requirements, while fostering a positive, inclusive, and high-performing workplace culture.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
HR Certification (PHR/SPHR, SCHRM-CP/SCP) preferred.
Minimum of 5 years of HR experience, with a minimum of 2 years in a leadership role.
Experience in non-profit is a plus.
In-depth knowledge of federal and state employment laws, including FMLA, ADA, FLSA, Title VII, OSHA, EEO, and wage & hour compliance.
Familiarity with regulatory requirements under agencies such as OPWDD, OCFS, SED, and DOH.
Demonstrated experience in managing complex HR compliance requirements.
Strong interpersonal, conflict resolution, and organizational skills.
Familiarity with HRIS systems and employee training tracking tools.
Experience overseeing full employee life cycle processes.
Experience developing and maintaining personnel policies, employee handbooks, and audit-ready documentation.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
Excellent time management skills with proven ability to meet deadlines.
Highest level of integrity, excellent judgment, and demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality.
An equivalent combination of education and experience which provides proficiency in the areas of responsibility listed above may be substituted for the above education and experience requirements.

Nice To Haves

HR Certification (PHR/SPHR, SCHRM-CP/SCP) preferred.
Experience in non-profit is a plus.
Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field preferred.

Responsibilities

Design and implement HR strategies that support Kelberman’s mission, values, and goals.
Serve as a member of the leadership team, contributing to organizational planning and compliance strategy.
Develop and maintain HR policies and procedures in alignment with local, state, and federal regulatory bodies.
Develop and maintain HR policies and procedures in alignment with OPWDD, OCFS, SED, and DOH regulatory bodies.
Maintain the Employee Handbook.
Oversee the Human Resources team including providing coaching and feedback.
Oversee recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and orientation process for all staff and contracted personnel.
Ensure all pre-employment requirements (SCR clearance, fingerprinting, medicals, references, etc.) are met per regulatory guidance.
Collaborate with department leaders to assess staffing needs and develop job descriptions.
Implement diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) best practices across recruitment and hiring.
Analyze workforce trends and provide insight to guide business decisions.
Implement retention strategies and succession planning.
Maintain compliance with all labor laws (NYS and federal) and oversight of agency regulations.
Manage required reporting annually (EEO, OSHA, etc.)
Stay current with employment law changes and industry trends.
Prepare for and participate in audits and reviews conducted by OPWDD, OCFS, and other accrediting bodies.
Maintain accurate, confidential personnel files and ensure the required documentation is up-to-date and audit ready.
Process employee claims (workers compensation, leave of absence, unemployment, etc.)
Oversee and conduct thorough, impartial investigations into employee complaints, concerns, and policy violations; recommend appropriate actions based on findings.
Manage complex and sensitive employee relations issues, balancing risk mitigation with employee experience and organizational goals.
Oversee mandatory and ongoing staff training as required.
Monitor and track completions of annual training for all staff.
Coordinate with program directors to identify and address professional development needs.
Promote a positive, respectful, and inclusive work environment.
Address employee concerns, grievances, and performance issues promptly and in compliance with internal policy.
Facilitate engagement initiatives such as surveys, recognition programs, and wellness efforts.
Advise supervisors on progressive discipline, evaluations, and team-building strategies.
Collaborate with finance to administer compensation plans, benefits packages, and payroll changes.
Ensure competitive compensation while maintaining budget responsibility.
Manage the budget and other financial measures of the HR department.
Evaluate and recommend improvements on benefit offerings in support of employee well-being and retention.
Oversee and coordinate open enrollment on an annual basis.
Prepare required year-end tax reporting documentation such as W2s, 1095-C, etc.
Manage and oversee the 403(b) plan and complete 5500s with our TPA.
Prepare and assist with the Workers Compensation Audit on an annual basis.
Manage vendor contracts with outside IT Company, HRIS System, and Benefit Broker.
Oversee Payroll completion within the HR department.
Partner with legal counsel as needed to mitigate risk and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws.
Performs other duties as assigned.