Director of Personnel & Labor Relations

Job Description

Job Description

Join a Mission-Driven Organization Shaping the Future of Affordable Housing

The Norwalk Housing Authority (NHA) is seeking an accomplished and visionary Director of Personnel & Labor Relations to serve as a strategic advisor to executive leadership and help drive organizational excellence through people, culture, and workforce strategy.

This executive leadership position offers a unique opportunity to influence the future of a dynamic public housing organization dedicated to improving lives and strengthening communities. The Director of Personnel & Labor Relations will lead all aspects of human resources, talent management, labor relations, organizational development, compliance, and workforce planning while serving as a trusted partner to senior leadership, managers, employees, and labor representatives.

The ideal candidate is a collaborative leader who combines strong labor relations expertise with a forward-thinking approach to talent development, succession planning, employee engagement, and organizational effectiveness.

What You’ll Do

Strategic Leadership & Talent Development

· Develop and execute a comprehensive people strategy aligned with NHA’s mission, vision, and strategic objectives.

· Partner with executive leadership to anticipate future workforce needs and build sustainable talent pipelines.

· Lead succession planning initiatives for key leadership and critical positions.

· Identify and cultivate employee potential beyond current roles to support career growth and organizational continuity.

· Strengthen NHA’s employer brand to attract, develop, and retain exceptional talent.

Organizational Development & Employee Engagement

· Design and implement innovative employee development, training, and leadership programs.

· Establish performance management systems that promote accountability, engagement, and professional growth.

· Develop workforce analytics and performance metrics to assess organizational effectiveness and employee retention.

· Foster a positive workplace culture through employee communication, engagement initiatives, feedback mechanisms, and continuous improvement efforts.

· Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that promote consistency, efficiency, and organizational excellence.

Labor & Employee Relations

· Serve as the organization’s lead advisor on labor relations matters.

· Interpret and administer collective bargaining agreements while providing guidance to managers and supervisors.

· Manage grievance procedures, arbitrations, and dispute resolution processes.

· Collaborate with executive leadership, legal counsel, and bargaining units during contract negotiations.

· Promote positive labor-management relationships built on trust, communication, and mutual respect.

Human Resources Leadership & Compliance

· Direct all human resources operations, programs, policies, and systems.

· Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.

· Advise leadership on employee relations matters, performance management, workplace investigations, and risk mitigation strategies.

· Oversee compensation, benefits administration, leave programs, and HR technology systems.

· Maintain best practices in employment law, labor relations, and human capital management.

What We’re Looking For

Required Qualifications

· Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

· Active SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) certification preferred.

· Minimum of 12-15 years of progressive human resources experience.

· Minimum of 3 years of labor relations experience within a unionized environment.

· Minimum of 10 years of leadership experience managing HR functions and teams.

Preferred Qualifications

· Master’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Development, Public Administration, or a related field.

· Experience supporting public sector, municipal, housing authority, or similarly regulated organizations.

Key Competencies

· Strategic workforce planning and organizational development

· Labor relations and collective bargaining expertise

· Executive-level communication and influence

· Conflict resolution and problem-solving

· Change management and organizational transformation

· Employment law and regulatory compliance

· Leadership development and succession planning

· Relationship building and stakeholder engagement

· High emotional intelligence, professionalism, and discretion

Why Join NHA?

At Norwalk Housing Authority, your work directly contributes to strengthening communities and expanding housing opportunities for individuals and families. You will have the opportunity to shape organizational culture, influence strategic decision-making, and build a high-performing workforce that supports our mission for years to come.

Benefits

· Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage

· Health Savings Account (HSA)

· Life insurance

· Employee Assistance Program

· Generous paid time off

· Tuition reimbursement

· Professional development opportunities

Position Type: Full-Time
Location: Norwalk, Connecticut (In-Person)

If you are a strategic HR leader who thrives in complex environments and is passionate about developing people, strengthening organizations, and building productive labor-management partnerships, we encourage you to apply.

Employee reviews describe supportive coworkers, friendly teams, and opportunities to work with diverse populations. Some employees specifically noted strong teamwork and management support.

Company Description

Employee reviews describe supportive coworkers, friendly teams, and opportunities to work with diverse populations. Some employees specifically noted strong teamwork and management support.