Director Of Human Resources

About the role

The Director of Human Resources is a key member of the Alliance for Education’s leadership team, responsible for strengthening the organization’s people, culture, HR infrastructure, and operational systems. This role combines strategic leadership with hands-on execution in a small, mission-driven nonprofit environment.

Position Summary

Reporting to the President, the Director will lead HR operations, payroll coordination, benefits administration, compliance, employee relations, recruitment, onboarding, performance feedback, organizational development, vendor coordination, technology systems, and day-to-day operational needs. This position will also serve as a culture ambassador, helping the Alliance build an inclusive, collaborative, accountable, and equity-centered workplace.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the operational implementation of the Alliance’s strategic plan, ensuring internal systems, policies, and culture align with the organization’s mission, goals, and equity-centered values.

• Serve as a thought partner to the President and leadership team on organizational effectiveness, change management, staff development, internal communications, and operational improvement.

• Develop and implement practical systems, tools, templates, and processes that support accountability, project execution, and progress toward strategic milestones.

• Support leadership in assessing organizational culture and recommending improvements that strengthen trust, collaboration, transparency, and belonging.

• Lead the design and execution of a people strategy that supports an inclusive, equitable, and engaged workplace culture.

• Manage the employee lifecycle, including recruitment, onboarding, performance feedback, employee relations, professional development, retention, offboarding, and staff recognition.

• Guide staff and leadership through change processes, fostering adaptability, resilience, and effective communication.

• Develop internal training, feedback practices, leadership development opportunities, and engagement initiatives that support staff growth and organizational learning.

• Manage HR operations, payroll coordination, benefits administration, leaves, workers’ compensation, safety, HRIS systems, personnel documentation, and employee handbook updates.

• Ensure compliance with applicable employment laws, organizational policies, and nonprofit best practices, including wage and hour, FLSA, ADA, OSHA, Title VII, leave laws, and other federal, state, and local employment requirements.

• Identify and address employee concerns by conducting thorough, fair, and well-documented reviews or investigations, identifying root causes, and recommending appropriate corrective action.

• Partner with finance and leadership on operational budgeting, contracts, vendor coordination, risk management, and systems improvement.

• Streamline HR and operational practices by reducing manual processes, improving documentation, consolidating systems where appropriate, and creating efficient tools and templates.

• Oversee day-to-day operational needs, including vendor management, office operations, technology systems, internal workflows, and organizational infrastructure.

• Support cross-functional coordination to improve communication, decision-making, and execution across the organization.

• Ensure operational systems are practical, sustainable, compliant, and responsive to the needs of a small nonprofit team.

Skills and Qualifications

• 7+ years of progressive leadership experience in human resources, operations, organizational development, or nonprofit leadership.

• Experience across HR, operations, compliance, policy development, employee relations, culture, and organizational systems.

• Demonstrated success leading people strategies, culture work, and operational improvements aligned with organizational goals.

• Strong knowledge of employment law, wage and hour requirements, HR compliance, benefits administration, payroll, employee relations, and HR systems.

• Experience leading or supporting organizations through change, transition, growth, or restructuring.

• Strong interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, discretion, and sound judgment in handling sensitive and confidential matters.

• Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution.

• Strong project management, problem-solving, communication, and relationship-building skills.

• Deep commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and racial equity.

• Experience working in nonprofit, education, advocacy, or mission-driven organizations strongly preferred.

• PURPOSE: PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP certification a plus.

Details & How to Apply

This is a hybrid position, with core hours between 8am-5pm PT and in-office days required on Mondays and Thursdays. Our office is in downtown Seattle near light rail and buses. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States – visa sponsorship or transfer is not available.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your wellbeing and professional growth, including:

• Competitive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Generous Holiday and Paid Time Off, including Community Service leave and winter closure
• No cost ORCA card for public transportation
• 401(k) and Roth Retirement Accounts with Employer Match of up to 6%
• modern-renovated downtown office with complimentary coffee, beverages, bike parking, gym and locker rooms
• A collaborative, mission-driven workplace culture

Salary Range: $95,000 – $120,000 annually, based on job-related experience and skills

Classification: Regular, full-time, exempt

Timeline: The position will remain open until filled. The hiring team will conduct an internal review of candidates to assess qualifications, experience and alignment with the position. Candidates selected to move forward will be contacted regarding next steps in the interview process.