Director for Human Resources and Engagement

The Director of Human Resources and Staff Engagement provides strategic and operational leadership for all human resources functions of the Southern New England Conference of the United Church of Christ (SNEUCC).

Position Title: Director for Human Resources and Staff Engagement
Reports to: Executive Conference Minister
Department: Executive Team
FLSA: Exempt
Salary Grade: 8
Salary: $80,000
Hours: Full-Time
Location: Hybrid (CT/MA/RI)

The Director of Human Resources and Staff Engagement provides strategic and operational leadership for all human resources functions of the Southern New England Conference of the United Church of Christ (SNEUCC). This role partners closely with the Executive Conference Minister, Executive Team, supervisors, and staff to cultivate a healthy, equitable, compliant, and engaging workplace culture aligned with the Conference’s mission and values.

The Director oversees HR systems, policies, employee relations, performance management, compensation, benefits, compliance, and staff engagement initiatives, ensuring best practices and legal standards are consistently upheld across the organization.

• Lead all day-to-day HR operations, including recruitment, onboarding and off-boarding, employee relations, performance management, promotions, job changes, leaves of absence, relocations, and terminations.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to the Executive Conference Minister, Executive Team, supervisors, and staff on HR matters, organizational change, and workforce planning.
• Collaborate with legal counsel and senior leadership on employee relations matters, investigations, and staff transitions, ensuring fairness, consistency, and compliance.
• Conduct workplace investigations related to harassment, discrimination, retaliation, workplace violence, and policy violations; document findings and recommend appropriate actions.
• Ensure all HR cases are handled with integrity, confidentiality, consistency, and timeliness.

• Maintain deep working knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws, including but not limited to Title VII, ADA, FMLA/CTFMLA, EEOC, Wage and Hour, and Workers’ Compensation.
• Lead regular review and updating of the Employee Handbook and HR policies.
• Chair and support the HR Committee of the Board in policy review and preparation of materials for Board consideration.
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve the Conference’s Performance Management System.
• Conduct compensation and pay equity analyses to ensure fairness and competitiveness.
• Oversee employee benefits administration, including health, retirement, leave, disability, and related programs.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for leave administration (FMLA, CTFMLA, ADA interactive process, short-term disability).

• Design and implement staff engagement initiatives that promote morale, connection, and well-being.
• Lead or support supervisor and management training, including compliance, performance management, and people leadership.
• Ensure staff have access to learning opportunities that foster a respectful, inclusive, and productive work environment.
• Oversee HRIS and related systems (including timekeeping and payroll coordination with Prime Pay) to ensure accuracy and efficiency.
• Analyze HR data, including exit interviews, to identify trends and recommend actionable improvements.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen HR programs through technology, automation, and process improvement.
• Manage the HR budget and staff engagement program resources.

• Participate in executive, management, and all-staff meetings.
• Stay current on HR best practices through professional development and engagement with HR networks.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the Conference’s mission.

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Leadership, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive HR experience, including employee relations and HR compliance.
• Demonstrated experience in performance management,…