HR and Operations Manager

A SAFE HAVEN LLC•Chicago, IL

6d•$80,000 - $90,000

About The Position

The HR and Operations Manager leads the strategic staffing buildout and ongoing HR operations for A Safe Haven’s Shelter Transport and Response (STAR) program — a centralized shelter intake and transportation initiative. This role oversees full-cycle recruitment, HR compliance, employee relations, and day-to-day operational coordination to ensure the program is staffed, compliant, and running efficiently. A critical component of this role is providing direct operational coverage and management-level oversight when supervisory gaps arise — including stepping in as shift supervisor or on-the-ground manager as needed. This position approaches all staff accountability, performance issues, and team dynamics through an HR management lens, ensuring that operational decisions are grounded in sound people management practices and organizational policy. The ideal candidate is a seasoned HR professional with hands-on operational management experience who thrives in fast-paced, crisis-responsive environments. A solutions-oriented, equity-minded leader with strong instincts for both people management and day-to-day operations is essential for success in this role.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required in Human Resources, Business Administration, Nonprofit Management, or a related field.
Minimum 3+ years of progressive experience in HR management, operations, or a related leadership role.
Demonstrated experience managing full-cycle recruitment and HR operations, preferably in nonprofit, healthcare, shelter, or social service settings.
Familiarity with HRIS systems, applicant tracking platforms, and state/federal HR compliance requirements.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple open positions across varied job types and schedules simultaneously.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to represent the organization professionally across all platforms.
Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in hiring practices and team development.
Must successfully pass required background check and health clearances.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred (MBA, MPA, MS in Human Resources, or related discipline).
PHR, SHRM-CP, or equivalent HR certification a plus.

Responsibilities

Recruitment & Hiring Source, screen, and coordinate interviews for high-volume frontline and management positions, including dispatchers, intake workers, drivers, crisis clinicians, and residential monitors.
Build and maintain applicant pipelines through job boards, community partnerships, hiring fairs, and employee referrals.
Coordinate interview scheduling and facilitate offer letters and pre-employment screenings (TB tests, background checks, drug testing, etc.).
Maintain up-to-date job descriptions and collaborate with program leadership to forecast staffing needs.
Track recruitment metrics and report weekly on progress toward staffing targets and go-live milestones.
Facilitate onboarding for all new hires, including orientation, new hire paperwork, benefits enrollment, and credential tracking.
Serve as the primary HR management resource for the STAR program, providing consistent oversight, accountability, and guidance to staff at all levels.
Step in to cover supervisory gaps as needed, including serving as shift supervisor or on-the-ground manager to maintain operational continuity and staff accountability.
Apply an HR management framework to all supervisory coverage situations — addressing performance concerns, behavioral issues, and team dynamics in real time with documentation and follow-through.
Support employee relations by serving as a knowledgeable, approachable point of contact for staff HR inquiries throughout employment.
Lead performance management processes, including probationary check-ins, corrective action documentation, and progressive discipline.
Ensure compliance with HR policies, confidentiality standards, applicable employment law, and documentation requirements.
Coordinate annual trainings, licensure renewals, and HR compliance audits across the STAR program.
Develop and refine program-specific HR procedures and management protocols to strengthen operational consistency and staff accountability.
Partner with STAR program leadership to align hiring timelines with program go-live goals and operational milestones.
Work closely with Finance and leadership to ensure positions are aligned with budget and funding requirements.
Support culture-building and early retention efforts through a high-quality onboarding experience and proactive staff engagement.
Represent A Safe Haven professionally in community recruitment spaces, hiring events, and partner convenings.