Human Resources Director

Archdiocese of Detroit • Detroit, MI

16d

About The Position

The Human Resources Director provides strategic leadership and oversight of all human resource functions for the Archdiocese, ensuring that HR practices support the mission of the Catholic Church, foster a positive and pastoral workplace culture, and comply with all applicable laws and Archdiocesan policies. This role supports clergy, parish and school leaders, and central services staff through expert guidance in employee relations, talent management, performance development, training, compensation, benefits administration, and compliance. The Human Resources Director serves as a trusted advisor to senior leadership and as a resource to parishes, schools, and ministries across the Archdiocese.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field required.
• Minimum 7–10 years of progressively responsible HR experience, including supervisory responsibilities.
• Strong understanding of employment law, HR policy, and best practices.
• Demonstrated ability to lead with empathy, fairness, and sound judgment.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with clergy, religious, and lay staff.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and the capacity to handle sensitive situations with discretion.
• Proficiency with HRIS systems, Microsoft Office, and digital communication tools.
• Must be a practicing Catholic in good standing.
• Must support the mission, teachings, and pastoral priorities of the Catholic Church.
• Ability to integrate Catholic values and principles into HR leadership and decision-making.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree or HR certification (PHR/SPHR/SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP) strongly preferred.
• Experience in a nonprofit, education, or faith-based environment preferred.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership & Organizational Development Develop and implement HR strategies that advance the mission, vision, and values of the Archdiocese. Advise the Archbishop, Chancellor/COO, and leadership on organizational structure, staffing, and workforce planning. Promote a culture aligned with Catholic social teaching, respect for human dignity, and pastoral care.
• Employee Relations & Pastoral HR Support Provide expert guidance to pastors, principals, and managers on employee issues, conflict resolution, progressive discipline, and terminations. Conduct or oversee sensitive personnel investigations with professionalism, fairness, and confidentiality. Support a culture of pastoral care while upholding compliance, consistency, and due process.
• Talent Acquisition & Onboarding Oversee recruitment strategies for central services positions and provide recruitment consultation to parishes and schools. Ensure consistent onboarding practices, including safe environment requirements and background checks. Partner with leadership to identify high-quality candidates who support the Catholic mission.
• Training & Development Design and deliver training for leaders on topics such as performance management, HR policies, cultural values, and employee relations. Support leadership development and succession planning across parishes, schools, and ministries. Oversee ongoing compliance training (e.g., Safe Environment policies, harassment prevention).
• Compensation, Benefits & HR Operations Oversee compensation structures, salary administration, and job evaluation processes. Coordinate and support the end-to-end merit planning process and cycle. Manage benefit programs (health, retirement, leave plans), working closely with vendors and consultants. Ensure HR data integrity, timely reporting, and accurate maintenance of personnel records. Lead and support all HR systems to ensure effective and consistent operations.
• Policy Development & Compliance Develop, update, and interpret HR policies and the Archdiocesan employee handbook. Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws (FLSA, FMLA, ADA, EEO, etc.).
• Support for Parishes, Schools, and Ministries Serve as a resource to pastors, principals, parish business managers, and school administrators on HR best practices. Provide consultation on employment matters unique to ministry settings (e.g., ministerial exception, canonical considerations). Create and distribute HR toolkits, templates, and guidance documents.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager