Director of People & Culture

People Architects is proud to partner with a Not for Profit organization committed to building an inclusive, high-performing workplace in the search for a Director of People & Culture
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This is a senior leadership role for a strategic, hands-on HR leader who understands that culture is not a program—it’s how the work actually gets done.

The Director of People & Culture serves as the head of the Human Resources function and a trusted strategic partner to the executive leadership team. This role is responsible for shaping and sustaining an organizational culture that supports engagement, equity, performance, and mission delivery.

You will lead and evolve HR strategy across the full employee lifecycle—talent acquisition, employee relations, performance management, leadership development, DEIA initiatives, and total rewards—while building systems and practices that scale with the organization.

This role also offers the opportunity to lead, mentor, and grow the People & Culture team.

• Serve as a trusted advisor to leadership on employee relations matters and organizational policy
• Respond to employee inquiries related to policies, procedures, and HR programs
• Facilitate resolution of employee concerns and workplace conflicts
• Guide disciplinary actions and terminations with consistency, fairness, and compliance
• Lead and conduct HR investigations related to discrimination, harassment, and other employment concerns, coordinating with legal counsel when necessary
• Develop and execute recruitment strategies that attract a robust, diverse candidate pool
• Oversee consistent recruitment and selection processes, including interviewing, background checks, and candidate evaluation
• Ensure a thoughtful, effective onboarding experience that connects new hires to mission, culture, and expectations
• Design and implement talent management and retention strategies that support organizational goals
• Coach and support managers through performance evaluations, promotions, corrective action, and terminations
• Develop and recommend training programs for managers and staff, including DEIA, harassment prevention, safety, workplace violence, and professional development
• Administer and continuously improve the performance management process to ensure equity, compliance, and effectiveness
• Research and advance DEIA practices and policies across the organization
• Stay current with HR best practices through professional associations and ongoing learning
• Administer employee benefits programs, including health, dental, vision, life, disability, retirement, paid time off, leave programs, accommodations, and EAPs
• Lead compensation administration, ensuring internal equity and external competitiveness
• Coordinate and administer annual merit increases
• Create and maintain job descriptions and conduct wage and market analyses
• Prepare and manage the HR department budget
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations (FMLA, ADA, EEO, ACA, etc.)
• Educate and advise leadership on HR-related legal and regulatory matters
• Oversee accurate, secure HR recordkeeping and required government reporting
• Serve as HRIS lead (currently ADP), maximizing system functionality, reporting, analytics, and digital efficiency
• Oversee workers’ compensation and unemployment claims administration
• Perform additional duties as needed to support organizational priorities

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or a related field
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive HR experience
• At least 5 years of people management or supervisory experience
• Deep knowledge of employment law and HR compliance
• Demonstrated expertise across all core HR functions
• Strong business acumen and strategic leadership capability
• Proven experience leading organizations through change
• Proficiency with HRIS platforms and Microsoft Office tools
• Strong commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility
• Ability to set clear performance standards and coach leaders effectively
• High integrity, sound judgment, and discretion with confidential matters
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to collaborate across all levels of an organization
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills

People Architects and our clients are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are equal opportunity employers and do not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or any other legally protected status. Applicants will never be asked to provide payment of any kind as part of the application or hiring process.

No external agencies or third-party recruiters, please.