Director of People and Culture

The American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee (ACLU-TN) seeks a compassionate and future-oriented human resources professional to be our new Director of People and Culture. This position is perfect for someone passionate about defending and advancing civil rights and civil liberties in Tennessee and the South. The right candidate will be well-versed in human resources (HR) law and practices, a culture- and structure-builder and reinforcer, an intentional planner and implementor, an empathic leader, and a collaborative and supportive teammate.

The Director of People and Culture will oversee the strategy and delivery of an exceptional employee experience that is rooted in transparency, collaboration, equity, integrity, and accountability. This individual will lead and continue to develop the organization’s HR practices, ensure compliance with relevant laws, drive office culture and structures, and oversee the financial, technological, and administrative/operations side of the organization. This Director is a member of ACLU-TN’s operational leadership team, reports directly to the Executive Director, and supervises the office’s Operations staff.

ACLU-TN’s office is in Nashville, TN, a rapidly growing city with a rich history in social justice and a fantastic music, arts, culture, and food scene. Staff work in a hybrid environment, with eight in-office days required per month. Candidates outside of the Nashville metropolitan area will be considered for this position with the understanding that relocation will be required.

• Develop and implement comprehensive HR strategies, policies, and procedures that align with the organization’s mission, values, and legal requirements.
• Oversee all aspects of the employee lifecycle, including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, professional development, compensation and benefits, payroll processing, and offboarding.
• Maintain awareness and knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, as well as national and local organizational policies, and ensure compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and policies.
• Develop, implement, and oversee organizational policies and procedures, including personnel manual/policies, job descriptions, and other materials.
• Serve as a trusted advisor and resource to staff and leadership on HR-related matters, providing guidance and support to navigate employee relations issues.
• Manage employee records and the HRIS system, ensuring accuracy and confidentiality.

• Foster a positive, inclusive, and equitable work environment that promotes employee engagement, well-being, belonging, trust, and problem‑solving.
• Develop and implement strategies to enhance organizational culture, promote internal communication, and build strong cross‑functional collaboration.
• Cultivate and drive culture of the affiliate, including Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging (EBID) practices, navigating a partially remote team, team‑building and staff engagement activities, employee celebrations, and wellness and other programmatic activities or opportunities for the staff (e.g., lunch and learn series).
• Develop and support a culture of feedback, deep listening, and frequent internal communication, including through overseeing opportunities for staff feedback on the organization and its operations.
• Coordinate the organization’s professional development processes, including overseeing annual appraisals, arranging and booking staff training individually and collectively, and analyzing evaluation and feedback to identify future training needs.

• Oversee the day-to-day non programmatic operational functions of the organization, ensuring efficiency, effectiveness, and alignment with strategic goals.
• Oversee the organization’s financial management program, including the annual budgeting process, Quattro’s (finance vendor) work, the annual audit process, and preparation of reports for leadership and the Board of Directors.
• Manage and maintain office facilities, equipment, and supplies, ensuring a safe and productive work environment.
• Manage organizational risk and ensure…