Director of Human Resources, Employee Relations & Benefits

Location: San Mateo Schedule: Full-Time | Exempt About 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 issues Lead investigations from intake through resolution while ensuring appropriate documentation and follow-through Provide guidance and recommendations related to performance management, corrective action, and workplace concerns Partner with leadership on sensitive employee matters and policy exceptions Coaching & Leadership Support: Coach managers and leaders through performance conversations, documentation, and conflict management Support and mentor HR team members as needed Provide interpretation and guidance related to HR policies and employment practices Leaves, Accommodations & Compliance: Support ADA/FEHA interactive processes and partner on leave management Ensure compliance with California employment laws and HR best practices Oversee mandated reporting requirements including EEO-1, OSHA, and related compliance reporting Assist with policy updates, training needs analysis, and internal HR communications HR Operations & Process Improvement: Improve HR processes, tracking systems, and documentation standards Ensure timely and accurate benefit enrollments and employee updates Partner on annual staffing analysis and HR budget planning Oversee workers’ compensation and on-the-job injury claims Support staff engagement initiatives and employee recognition events Provide oversight of HR operations in the absence of the VP Qualifications: Strong HR experience with deep expertise in employee relations and workplace investigations Strong understanding of California employment law, leaves of absence, and accommodations Excellent coaching, communication, conflict resolution, and documentation skills Ability to manage highly sensitive situations with professionalism and discretion Experience working within HRIS systems and related HR technology platforms Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously Experience within a nonprofit or mission-driven organization is preferred Compensation & Benefits: Base salary range of $115,000–125,000 depending on experience Comprehensive benefits package Opportunity to join a collaborative, mission-focused organization making a meaningful impact in the community