Director of Human Resources, Employee Relations & Benefits

Location: San MateoSchedule: Full-Time | ExemptAbout Our Client:Our client is a mission-driven nonprofit organization dedicated to serving vulnerable populations and creating meaningful impact within the community. They are seeking a thoughtful, experienced HR leader who can serve as a trusted partner across the organization while helping ensure employee relations, compliance, and people practices are handled with care, consistency, and professionalism.Position Overview:The Director of Human Resources, Employee Relations & Benefits will serve as the organization's primary employee relations expert and HR advisor, partnering closely with executive leadership on sensitive employee matters, compliance, investigations, performance management, and HR operations.This person will play a key role in creating consistent, compliant, and values-aligned HR practices while supporting leaders across the organization through coaching, conflict resolution, and policy guidance. The role will also oversee benefits administration, leave management, reporting requirements, and select HR operational initiatives.Key Responsibilities:Employee Relations & Investigations:Serve as the primary point of contact for employee relations concerns and HR risk management issuesLead investigations from intake through resolution while ensuring appropriate documentation and follow-throughProvide guidance and recommendations related to performance management, corrective action, and workplace concernsPartner with leadership on sensitive employee matters and policy exceptionsCoaching & Leadership Support:Coach managers and leaders through performance conversations, documentation, and conflict managementSupport and mentor HR team members as neededProvide interpretation and guidance related to HR policies and employment practicesLeaves, Accommodations & Compliance:Support ADA/FEHA interactive processes and partner on leave managementEnsure compliance with California employment laws and HR best practicesOversee mandated reporting requirements including EEO-1, OSHA, and related compliance reportingAssist with policy updates, training needs analysis, and internal HR communicationsHR Operations & Process Improvement:Improve HR processes, tracking systems, and documentation standardsEnsure timely and accurate benefit enrollments and employee updatesPartner on annual staffing analysis and HR budget planningOversee workers' compensation and on-the-job injury claimsSupport staff engagement initiatives and employee recognition eventsProvide oversight of HR operations in the absence of the VPQualifications:Strong HR experience with deep expertise in employee relations and workplace investigationsStrong understanding of California employment law, leaves of absence, and accommodationsExcellent coaching, communication, conflict resolution, and documentation skillsAbility to manage highly sensitive situations with professionalism and discretionExperience working within HRIS systems and related HR technology platformsStrong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneouslyExperience within a nonprofit or mission-driven organization is preferredCompensation & Benefits:Base salary range of $115,000–125,000 depending on experienceComprehensive benefits packageOpportunity to join a collaborative, mission-focused organization making a meaningful impact in the community