Director of People & Culture

YWCA of Asheville and WNC•Asheville, NC

19d•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of People and Culture is a mission-driven leader who ensures that YWCA of Asheville is a place where staff, volunteers, and partners feel valued, respected, and supported in advancing our shared vision of eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. This role provides strategic leadership for organizational culture, talent development, and human resources functions with an intentional focus on equity, inclusion, and community impact. The Director partners with leadership and staff at every level to build a thriving workplace where people can do their best work in service of racial justice and civil rights, the empowerment and economic advancement of women and girls, and the health and safety of women and girls.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Organizational Development, Business Administration, Nonprofit Management, or related field (Master’s preferred).
7+ years of progressive leadership experience in human resources, organizational development, or people operations; nonprofit or mission-driven environment strongly preferred.
Knowledge of employment laws, HR best practices, and nonprofit compliance requirements.
Strong facilitation, communication, and conflict resolution skills.
Strategic thinker with the ability to balance visionary leadership and day-to-day operations.
Deep commitment to racial justice, gender equity, and community well-being.
Equity & Inclusion Leadership – Actively centers racial justice and gender equity in decision-making.
Mission Alignment – Aligns people and culture work with YWCA’s values, priorities, and community commitments.
Strategic & Visionary Thinking – Anticipates future organizational needs and builds capacity for long-term impact.
Relational Leadership – Builds trust and collaboration across diverse teams and communities.
Resilience & Change Management – Guides the organization through growth, transitions, and challenges with care.

Nice To Haves

SHRM-SCP, SPHR, or related certification preferred.
Master’s preferred.

Responsibilities

Embed YWCA’s mission, values, and racial justice commitments into all aspects of people and culture strategy.
Serve as a trusted advisor and thought partner to the CEO and leadership team on equity-centered organizational development.
Champion initiatives that advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB), ensuring YWCA of Asheville models the change we seek in the community.
Lead equitable and inclusive recruitment, hiring, and onboarding practices that attract diverse talent aligned with YWCA’s mission.
Design and oversee professional development, coaching, and career pathways to support staff growth and retention.
Develop succession planning strategies to build leadership capacity across the organization.
Foster a culture of collaboration, empowerment, and accountability grounded in respect and trust.
Create initiatives that enhance staff engagement, well-being, and recognition.
Facilitate ongoing dialogue, feedback, and restorative practices that strengthen team cohesion.
Oversee HR operations including compensation, benefits, compliance, and employee relations with an equity lens.
Develop and maintain clear, accessible, and mission-aligned policies and procedures.
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local labor laws and uphold best practices in nonprofit HR management.
Lead the development of systems and processes that align people practices with strategic goals.
Guide staff and leadership through organizational change with transparency and care.
Use data and metrics to evaluate HR effectiveness, employee satisfaction, and organizational health.