Director, People & Culture

The Night Ministry is powered by people who care deeply about our mission, our community, and one another. We serve individuals experiencing homelessness with compassion and consistency, and strong teams make that possible.

No matter the department, every role plays an essential part in advancing our mission and strengthening our impact. We value curiosity, accountability, collaboration, and a shared commitment to equity. If you’re someone who thrives in a purpose-driven environment and wants your work to contribute to lasting change, you may find a home here.

The Director of People & Culture is a strategic leader responsible for shaping and executing a comprehensive people strategy that supports The Night Ministry’s mission, values, and long-term growth. Reporting to the Vice President of People, Finance & Operations, the Director serves as a trusted advisor to leadership and a key driver of organizational effectiveness, talent development, and employee engagement.

The Director of People & Culture leads and continuously strengthens the organization’s People & Culture function by translating organizational strategy into clear people priorities and initiatives that support the mission and long-term sustainability. This role builds and refines systems, processes, and infrastructure that enable organizational growth, operational effectiveness, and workforce stability.

• Demonstrated leadership experience in human resources, organizational development, and culture-building within a mission-driven organization.
• Ability to think strategically while ensuring operational excellence through effective delegation and oversight.
• Strong knowledge of federal, state (Illinois), and local (including Chicago) employment laws and regulatory requirements.
• Proven experience designing and improving people systems, including performance management, succession planning, and workforce development.
• Sound judgment and discretion in navigating complex employee relations and confidential matters.
• Ability to lead change initiatives and guide teams through organizational growth and evolution.
• Strong partnership orientation with the ability to collaborate effectively with executive leadership and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Commitment to advancing inclusion, equity, and culturally responsive workplace practices.

Strategic Leadership & Organizational Development

• Partner with executive leadership to translate organizational strategy into People & Culture priorities and initiatives.
• Lead the development and continuous improvement of talent management systems, including performance management, leadership development, and succession planning.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen organizational effectiveness, employee engagement, and retention.
• Guide change management efforts to support agency growth and operational evolution.

Talent Acquisition & Onboarding

• Oversee recruitment strategies to attract and retain diverse, high-quality candidates.
• Ensure equitable, compliant, and efficient hiring processes.
• Provide oversight of onboarding systems to ensure new employees are effectively integrated and positioned for success.

Employee Relations & Leadership Support

• Serve as a strategic advisor to managers and supervisors on employee relations, performance management, and conflict resolution.
• Lead complex employee relations matters, investigations, and disciplinary processes when appropriate.
• Ensure consistent and equitable application of personnel policies and procedures.

Compliance, Risk Management & Benefits Oversight

• Ensure compliance with all applicable employment laws and regulatory standards.
• Oversee payroll and benefits administration systems in collaboration with Finance.
• Monitor and evaluate benefits programs in partnership with brokers to ensure competitiveness and fiscal responsibility.
• Maintain oversight of HRIS systems, data integrity, and reporting capabilities.

Team Leadership & Infrastructure

• Provide direct supervision, coaching, and development to HR Generalist(s) and People & Culture staff.
• Establish clear processes, accountability structures, and performance…