Associate Director of Human Resources

The Associate Director of Human Resources is a senior, hands‑on role responsible for delivering comprehensive human resources services while grounding HR practices in the realities of frontline social service work. This is a working position that requires significant daily involvement in core HR functions. While the role does not include formal supervisory responsibility, support is provided through collaboration with volunteers, interns, and administrative personnel.

The Associate Director of Human Resources is a member of the Leadership Team and provides day‑to‑day operational HR support while partnering closely with the Executive Leadership Team and program leaders. This role requires direct experience in social services and program operations to ensure that HR policies, labor practices, and compliance efforts support trauma‑informed, mission‑driven service delivery. The ideal candidate is highly collaborative, self‑directed, and comfortable balancing strategic input with hands‑on execution in a complex nonprofit and unionized environment.

• Provide guidance and coaching to managers on performance management, evaluations, feedback, and corrective actions.
• Support employee relations matters using a fair and solutions‑focused approach.
• Ensure consistent application of HR & CBA policies and procedures across departments.
• Partner with leadership to support employee retention and workplace culture.

• Manage full‑cycle recruitment for frontline and administrative roles.
• Coordinate onboarding and orientation to support employee engagement, retention, and mission alignment.
• Maintain accurate, confidential employee personnel files and HR records, in collaboration with support team members.

• Design, coordinate and facilitate training related to compliance, supervision, and workplace practices.
• Partner with managers to identify training needs and professional development opportunities.
• Support succession planning and internal growth initiatives without direct supervisory responsibility.

• Work collaboratively in a unionized environment to support positive labor‑management relationships and assist with interpretation and administration of collective bargaining agreements.
• Support grievance processes including investigations, meetings and responses.

• Assist in administration of employee benefits programs including health insurance, leave programs, and retirement plan; serve as point of contact for employees regarding benefits and leaves of absence.
• Prepare and submit payroll change documentation and support payroll processing.

• Manage work‑comp claims and coordinate with supervisors and insurance providers.
• Ensure timely reporting, documentation, and follow‑up; ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations; prepare required government reports and support audits or regulatory reviews.

• Maintain HRIS systems and employee records with accuracy and confidentiality.
• Draft, update, and implement HR policies and procedures in partnership with leadership.
• Balance daily operational HR tasks with longer‑term organizational initiatives.

• Apply direct social service experience to inform HR practices and decision‑making.
• Support program leaders with staffing models, scheduling considerations, and operational planning; participate in cross‑functional projects, initiatives, or program‑related work as assigned.
• Provide on‑the‑ground support during operational challenges and critical incidents.

• 6.15 hours of PTO accrued each pay period, prorated for part‑time (160 hours of PTO your first year); 11 floating holidays per year (prorated based on hire date).
• Medicaid Health Insurance with 8 options including traditional and high‑deductible options (Clear Value $7‑103, Park Nicollet Health Partners and Vantage Plus $48‑150, Passport plan $170‑291).
• Employer‑paid dental…