Human Resources Director chez UNIVERSITY SETTLEMENT SOCIETY OF NEW YORK

Human Resources Director

University Settlement partners with 40,000 New Yorkers on the Lower East Side and in Brooklyn every year to build on their strengths as they achieve healthy, stable, and remarkable lives.  For over 140 years, we have collaborated with our neighbors to pioneer highly effective programs that fight poverty and systemic inequality.  Established in 1886 as the first Settlement House in the United States, we bring the values of that movement into the 21st century by meeting New Yorkers where they live, listening deeply to all perspectives, engaging with every individual holistically, and creating space for people to organize.  Joining our neighbors to advocate for justice and equality, we help build community strength. 

We work with New Yorkers of all ages.  We infuse a commitment to civic engagement, equity, and communal action into each of our programs, which include early childhood education, mental health and wellness, benefits assistance and eviction prevention, adult literacy and education, healthy aging, community and recreation centers, performing and visual arts, and youth development. 

The People Operations Business Partner/Director is a strategic leadership role that aligns people strategies with organizational goals.  Leading a team of four—including HR Coordinators, an HR Analyst, and an HR Generalist—this position blends strategic HR partnership with operational excellence.  The role ensures HR programs are business-driven, enhance the employee experience, and support successful program outcomes.  Strong communication skills are essential, as this leader must effectively engage with stakeholders across all levels of the organization.  They will design and implement compliant, scalable processes that reflect the organization’s evolving needs and support operational effectiveness.  Additionally, this role leads data analysis initiatives to inform decision-making, measure impact, and continuously improve HR strategies and programs. 

Who should consider this opportunity?   

This role is ideal for Human Resources professionals who excel at balancing strategic thinking with operational execution.  If you’re passionate about equity, compliance, and building systems that support a diverse and mission-driven workforce, this is your opportunity to make a meaningful impact.  Candidates with a strong background in HR operations, employee relations, and data-informed decision-making, especially within nonprofit or community-based settings, will find this role both meaningful and gratifying. 

Key Responsibilities: 

     Strategic Partnership:   

• Lead the People Operations team and support the Employee Relations function.  

• Partner with the Chief People Officer and business leaders to align HR strategies with organizational objectives and goals. 

• Partner with recruiters to develop and implement talent management strategies that ensure smooth integration between Talent Acquisition and People Operations.  This collaboration supports full compliance with Human Resources requirements and aligns with organizational priorities to drive overall business success.   

Operational Excellence: 

• Lead data analysis initiatives to inform strategic decision-making, monitor HR metrics, and identify opportunities for continuous improvement across people operations.  

• Oversee People operations, including onboarding, HRIS management, audits, and ensure compliance with labor laws and regulations.  

• Design and implement compliant, scalable processes that reflect the organization’s evolving needs and support operational effectiveness.  

• Collaborate with Functional teams to implement and optimize processes and systems to improve efficiency. 

• Prepare and submit all required EEO filings, including the annual EEO-1 report and other mandated surveys.  

Employee Relations: 

• Serve as a trusted advisor on escalated complex employee relations issues and conduct investigations as needed.    

• Partner with HR Generalist and Talent Acquisition to drive employee engagement and retention initiatives. 

Talent Management: 

• Partner with Recruiters, Accountants, and HR analysts to understand staffing needs projections so that the team can develop appropriate recruitment strategies. 

Data-Driven Decision Making: 

• Utilize HR analytics to provide insights into workforce trends and guide strategic decision-making.  

• Guide the development and maintenance of the HR dashboard to evaluate the effectiveness of HR Operations. 

Required Skills and Experience: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field; HR certification is a plus.  

• Strong knowledge of HR operations: onboarding, HRIS management, and compliance. 

• Proven experience as an HR Business Partner or in a similar strategic HR role.  

• Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects and drive operational improvements.  

• Strong written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and build relationships at all levels. 

• Proficiency in HR analytics and data-informed decision-making. 

Preferred Skills: 

• 5-8 years of progressive HR experience, with at least 3 years generalist experience and a minimum of 3 years in a supervisory or managerial role.  

• Proven experience in HR operations, including working with HRIS systems (e.g., Paycom, Workday, ADP). 

• Project management skills and proven experience in effectively leading projects to completion.  

• Consultative and collaborative approach to talent management. 

• Thorough knowledge of federal and state labor laws and regulations.  

• Experience with union protocols and navigating unionized work environments. 

• Proven ability to collaborate effectively within cross-functional teams. 

Work Schedule: Full-time, Monday - Friday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, 35 hours a week with a hybrid work schedule

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive community. We support a broadly diverse team who will contribute to our organization. We are an equal opportunity employer for all regardless of race, color, citizenship, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran or reservist status, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.