Director of People and Culture (HR)

FIRST 5 SANTA CLARA COUNTY•San Jose, CA

72d•$116,501 - $135,058

About The Position

Are you passionate about cultivating a workplace where people thrive, ideas spark, and teamwork leads to real change in our community? FIRST 5 of Santa Clara is on the lookout for a dynamic Director of People and Culture, a leader who believes HR is more than policies and paperwork, but an adventure in supporting, developing, and connecting every member of our mission-driven team. If you love making a difference and building a better future for families, come join us! As a Director of People and Culture, you’ll shape the employee experience through fostering positive labor relations and recognition, championing diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging every step of the way. As a Director of People & Culture, you will play a pivotal role in fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment where employees can thrive and contribute to the organization’s mission of ensuring the optimal development of young children in Santa Clara County. The Director of People & Culture (HR-Employee & Labor Relations) is one of two Director positions reporting directly to the Executive Director or his/her designee. Both positions are responsible for the development and implementation of strategic initiatives related to human resources, talent management, and organizational culture. Your vision will help foster an environment where innovative thinking is celebrated and collaboration is woven into the fabric of our organization. Together, we’ll launch new initiatives, nurture talent, and create a workplace where everyone’s voice matters. If you’re ready to lead with heart and purpose, we’d love to hear from you—let’s grow, inspire, and make a lasting impact, side by side.

Requirements

Thorough knowledge of federal, state, and local laws related to employment, labor relations, and HR best practices.
Demonstrated expertise in employee relations, investigations, labor negotiations, and contract administration.
Proven experience in developing and delivering workforce training and professional development programs.
Strong project management skills, with experience deploying HRIS or similar HR technology platforms.
Exceptional interpersonal, communication, listening, and conflict resolution skills; ability to inspire trust and build relationships at all levels.
Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging; cultural competence to serve a diverse workforce and community.
Analytical and problem-solving abilities with keen attention to detail and organizational skills.
Ability to maintain confidentiality, exercise discretion, and handle sensitive matters with professionalism.
Ability to lift and carry objects weighing up to 25 pounds occasionally.
Capability to sit and stand for extended periods.
Ability to bend, stoop, and perform tasks requiring manual dexterity.
Willingness to participate in First Five related community events,
Must be able to work some evenings and weekends as required.
Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field. Master’s degree or HR certification (PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP) preferred.
At least seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in human resources, with a strong background in employee relations, labor relations, and HRIS implementation.
Experience working in a public sector, nonprofit, or unionized environment is strongly desired.
Fluency in spoken and written English; proficiency in a second language is an asset.
At least 3 years of supervision experience.
Union experience required.
HRIS experience required

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree or HR certification (PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP) preferred.
Project Management certification is a plus.
Paycom experience desired

Responsibilities

Develop, implement, and oversee policies and practices that foster a positive, collaborative, and inclusive workplace environment.
Serve as a trusted advisor for staff and management on all aspects of employee relations, including but not limited to conflict resolution, corrective action, and compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Oversee investigations into employee concerns, complaints, and alleged violations, ensuring a thorough, timely, and fair process in alignment with organizational values and legal standards.
Lead and participate in grievance processes and contract negotiations, representing management in collective bargaining and working constructively with union representatives.
Maintain accurate records of all employee labor relations activities and outcomes.
Assess organizational training needs and develop comprehensive workforce development strategies that promote continuous learning and professional growth.
Design, deliver, and evaluate training programs on topics such as leadership, compliance, equity and inclusion, performance management, and other HR-related areas.
Provide coaching and mentorship to leaders and employees, supporting talent development and succession planning initiatives.
Track and report on training outcomes to ensure alignment with organizational goals and priorities.
Lead the selection, implementation, and optimization of Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS) to streamline workflows, enhance data integrity, and support data-driven decision-making.
Coordinate cross-functional teams to ensure seamless HRIS deployment, end-user training, and ongoing support.
Develop and maintain documentation for system processes, data standards, and usage guidelines.
Monitor system performance and recommend improvements as technology and organizational needs evolve.
Oversee the accurate and confidential administration of personnel records, compliance reporting, and HR documentation.
Manage department contracts, and vendor relationships as required.
Ensure effective execution of onboarding, offboarding, collaborating with Finance on payroll processes and benefits administration processes.
Support department needs in recruitment and selection.
Participate in organizational planning, change management, and other special projects as needed.