Human Resources Director Job at Minnesota Council of Nonprofits in Minneapolis

Job Title: Human Resources Director
Reports To: Chief Operating Officer
Location: Minneapolis, MN

Employment Type: Full-time, Exempt

Position Summary

The Human Resources Director provides strategic and operational leadership across all areas of Human Resources for a mission-driven nonprofit organization with approximately 250 employees across multiple locations in Minneapolis, MN. This individual leads a team of HR generalists and is responsible for employee relations, payroll, benefits, leave administration, compliance, training, organizational development, and HR systems optimization. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in handling complex employee relations, driving change initiatives, fostering accountability, and supporting a diverse workforce through culturally competent practices.

Key Responsibilities

Employee & Labor Relations

• Lead complex employee relations matters with professionalism, sensitivity, and discretion.
• Coach and guide managers in handling performance issues, disciplinary actions, and workplace conflict.
• Conduct and document internal investigations while ensuring fairness and legal compliance.
• Ensure consistent application of policies and legal compliance in all employment-related matters.
• Promote a positive, inclusive, and respectful workplace culture.

Payroll, Benefits & Leave Administration

• Oversee the timely and accurate processing of payroll in partnership with Finance and external providers (e.g., ADP Workforce Now).
• Manage benefits programs, including health, dental, life, disability, retirement plans, and open enrollment.
• Ensure compliance with applicable laws such as FMLA, ADA, and state-specific leave requirements.
• Serve as the escalation point for complex payroll or benefits issues.

Team Leadership & Supervision

• Manage and mentor a team (2) of HR professionals.
• Set clear expectations, provide regular feedback, and support professional development.
• Ensure consistent service delivery across all HR functions and locations.
• Foster a collaborative and solutions-orientated team environment.

HRIS Optimization

• Lead the administration, optimization, and continuous improvement of ADP Workforce Now and all other HR systems.
• Ensure data integrity, accurate reporting, and efficient workflows across all HR processes.
• Identify system enhancements and support training for staff on system use.

Policy, Compliance & HR Operations

• Maintain and update employee handbook and HR policies in accordance with federal, state (MN), and local laws.
• Ensure organization-wide compliance with employment law, regulatory requirements, and internal policies.
• Ensure accurate recordkeeping and HR documentation in accordance with organizational policy.

Training, Development & Accountability

• Design and deliver training on HR policies, leadership, and performance management.
• Support managers in holding staff accountable to performance and behavioral standards.
• Foster leadership competencies throughout all levels of the organization.

Change Management & Culture

• Lead or support strategic HR projects and organizational change initiatives.
• Champion equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive practices in all aspects of HR.
• Engage staff in meaningful dialogue around organizational values, communication, and belonging.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 7+ years of progressive HR experience, including 3+ years in a leadership or director role
• Proven track record handling complex employee relations matters
• Experience managing payroll, benefits, and leave administration
• Supervisory experience over HR generalists or similar roles
• Hands-on experience with HRIS systems, including ADP Workforce Now optimization and reporting
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and coaching skills across diverse populations
• Solid knowledge of federal and Minnesota employment laws
• High level of cultural competency and commitment to equity and inclusion

Preferred:

• Experience in a nonprofit, mission-driven, or multi-site organization
• HR Certification (PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP)
• Project management or change leadership experience

Work Environment & Travel

• Occasional travel to multiple sites throughout the Minneapolis area as needed
• Hybrid work environment based on operational needs
• May require occasional evening or weekend work for events or urgent matter

Compensation & Benefits

Salary DOQ $100,000-120,000. Full benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, retirement contributions, life and disability insurance, generous paid time off, and ongoing professional development opportunities.