Director of Human Resources (HR) in Madison, New Jersey at Washington Humane Society
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Job Description
For more than 150 years, the Humane Rescue Alliance has championed the protection of animals, support for people, and service to the community. With campuses in the District of Columbia and New Jersey, along with the nation’s leading pet transport initiative, it stands as the largest and most comprehensive animal services provider in the region. Each year, HRA transforms the lives of tens of thousands of animals through rescue and adoption, humane protection, access to medical care, innovative community programs, and legislative leadership. Its broad reach and deep expertise enable HRA to reimagine traditional sheltering and address the most complex challenges facing animals and the people who love them.
What We Are Looking For
The Role: What You'll Do
- Establish and track key HR metrics and KPIs to inform strategic decision-making, measure program effectiveness, and report on workforce trends and organizational health and report regularly to senior leadership team
- Partner cross-functionally with Finance and IT to design and implement scalable, efficient HR processes that streamline and optimize employee and manager self-service
- Establish governance and operational excellence across HR functions, ensuring compliance and consistency
- Partner with organizational leadership to forecast and meet workforce needs.
- Lead the development and implementation of equitable compensation strategies, job architecture, and performance evaluation systems.
- Supervise HR team members and foster their professional growth and effectiveness.
- Develop and manage the HR department budget, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and responsible stewardship of resources.
- The role is a working role and not only leadership.
- Provide expert guidance and coaching to managers on employee relations, performance management, conflict resolution, and compliance with employment laws including overseeing and supporting the organization’s response to employee-related legal issues
- Ensure HR policies, procedures, and programs support organizational goals and align with legal standards.
- Knowledge of and ability to plan, implement, and administer benefits program, systems, policies, guidelines, compliance, and best practices.
- Identify and prioritize organization-wide training needs and implement targeted learning strategies that build critical skills.
- Lead the design and delivery of core training modules, including those focused on management development, onboarding, and professional growth.
- Collaborate with departments to support team-specific development plans and continuous learning cultures.
- Other duties as assigned.
About You: Skills & Qualifications
- Strong knowledge of federal and state employment laws and HR best practices.
- Proven track record of driving process automation and efficiency
- Deep analytical mindset with experience leveraging people data for strategic decision-making
- Excellent interpersonal, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to effectively collaborate with other departments and staff members. Manage and maintain relationships with colleagues and departments.
- Ability to manage confidential matters with integrity and professionalism.
- Interest in and understanding of animal welfare.
Qualifications - Education & Experience
- Strong knowledge of federal and state employment laws and HR best practices.
- Proven track record of driving process automation and efficiency
- Deep analytical mindset with experience leveraging people data for strategic decision-making
- Excellent interpersonal, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to effectively collaborate with other departments and staff members. Manage and maintain relationships with colleagues and departments.
- Ability to manage confidential matters with integrity and professionalism.
- Previous experience in ADP a plus
- Interest in and understanding of animal welfare
- Bachelor's degree in human resources, Business Administration, Organizational Development or related field. (master's degree/SHEM-SCP/PHR a plus)
- Minimum of 8 years progressive HR experience, including at least 2 years in a leadership role
- ADP experience highly desired
What We Offer: Compensation & Benefits
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, you may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.
Where You’ll Work:
- Regularly sits at a computer station and operates electronic equipment.
- Regularly moves about the facilities to coordinate work.
- Ability to work in an environment that houses and cares for animals of a variety of species that may include interaction with these animals.
- Ability and willingness to travel to other shelter locations as needed.
Ready to Make an Impact?
Apply today and become part of a team where your compassion, skills, and commitment will directly save lives and strengthen communities.
*The Humane Rescue Alliance (HRA) offers a comprehensive benefits package including healthcare, vision, dental and select offerings for pets. Additional information may be provided upon request.
*Multilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. A salary premium may be offered for multilingual candidates who demonstrate proficiency in written and oral testing.
*HRA is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate because of race, color, creed, gender, religion, national origin, disability, age, pregnancy, genetic predisposition or carrier status, marital status, citizenship status, or sexual orientation. Accommodation will be provided to qualified individuals requiring them.
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