Human Resources Director

ACLS Mission and Overview

Formed a century ago, the American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS) is a nonprofit federation of 86 scholarly organizations. As the leading representative of American scholarship in the humanities and social sciences, ACLS upholds the core principle that knowledge is a public good. In supporting its member organizations, ACLS expands the forms, content, and flow of scholarly knowledge, reflecting our commitment to diversity of identity and experience. ACLS collaborates with institutions, associations, and individuals to strengthen the evolving infrastructure for scholarship.

Job Summary

ACLS is seeking an energetic, enthusiastic, high performing human resources director to serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership while maintaining direct oversight of the organization’s human resources operations. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, this is a one-person hands-on role providing leadership across all HR functions, including talent management, employee relations, benefits administration, compliance, performance management and HR policy development. The HR Director will serve as a trusted resource for staff and collaborate with colleagues across departments on broader initiatives as needed.

This is a wonderful opportunity for a dedicated professional to make a meaningful impact across all HR functions in a small, dynamic, and mission-focused nonprofit organization.

Key job responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Strategy and Leadership

• Develop and implement HR strategies that align with ACLS’s mission and strategic priorities
• Advise senior management on HR matters, including workforce planning and employee engagement strategies

Operations and Administration

• Oversee benefits administration, including annual open enrollment, leave management, retirement plans, commuter benefits
• Act as primary contact for benefits related issues; coordinate with carriers or benefits broker as needed
• Lead full cycle recruitment process: Collaborate with hiring managers to craft and review job descriptions; source candidates through multiple channels; screening, interviewing, reference and background checks; and ensure an excellent candidate experience through timely and professional communication
• Manage Applicant Tracking System (ATS), ensuring accurate and up to date applicant data and pipelines
• Own and manage HR information system (HRIS), including data integrity, reporting, and system enhancements
• Coordinate with Finance and department leads to set up contracts and payment forms for consultants
• Coordinate with Finance regarding payroll reconciliations and reporting
• Work with Office Manager to coordinate office operations including supplies, equipment, office arrangements, building security and access
• Establish and manage the HR budget

Employee experience and culture

• Act as a trusted advisor for staff, helping to create a supportive environment and building a culture of belonging
• Handle employee coaching, conflict resolution, and performance-related matters.
• Coordinate professional development opportunities
• Work with senior leadership and managers to support employee wellness and engagement initiatives
• Design and manage an ACLS onboarding process that effectively orients new employees
• Lead annual performance review process and partner with managers and senior leadership on performance-based compensation decisions
• Partner with events team to organize employee engagement activities

Policy development and compliance

• Ensure organizational compliance with all local, state and federal employment requirements, including annual trainings
• Maintain compliant records and documentation and support audits as needed
• Maintain and continuously improve HR policies and procedures for a hybrid and remote workforce distributed across several states

Qualifications:

• 7+ years of progressive HR generalist experience across core HR disciplines, including employee relations, benefits, compliance, performance management, and talent acquisition
• Nonprofit or academic institution experience strongly preferred
• SHRM or other HR certification and/or a relevant degree a plus
• Strong work ethic coupled with enthusiastic and passionate approach to one’s work
• High degree of professionalism and integrity; the ability to manage difficult situations with tact and diplomacy
• Ability to handle sensitive employee matters with sound judgment, discretion, and professionalism
• Strong communication and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively
• ACLS operates a hybrid schedule – work must be performed in ACLS’s NYC office on in-person days

Compensation and Benefits

Base salary range: $100,000 - $130,000

ACLS offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, life, accidental death and disability insurance; generous time off benefits; a retirement savings plan, including employer contributions; and professional development support.

ACLS offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, life, accidental death and disability insurance; generous time off benefits; a retirement savings plan, including employer contributions; and professional development support.