Director of People & Culture

Hamilton Families•San Francisco, CA

20h•Hybrid

About The Position

Hamilton Families is seeking an experienced and values-driven Director of People & Culture to join their team and play a key leadership role in advancing their mission to end homelessness. This is an opportunity to shape a people-centered, equity-focused workplace that supports staff delivering critical, high-impact services across a multi-site organization. Reporting to the Chief People & Culture Officer (CPCO), the Director provides strategic and operational leadership across all human resources functions. This role partners closely with the CPCO to develop and implement people strategies that drive employee engagement, retention, and organizational effectiveness in a complex, compliance-driven Union environment. The Director oversees core HR functions—including talent acquisition and development, employee relations, performance management, and compliance—through an equity and trauma-informed lens. This role has significant responsibility for navigating complex employee relations matters, including those within a unionized environment, and ensuring adherence to federal, state, and local employment laws, as well as government contract requirements. As a trusted advisor to managers and staff, the Director promotes inclusive and equitable practices, strengthens organizational culture, and supports a diverse workforce with consistency and care. This position directly supervises People & Culture team members and is responsible for building team capacity, enhancing systems and processes, and ensuring operational excellence aligned with organizational values and goals.

Requirements

8+ years of progressive HR or People & Culture experience, including leadership in HR strategy, operations, compliance, and employee relations, including 4+ years managing and developing high-performing teams.
Deep understanding of human resources principles, including labor and employee relations, performance management, compensation, benefits, and compliance.
Demonstrated experience managing core HR functions, including recruitment, onboarding/offboarding, performance management, compensation and benefits, learning and development, and leave administration.
Significant experience in labor relations and union environments, including CBA administration, contract interpretation, grievance processes, and collaboration with union leadership.
Proven success leading and developing HR teams, with strong coaching, mentorship, and team-building capabilities.
Deep knowledge of employment law and HR compliance, including EEO, FMLA, FLSA, and related federal, state, and local regulations.
Strong experience partnering with senior leadership to design and implement people strategies that improve engagement, culture, and organizational effectiveness.
Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and fostering a mission-driven workplace culture.
Passion for advancing the organization’s mission to end homelessness and strengthening staff capacity to deliver impact.
Strong analytical skills with experience using HR data, metrics, and systems to inform decision-making and improve employee experience.
Proficiency with HRIS platforms and business tools (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, Salesforce, and related systems), including reporting and data analysis.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and influence across all levels of the organization.
Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, compliance-driven environment.
Demonstrated discretion, confidentiality, and sound judgment in handling sensitive and complex matters.
Proactive, solutions-oriented mindset with a focus on continuous improvement and operational excellence.
Willingness and ability to travel locally to multiple sites.
Ability to perform essential job functions in an office and field-based environment, including use of a computer and telephone, and the ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, kneel, reach, climb stairs, and occasionally lift or carry up to 40 pounds.
Valid California Driver’s License (CADL) and clean DMV record; ability to travel locally as needed.
Ability to successfully complete post-offer requirements, including criminal background check, fingerprinting, and TB clearance.

Nice To Haves

We encourage applicants to apply even if they feel they do not meet all the listed criteria. We value diverse perspectives and believe in the potential for growth and development within our team. Your unique skills and experiences may be exactly what we need to succeed together.

Responsibilities

Partner with the Chief People & Culture Officer to design and implement people strategies that support staff and supervisors across a mission-driven, multi-site organization.
Serve as the lead for union-related matters, including relationship-building with union leadership and shop stewards, interpreting and applying the Collective Bargaining Agreement, supporting contract negotiations, and ensuring consistent compliance with union policies and labor laws.
Lead core HR operations, including employee and labor relations, recruitment, onboarding and offboarding, benefits administration, learning and development, and leaves of absence, ensuring compliance, operational excellence, and a positive employee experience.
Support supervisors in performance management, employee development, coaching, and employee engagement practices that strengthen accountability and culture.
Develop, maintain, and ensure consistent application of HR policies and procedures in alignment with organizational values and legal requirements.
Oversee HR systems and data management, ensuring accuracy, integrity, compliance, and the development of meaningful workforce reporting and insights.
Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, including EEO, FMLA, FLSA, and related requirements.
Contribute to organization-wide initiatives, continuous improvement efforts, and culture-building strategies that advance equity, inclusion, and organizational effectiveness.
Provide direct supervision, coaching, and professional development to People & Culture team members, fostering a high-performing and collaborative HR function.