Director of People & Culture

Job Description

Job Description

Who We Are

At Hamilton Families, our mission is to end family homelessness in the San Francisco Bay Area. Since 1985, we have been meeting the most urgent needs of unhoused families in our community. Our programs specialize in preventing family homelessness when possible, providing shelter and transitional housing to families in times of need, supporting the wellbeing and academic achievement of children who experience homelessness, and quickly returning families to safe and stable housing throughout the Greater Bay Area. At Hamilton Families, we believe the San Francisco Bay Area is at its best when people from all backgrounds can start a life here, raise a family here, and thrive here. We envision a Bay Area where housing is accessible and affordable, where homelessness is rare, brief, and nonrecurring, and where all people and families have a safe and stable place to live. We foster an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are valued and contribute to our collective success. Our commitment to inclusivity ensures every team member feels respected, supported, and empowered to thrive.

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced and values-driven Director of People & Culture to join our growing team and play a key leadership role in advancing our mission to end homelessness. This is an opportunity to shape a people-centered, equity-focused workplace that supports staff delivering critical, high-impact services across a multi-site organization.

Reporting to the Chief Operations & People Officer (COPO), the Director provides strategic and operational leadership across all human resources functions. This role partners closely with the COPO to develop and implement people strategies that drive employee engagement, retention, and organizational effectiveness in a complex, compliance-driven Union environment.

The Director oversees core HR functions—including talent acquisition and development, employee relations, performance management, and compliance—through equity and trauma-informed lens. This role has significant responsibility for navigating complex employee relations matters, including those within a unionized environment, and ensuring adherence to federal, state, and local employment laws, as well as government contract requirements.

As a trusted advisor to managers and staff, the Director promotes inclusive and equitable practices, strengthens organizational culture, and supports a diverse workforce with consistency and care. This position directly supervises People & Culture team members and is responsible for building team capacity, enhancing systems and processes, and ensuring operational excellence aligned with organizational values and goals.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Partner with the Chief Operations & People Officer to design and implement people strategies that support staff and supervisors across a mission-driven, multi-site organization
• Union & CBA Management: Serve as the lead for union-related matters, including relationship-building with union leadership and shop stewards, interpreting and applying the Collective Bargaining Agreement, supporting contract negotiations, and ensuring consistent compliance with union policies and labor laws.
• Lead core HR operations, including employee and labor relations, recruitment, onboarding and offboarding, benefits administration, learning and development, and leaves of absence, ensuring compliance, operational excellence, and a positive employee experience
• Serve as the lead for union and labor relations, including relationship management with union leadership and stewards, interpretation and application of Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs), support for contract negotiations, and consistent compliance with labor laws and union agreements
• Support supervisors in performance management, employee development, coaching, and employee engagement practices that strengthen accountability and culture
• Develop, maintain, and ensure consistent application of HR policies and procedures in alignment with organizational values and legal requirements
• Oversee HR systems and data management, ensuring accuracy, integrity, compliance, and the development of meaningful workforce reporting and insights
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, including EEO, FMLA, FLSA, and related requirements
• Contribute to organization-wide initiatives, continuous improvement efforts, and culture-building strategies that advance equity, inclusion, and organizational effectiveness
• Provide direct supervision, coaching, and professional development to People & Culture team members, fostering a high-performing and collaborative HR function

Qualifications, Skills and Abilities

• 8+ years of progressive HR or People & Culture experience, including leadership in HR strategy, operations, compliance, and employee relations, including 4+ years managing and developing high-performing teams

• Deep understanding of human resources principles, including labor and employee relations, performance management, compensation, benefits, and compliance.

• Demonstrated experience managing core HR functions, including recruitment, onboarding/offboarding, performance management, compensation and benefits, learning and development, and leave administration
• Significant experience in labor relations and union environments, including CBA administration, contract interpretation, grievance processes, and collaboration with union leadership
• Proven success leading and developing HR teams, with strong coaching, mentorship, and team-building capabilities
• Deep knowledge of employment law and HR compliance, including EEO, FMLA, FLSA, and related federal, state, and local regulations
• Strong experience partnering with senior leadership to design and implement people strategies that improve engagement, culture, and organizational effectiveness
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and fostering a mission-driven workplace culture
• Passion for advancing the organization’s mission to end homelessness and strengthening staff capacity to deliver impact
• Strong analytical skills with experience using HR data, metrics, and systems to inform decision-making and improve employee experience
• Proficiency with HRIS platforms and business tools (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, Salesforce, and related systems), including reporting and data analysis
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and influence across all levels of the organization
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, compliance-driven environment
• Demonstrated discretion, confidentiality, and sound judgment in handling sensitive and complex matters
• Proactive, solutions-oriented mindset with a focus on continuous improvement and operational excellence
• Willingness and ability to travel locally to multiple sites

Physical, Travel & Compliance Requirements

• Ability to perform essential job functions in an office and field-based environment, including use of a computer and telephone, and the ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, kneel, reach, climb stairs, and occasionally lift or carry up to 40 pounds
• Valid California Driver’s License (CADL) and clean DMV record; ability to travel locally as needed
• Ability to successfully complete post-offer requirements, including criminal background check, fingerprinting, and TB clearance

We encourage applicants to apply even if they feel they do not meet all the listed criteria. We value diverse perspectives and believe in the potential for growth and development within our team. Your unique skills and experiences may be exactly what we need to succeed together.

Why Choose Us

• Our commitment to welcome all individuals creates a richness of viewpoints and keen ability to challenge established thinking
• Enjoy excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Employer matched 403(b) retirement plan
• Wellness and commuter benefit programs
• Paid time off and holidays

Our Values

• Resourceful
• Helpful/ “Yes, And”
• Growth Mindset
• Data Informed
• EDI: Equitable, Diverse, and Inclusive

Salary Range: $120,000 - $130,000

Position Type: Exempt

Union Representation: n/a

Schedule: Hybrid work schedule, with 3 days per week required in the office at multiple sites and as needed

Location: 2567 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA

Hamilton Families is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Equity, diversity, and inclusion are central to our organization. We actively seek and prioritize diversity in our teams. We welcome applications from people with a variety of backgrounds and ages, including people of color, candidates with lived experiences, candidates in the LGBTQ+ community, and candidates who identify personally at any part of the gender spectrum. Additionally, we are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities.