Vice President of Human Resources at The Kennedy Collective Inc – Trumbull, Connecticut

Vice President of Human Resources

Trumbull, CT | Hybrid (onsite presence required| 15-25% travel, as needed|

About Us

We are a Connecticut-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) and their families. We believe in Challenging the Status Quo, Building Community, Creating Purpose, and Ensuring Inclusion. If you are looking to make an impact through meaningful work, we want to hear from you.

The Opportunity

The Kennedy Collective is seeking a strategic executive to serve as Vice President of Human Resources and join our C-suite leadership team at a pivotal moment in the organization's growth. This is not an operational management role. This is a seat at the leadership table. Reporting directly to the CEO and serving as a core member of the executive leadership team, the VP of HR serves as a thought partner and strategic advisor to the CEO, executive leaders, and senior leaders across the organization on all matters related to people, culture, organizational design, and workforce performance. Operating out of Trumbull, CT in a hybrid model with multi-state travel, this executive will shape the people strategy that drives mission delivery across all program areas and contract environments. The number one outcome of this role is building a people function that is a recognized strategic asset to the CEO, the Board of Directors, and the organization as a whole.

Compensation

• Base Salary: $144,000 - $192,000 (commensurate with experience)
• Benefits: Comprehensive health and welfare benefits package including matching 401(k) and generous paid time off
• Work Model: Hybrid with in-state and out-of-state travel estimated at 15 to 25%

What You Will Do

• Drive People Strategy: Partner with the CEO, executive leaders, and senior leaders across the organization to design and execute a multi-year people strategy that aligns workforce capability, culture, and organizational structure with the mission and growth agenda of The Kennedy Collective.
• Lead Workforce Stabilization: Own the development and execution of a workforce stabilization plan that addresses turnover, builds talent pipelines, and positions the organization for sustainable growth across all service lines.
• Own HR Compliance and Risk: Serve as the organization's senior authority on employment law, federal contract compliance, and multi-state labor requirements, keeping the organization ahead of risk at every level.
• Modernize HR Operations: Lead the next phase of HR technology and process evolution, including the full optimization of the Paylocity HRIS platform through automation, workflow development, and data-driven decision-making.
• Build and Develop the HR Team: Establish a high-performing HR function with clear accountabilities, development plans, and the operational discipline to deliver results consistently across a complex, multi-site organization.

What We Are Looking For

Required

• At least 5 to 7 years in a senior HR leadership role with direct oversight of an HR department and accountability for enterprise-wide HR outcomes.
• Demonstrated experience operating as a strategic partner to a CEO and executive and senior leadership teams, including contributing to organizational design, culture, and long-term workforce planning.
• Demonstrated ability to lead HR in a complex, regulated, multi-site environment; equivalent experience from healthcare, education, social services, or similarly regulated industries welcomed.
• Advanced HRIS proficiency including workflow automation and process configuration; Paylocity experience preferred.
• Deep knowledge of federal and state employment law and multi-state compliance.
• Proven track record in workforce development, retention strategy, and employee relations leadership.
• Exceptional program management and project planning capabilities.
• Strong executive communication skills with the ability to present HR strategy and workforce data to a CEO and Board of Directors.
• High technological proficiency across HR and productivity platforms.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel in-state and out-of-state.

Strongly Preferred

• SHRM-SCP or SPHR certification or equivalent demonstrated expertise; certification may be established as a condition of employment.
• Demonstrated experience managing Service Contract Act (SCA) compliance and multi-state labor law.
• Background in the I/DD or human services sector.
• Direct Paylocity experience including configuration, automation, and advanced reporting.
• Experience leading HR modernization or function build-out in a scaling organization.

Why Join Us

• A genuine seat at the executive leadership table with direct partnership with the CEO and the full executive and senior leadership team.
• Mission-driven work with real community impact supporting individuals with I/DD and their families.
• Collaborative team culture grounded in inclusion, purpose, and growth.
• Opportunity to shape the people strategy of a growing organization at a defining moment in its history.
• Hybrid work model with flexibility to manage your schedule around organizational needs.

How to Apply

Submit your application, resume and a brief cover letter describing why you want to work at The Kennedy Collective, your personal and work experience, and your connection to our mission. In your cover letter, please also include written responses to the following two questions:

• Describe a workforce crisis or significant staffing challenge you inherited. What was your diagnosis, what actions did you take, and what were the measurable outcomes?
• Describe a significant HRIS implementation, migration, or optimization project you led. What was your role, what obstacles did you encounter, and what results did you deliver?

We review applications on a rolling basis and encourage early submissions.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.