Senior Director of HR

About the Organization

At Temple Emanu-El, you become part of the rich history–and the future–of our congregation, which has served and led the New York Reform Jewish community for 180 years. While rooted in our legacy, we are fueled by a sense of purpose, justice, and innovation to invigorate Jewish life today.

Temple Emanu-El is more than an architectural landmark, a storied synagogue, and leader within Reform Judaism – we are a caring community whose members are devoted to lifelong learning, spiritual growth, and social justice. We offer a warm and majestic environment to congregants while also acting as a bold leader in the greater New York Jewish community. Founded in 1845 by German Jews who invited "all who come in peace" to partake, Emanu-El is the largest Jewish prayer space in the world with one of the most remarkable memberships in the country. Led by Rabbi Joshua M. Davidson, we provide spiritual, religious, educational, and cultural programming to community members of all ages. The synagogue features a top-rated nursery school, an award-winning religious school, the Stettenheim Library, the Herbert & Eileen Bernard Judaica Museum, the Streicker Outreach Center, Emanu-El Downtown, and the Temple Emanu-El Streicker Cultural Center with Judaic, cultural, and socio-political adult educational programming.

About the Role

What You'll Do:

As the Senior Director of Human Resources, you will be a part of the senior operations team and will lead all aspects of the HR function. This leader will build on a solid foundation while evolving HR systems, processes, and policies to meet the needs of a diverse and dedicated team. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer/Executive Director and working closely with the Chair of the HR Committee, you will serve as a trusted advisor in shaping a warm, inclusive, and mission-aligned staff culture. You will oversee HR operations, manage risk, and ensure legal compliance, and act as a thoughtful steward of Temple Emanu-El's values and reputation. You will also lead key priorities such as advancing talent development strategies and driving continuous improvement in HR systems and processes, all while ensuring the human resources function remains aligned with Temple Emanu-El's core values and organizational goals. This is an ideal role for an experienced HR leader who brings a strategic mindset, strong emotional intelligence, and a commitment to community, inclusion, and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Strategic Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement

• Define and implement a forward-thinking HR strategy aligned with Temple Emanu-El's mission and organizational goals
• Serve as a member of the senior operations team and a strategic thought partner to senior leadership
• Build trusted relationships across departments, offering guidance on workforce planning, staff engagement, and organizational culture
• Represent HR in key committees and governance bodies, including the Human Resources Committee

HR Operations & Team Leadership

• Supervise the Assistant Director of HR and oversee day-to-day HR operations, ensuring smooth and responsive service delivery
• Conduct a comprehensive review of HR systems, policies, and processes to streamline operations and improve effectiveness
• Ensure all HR policies and practices are current, legally compliant, and aligned with best practices
• Oversee compliance, benefits administration, onboarding, workers' compensation, and employee documentation
• Manage department planning, budgeting, and vendor relationships (e.g., Jackson Lewis, Paychex, Insurgery, Alliant) to support a strategic and sustainable HR function

Talent Management & Development

• Oversee performance management and compensation review processes, with a focus on equity and continuous improvement
• Address employee relations issues with empathy and sound judgment; ensure proactive risk mitigation and legal compliance
• Mentor and coach staff at all levels, contributing to a culture of professional development and shared accountability

Who You'll Work With:

• You will report to the COO/Executive Director.
• You will supervise the Assistant Director of HR.
• You will frequently collaborate with the Chair of the HR Committee.

Required Skills and Experience:

• 15+ years of progressive HR experience, with 5+ years in a senior leadership role
• Strong working knowledge of employment law, compliance, and HR best practices
• Demonstrated expertise in employee relations, talent and performance management, compensation and benefits, organizational development, and technology solutions
• Experience managing or mentoring staff; experience working with diverse workforces across a range of job types
• Proven ability to strengthen systems, build culture, and navigate complex interpersonal and organizational dynamics
• Ability to operate strategically and tactically, addressing immediate challenges while planning for the future
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and coaching skills, with a high degree of emotional intelligence and an ability to lead through influence demonstrated alignment with Temple Emanu-El's mission and values, and comfort working in a spiritual or faith-based environment (candidates of all backgrounds are welcome; Jewish affiliation is not required)
• SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, or similar HR credential required
• J.D. or legal experience preferred

Additional Details

Location and Work Environment:

This is a hybrid position with a primarily in-office schedule (four days on-site, one day remote).

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Generous paid time off, and all major federal and Jewish holidays
• Flexible spending account (FSA)
• Paid parental and family leave
• Retirement plan with employer contributions
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Life insurance and short term disability
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Equal Employment Opportunity

Congregation Emanu-El of the City of New York is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. The Congregation does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided based on qualifications, merit, and business need.