Strategic People Partner

Empowering People, Building a Culture of Inclusion

At Makom , we are dedicated to supporting and empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to achieve the quality of life they aspire to live. If you are a passionate professional eager to make a meaningful difference in the IDD community, we want to meet you!

For over 40 years, we have been leaders in delivering innovative services and supports to individuals with IDD across Maryland and Virginia. Our team of over 450 professionals is united by a shared commitment to fostering a workplace culture that's defined by our core values-Excellence, Inclusion, Integrity, and Self-determination. Those guiding principles frame our embrace of diversity, equity, and belonging . At Makom, you'll become a key part of meeting our transformative mission while working in a community that values your individuality, expertise, and aspirations.

The Role:

The Strategic People Partner provides guidance and support to business leaders on People-related matters, including talent acquisition process, workforce planning, and employee engagement. Works to improve organizational structure, processes, and culture to support business goals. Manages employee relations issues, ensuring compliance with labor laws and promoting a positive work environment. Provides consultation and coaching to managers and employees on HR/People-related matters, helping them to improve their performance and work relationships. Uses data and analytics to identify trends, measure P&C effectiveness, and make data-driven recommendations. Works as a member of a team to improve organizational structure, processes, and culture to support business goals. Facilitates organizational change, helping employees to adapt to new strategies and initiatives. Builds strong relationships with business leaders and other key stakeholders to ensure alignment and support for People & Culture initiatives.


Strategic Focus Areas & Role Expectations:

Strategic Area


Strategic People Partner Role Summary


Internal Communication


Content curator, intranet contributor, cross-team liaison, owns onboarding and P&C content on intranet; represents P&C in cross-functional huddles.


Staff Development


Onboarding lead, skills competency mapper, mentor program supporter


DEI & Talent Acquisition


Hiring trainer, inclusion promoter, develops interview guides, builds sourcing partnerships.


Employee Engagement & Events


Wellness and employee engagement and rewards and recognition ambassador. Leads monthly and engagement wellness events. Under supervisor of the Director of People, maintains wellness and engagement comms on SharePoint.


Performance & Accountability


Check-in designer, communication goals enforcer, skills inventory lead


Communication Culture


Implements communication expectations in onboarding and reviews, tracks skills inventories.

Responsibilities:

Strategic Partnership & Talent Integration

• Maintains in-depth knowledge of legal requirements related to day-to-day management of employees, reducing legal risks and ensuring regulatory compliance. Partners with Chief People Officer as needed/required.
• Lead and continuously enhance the onboarding and orientation experience to ensure a welcoming and mission-aligned start for all new hires.
• Serve as a key point of contact for new hires through orientation and early employment stages, ensuring compliance, readiness, and seamless transition to their roles.

Employee Engagement & Culture

• Plan and execute monthly employee engagement initiatives and lead efforts around organization-wide recognition programs.
• Coordinate and facilitate culture-building events, such as DSP Week, Summer BBQ, and holiday celebrations, promoting inclusion and appreciation.
• Actively contribute to a positive workplace culture by recognizing milestones (e.g., birthdays, anniversaries) and gathering feedback to inform future engagement efforts.

HR Operations & Compliance

• Maintain employee records and HRIS data (Paycor), ensuring accuracy, confidentiality, and compliance with internal standards and legal requirements.
• Manage I-9 documentation, background checks, and reference verification to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Own HR file audits and documentation procedures for both active and inactive employees, maintaining digital records and onboarding trackers.

Employee & Candidate Support

• Respond to employee inquiries regarding policies, procedures, and benefits, ensuring a high level of service and professionalism.
• Support candidate communications, testing (e.g., math and reading assessments), and coordination throughout the hiring process.
• Assist employees with system updates and changes in the HRIS and benefits platform

• Provides day-to-day performance management guidance to line management (e.g., coaching, counseling, career development, disciplinary actions).
• Works closely with management and employees to improve work relationships, build morale, and increase productivity and retention.
• Provides HR policy guidance and interpretation.
• Other duties as assigned: this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for their job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or grow at any time with or without notice.

Qualifications

• Excellent verbal and written communication interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Excellent organizational skills, high attention to detail and excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Demonstrates a strong understanding of the business's strategic goals, objectives, financial factors, and business landscape.
• Ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply the appropriate sections of applicable laws, guidelines, regulations, ordinances, and policies related to HR.
• Ability to acquire a thorough understanding of the organization's hierarchy, jobs, qualifications, compensation practices, and the administrative practices related to those factors.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Minimum of 2-4 years of experience in a strategic role as part of a Human Resources/People team, performing similar responsibilities.
• Working knowledge of multiple human resource disciplines including workforce planning, employee relations, diversity, benefits administration, HRIS administration and management (preferably Paycor), performance management, HR compliance, and federal and state employment laws.
• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Ability to work both independently and as a part of a cohesive team.
• SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) or HRCI Certified HR Professional, (PHR) credential or ability to obtain certification within one year of employment.
• Non-profit experience is a plus.

All positions are contingent on the following requirements:

• Flu Vaccine
• COVID-19 Vaccine
• Background Check
• Drug Screen
• Valid MD, VA, or DC driver's license required & Proof of Insurance Required

Our Culture:

We cultivate a culture rooted in care, growth, and shared success, striving to create an environment where everyone can thrive. Guided by our values of Excellence, Integrity, Inclusion, and Self-Determination. These guiding principles define how we approach, we invest in our team, by providing opportunities for professional development, promoting well-being, supporting one another, and making a meaningful difference in the lives of the people we support. We are a culture inspired by a future where individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities have the same options and opportunities for a well-lived life as all other members of the community. Together, we strive to create an environment where everyone feels included, valued, empowered, entrepreneurial, and inspired to succeed. We also recognize that failure is part of how we learn. At Makom, failure is not fatal unless we want it to be. And we commit to 'failing forward', always seeking to learn from our inevitable mistakes, to grow, and to flourish. We can't wait to see what you'll achieve as part of the Makom team!

What We Offer:

• Competitive Pay: $55,000-$65,000 annualized, based on experience and qualifications.
• Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package for full-time eligible employees, including health insurance, paid time off, and holiday pay.

• Growth Opportunities: Professional development, paid trainings during orientation, career growth programs to help you succeed in your role. Unlock your potential!
• Supportive Work Environment: Work alongside a passionate, mission-driven team.

At Makom, you'll have the chance to be part of a transformative mission while working in a community that values your individuality, expertise, and aspirations. Together, we create meaningful change.


Join Us: If you are ready to bring your passion, skills, and dedication to an organization committed to making a difference, we invite you to apply and become part of the Makom family. Together, we'll continue to innovate, empower, and inspire.

Commitment to EEO:

We offer excellent benefits to eligible employees, competitive wages and that celebrates diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information.