Director Of People and Culture

Salt and Light•Urbana, IL

About The Position

Work with a purpose as part of a team empowering people to change their lives. Join a team dedicated to helping every person—participants, volunteers, donors, and staff—realize the fullness of who it is God created us to be as we fight poverty with dignity. About Salt & Light (S&L) We are a non-denominational, Christian nonprofit not affiliated with any one church, rather, working with many different individuals, churches, businesses, and organizations in fulfilling our mission and vision. Our doors first opened January 2004 in Champaign, IL as we began handing out food and clothing to local families. Very quickly we became the largest “emergency food program” in Champaign County, and a leader in the community for providing access to basic resources. In addition to the weekly assistance provided through the food pantry and clothing closet, we partnered with area churches and businesses in large events designed to help families with school supplies in the fall, meals at Thanksgiving, and gifts at Christmas. We later added financial education classes and a computer lab, both of which represented not just the addition of new programs but signaled a desire to move away from just providing things, to offering opportunities for people to grow. After wrestling with the theologies and ideologies found in the book When Helping Hurts, we felt led to design a more developmental approach to meeting basic needs. Our new model created opportunities for individuals to acquire the resources they needed through use of the skills, gifts, and abilities God had given them. Instead of being handed a preselected bag of groceries, our participants now shopped with store credit earned through volunteering. The stores we now operate in Urbana and Champaign are open to the entire community and generate revenue to support the store credit participants earn in addition to our other programs and services. About the Position Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of People & Culture (DPC) is a HR Generalist opportunity helping to fulfill our mission and vision by working closely with the Executive Director, other senior leadership, Team Leads, Team Members, and volunteers to develop the people and culture that makes S&L what it is. This includes establishing a safe, spiritually healthy environment serving everyone by creating opportunities to grow both individually and collectively. We are looking for someone who is efficient and comfortable being a member of a team. The ability to multi-task is essential in this position, and the ideal candidate would be resourceful, a good problem-solver, and organized. The ability to balance the administrative responsibilities of a typical HR Manager role while developing the people and organizational culture is essential. Alignment with Salt & Light’s Statement of Beliefs and a pastoral reference are required for consideration.

Requirements

Alignment with our “Statement of Beliefs” and commitment to our Mission & Vision.
Attends a local church.
Knowledge and understanding of the bible.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate.
Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
Thorough knowledge of employment-related laws and regulations.
Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
Proficiency with or the ability to quickly learn the organizations HRIS and talent management systems.
Minimum of bachelor’s degree in Human Resources with preference given to candidates with a master’s
Minimum 3 years of human resource experience

Responsibilities

Partner with leadership team to understand and execute the organization’s human resource and talent strategy particularly as it relates to current and future talent needs, recruiting, retention, and succession planning.
Review, track, and document compliance with mandatory and non-mandatory training, continuing education, and work assessments. This may include safety training, anti-harassment training, professional licensure, and aptitude exams and certifications.
Facilitate the hiring of qualified job applicants for open positions; collaborate with departmental managers to understand skills and competencies required for openings.
Conduct or acquire background checks and employee eligibility verifications.
Implement new hire orientation and employee recognition program.
Perform routine tasks required to administer and execute human resource programs including but not limited to compensation, benefits, and leave; disciplinary matters; disputes and investigations; performance and talent management; productivity, recognition, and morale; occupational health and safety; training and development.
Handle employment-related inquiries from applicants, employees, and supervisors, referring complex and/or sensitive matters to the appropriate staff.
Attend and participate in employee disciplinary meetings, terminations, and investigations.
Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, and recommended best practices; reviews policies and practices to maintain compliance.
Maintain knowledge of trends, best practices, regulatory changes, and new technologies in human resources, talent management, and employment law.
Create learning and development programs and initiatives for employees.
Ability to align Salt & Light’s Mission and Vision with the development and strengthening of the organization’s culture and values in alignment with the bible.
Perform other duties as assigned.