Senior Director of People and Culture

Every person deserves compassion, dignity, and the safety of a place to call home.

Homelessness is the largest social and public health crisis in California. Illumination Health + Home (IH+H) is a growing non‑profit organization dedicated to disrupting the cycle of homelessness by providing targeted, interdisciplinary services in our recuperative care centers, emergency shelters, housing services and children’s and family programs. IH+H currently has 13+ facilities with 22+ micro‑communities scattered across Orange County, Los Angeles County and the Inland Empire.

The Senior Director of People and Culture is a key member of the executive leadership team, responsible for the strategic and hands‑on management of the organization’s 24‑hour recuperative care programs and the Human Resources department. This leader ensures high‑quality service delivery, operational efficiency, and a healthy organizational culture through strong systems, staff development, and compliance oversight.

This role requires a mission‑driven leader with experience in health or housing programs, deep knowledge of human resources, and the ability to lead multidisciplinary teams in a dynamic, client‑centered environment.

The salary range for this role is: $ – $, depending on experience. This is a primarily in‑office position based in Santa Ana, with candidates having the option to work from home 1–2 days per week after their initial onboarding period.

• Lead the HR department and oversee all HR functions including recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, training, performance management, and compliance.
• Develop and track HR metrics to include: monthly employee turnover analysis (voluntary/involuntary and reasons), employee retention strategies, time to fill open positions, leadership and supervisory employee relations and basic management training.
• Foster a diverse, inclusive, and supportive work culture that reflects the values of the organization.
• Partner with the CEO and leadership team on workforce planning and organizational development.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local labor laws and best practices.
• Manage HR vendors and consultants as needed (e.g., benefits, payroll, legal counsel).
• Support leadership development, coaching, and succession planning across departments.

• Participate in executive‑level planning and decision‑making; align operations and HR strategy with organizational mission.
• Develop and manage budgets related to HR and program departments.
• Represent the organization in stakeholder meetings, funder site visits, and public forums as needed.

• We uphold the values of Community, Action, Respect, and Empowerment in all aspects of our work.
  • Community – We lead with the vision of a strengthened and compassionate community for all. By embodying collective care, we serve as an example of what is possible when we come together.
  • Action – Our “whatever it takes” mindset drives us forward. We take initiative, step in where others have stepped out, and create solutions when none exist.
  • Respect – We deeply value the dignity and uniqueness of every individual we serve. We honor their stories, their journeys, and their right to be seen and heard.
  • Empowerment – We heal—always. Our work enables clients to grow stronger in health, confidence, and belief in their potential as they move forward on their life journey.
• Demonstrate the ability to motivate and support colleagues while adapting to new procedures and promoting a positive, team‑oriented culture.
• Maintain professional communication, responding to phone calls and emails in a courteous and timely manner.
• Set and model appropriate boundaries with clients while maintaining trust and rapport.
• Exercise sound judgment, confidentiality, and ethical decision‑making in line with Illumination Health + Home’s core values: integrity, transparency, accountability, respect, and responsibility.
• Present oneself in accordance with Illumination Health + Home’s dress code and professional standards.
• Model openness, honesty, and accountability in all interactions with clients, colleagues, leadership, volunteers, and…