Senior Director Human Resources

CSS seeks a Senior Director of Human Resources to lead and modernize its HR function in direct support of the organization’s mission. This is a senior leadership opportunity for an experienced HR professional who brings strategic vision, operational depth, and a genuine commitment to equity—someone who understands that strong people infrastructure is what enables a mission-driven organization to do its best work in the world. The Senior Director will report to the Vice President for Administration and lead a team of four direct reports: Associate Director, Human Resources Manager, Senior Manager HRIS and Payroll, and HR Administrator. The Senior Director will align organizational strategy with resources to build a high functioning HR department, establishing processes that reinforce accountability, codify best practices, and produce measurable outcomes. The successful candidate will have a proven track record across the full HR generalist spectrum—talent acquisition, employee engagement, benefits administration, performance management, and compensation—and will serve as a strategic partner to the Vice President for Administration and Leadership Team. Experience in a unionized environment is strongly preferred. Key Responsibilities Align strategy with resources to meet CSS’s HR goals and build an effective and forward-looking HR department. Establish processes that drive staff accountability, clearly defined goals, and measurable objectives in support of CSS’s performance-focused culture. Provide strategic HR counsel to the VP for Administration and senior leadership on workforce and organizational matters. HR Operations & Compliance Review, evaluate, and institutionalize consistent processes for recruiting, onboarding, benefits administration, professional development, training, performance management, and compensation. Ensure clear communication and transparency of HR processes, including timely and official communication of HR decisions throughout the organization. Update and maintain CSS’s employee handbook to provide staff with current, accurate information on benefits, policies, and procedures. Maintain current knowledge of NYC, NYS, and federal employment regulations and ensure organizational compliance. Talent Acquisition & Development Coordinate and implement best practices across recruitment, retention, and development, including policies that reflect CSS’s commitment to equity. Lead and support in building a robust talent pipeline aligned with organizational needs. Champion learning and development efforts that build staff capacity and support CSS’s performance review and compensation cycles. Provide oversight and management of outside providers, including payroll, insurance, recruitment, employee benefits, and retirement. Lead provider negotiations and manage relationships with external consultants in pension administration, defined benefit plans, personal leave, workers’ compensation, and employee benefits. Lead accurate and timely benefits administration and related communication to staff. Coach and mentor a team of four HR direct reports, serving as a manager, thought partner, and model of HR excellence. Build strong internal relationships with the Leadership team and program leaders throughout CSS. Foster a collaborative, service-oriented HR team culture that reflects CSS’s values. Employee Relations Handle employee relations matters, working closely with GC and other leaders to reach resolution. Participate in labor-management meetings, and leading or supporting collective bargaining processes. Ensure HR practices are consistent with applicable collective bargaining agreements and law. Qualifications & Requirements Minimum 10 years of progressive HR experience, with at least 3–5 years in a senior HR leadership role; nonprofit or mission-driven organization experience strongly preferred. Bachelor’s degree in HR, Organizational Development, or a related field required; advance degrees and certifications preferred. Broad HR generalist expertise across talent acquisition, employee engagement, learning and development, benefits, compensation, performance management, and HRIS. Proven ability to build or strengthen HR infrastructure and institutionalize clear, consistent processes in a complex organization. Demonstrated fluency with NYC, NYS, and federal employment law and regulations. Proven experience leading provider negotiations, preferably in a nonprofit setting. Experience in a unionized environment—including grievance handling, labor-management meetings, and collective bargaining—strongly preferred. Innovative, adaptive leadership style with the ability to drive organization-wide change effectively; clear strategic thinker who can identify root causes and develop practical solutions. Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust-based relationships at all levels of the organization and with external providers and consultants. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with keen attention to detail and the ability to communicate effectively across all levels of the organization. Unquestioned integrity, sound judgment, and a strong personal work ethic. Knowledge of ADP HRIS preferred. Sincere commitment to CSS’s mission and to the communities CSS serves. Annual Salary: $150,000 – $170,000 with 9% annual bonus target Defined contribution plan Defined benefits plan Company paid Short and Long Term Disability, Life Insurance CSS is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, and local law. CSS complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing employment, recruitment, and hiring. #J-18808-Ljbffr