YMCA of the East Bay, Human Resources Director

Human Resources Director

In alignment with the Mission, Goals, and Values of the YMCA of the East Bay, the Human Resources Director supports the strategic direction of the Association by managing and improving key HR functions. This role serves as a partner to leaders across the Association, ensuring consistent, mission-aligned practices in employee relations, payroll, compensation, compliance, training and development, performance management, talent acquisition support, and HR systems oversight.

The Director will lead the daily operations of the HR department, may supervise HR Generalist, Payroll Manager, and other HR staff, and ensures HR programs are effectively implemented while contributing to longer-term strategy under the direction of the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO).

Key Responsibilities of the Human Resources Director include:

People & Culture Leadership

• Serve as a trusted advisor to Association leaders on employee relations, performance management, policy interpretation, and workplace concerns.
• Conduct timely, neutral, and well-documented employee relations investigations.
• Support Association-wide culture initiatives focused on employee engagement, inclusion, and workforce development.

HR Operations & Systems

• Oversee the HRIS from/Payroll System from a functional HR perspective, ensuring accuracy, data integrity, and optimization.
• Manage compliance programs and ensure adherence to federal, state, and local labor laws.
• Oversee unemployment, workers compensation, and leave administration processes.
• Develop, update, and maintain HR policies, procedures, handbooks and documentation.
• Remain current with employment laws and regulations and partner with the CHRO to maintain an effective program of compliance. Ensures the timely and accurate submission of data requested by the EEOC, YMCA of the USA, Department of Labor, etc.

Talent Acquisition & Development

• Partner with Operations leadership to support recruitment strategies, onboarding quality, and workforce planning.
• Oversee and improve new-hire orientation and onboarding processes to ensure consistent employee experience.
• Develop and deliver training for supervisors and managers on HR policies, leadership skills, and effective team management.
• Support leadership development and succession-planning efforts initiated by the CHRO.

Compensation, Benefits & Performance

• Support implementation and administration of compensation programs, job descriptions, and salary administration in alignment with Association strategy.
• Provide guidance to managers on performance improvement plans, job classification, and compensation practices.

Team Leadership & Department Management

• Lead, supervise, develop, and evaluate HR direct reports.
• Establish department priorities, ensure workflow efficiency, and contribute to annual budgeting for HR operations.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and service-oriented HR team culture.

Association & Mission Support

• As required, present to the Senior Leadership Team and participate in meetings. Serve as a member of the YMCA management team, building strong relationships across the organization.
• Participate in special projects as assigned by the CHRO.
• In coordination with the CHRO, provide oversight to risk management, safety training, and compliance initiatives as needed.

Measure of Effectiveness

• Consistent, timely, and mission-centered employee relations support.
• Smooth and accurate HR operations, including HRIS management and compliance reporting.
• Improved management capability through training, coaching, and support.
• High-quality onboarding and employee experience across the Association.
• The development of effective systems that promote engagement, inclusion, and continuous improvement.
• Growth and development of HR team members.
• Contribution to a workplace culture that reflects YMCA values and supports a productive, safe workforce.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Ability to work at a computer for extended periods and communicate through digital tools.
• Ability to travel between YMCA locations as needed.
• Occasional lifting of up to 20 pounds may be required.
• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Leadership Competencies

• Critical Thinking & Decision Making
• Communication & Influence
• Developing Self & Others
• Emotional Maturity
• Inclusion
• Collaboration
• Program/Project Management
• Change Leadership