Director of HR and Operations

About Sweet Grass

Sweet Grass Consulting is a vibrant collective of dedicated researchers and community development advocates who provide professional, evaluative, and research services to promote and support asset-based development initiatives in economically burdened communities. Our consulting and services are grounded in truth, dignity, and respect. Sweet Grass is a certified B Corp, dedicated to balancing profit with purpose through social and environmental standards of performance, transparency, and accountability to our clients and employees. Join our dynamic team on a trajectory of rapid growth!

Job description

The Director of HR and Operations will lead Sweet Grass’s human resources, finance, and operational systems to ensure compliance, efficiency, and organizational integrity. Reporting to the Principals and serving as a member of the leadership team, this role balances hands-on execution with strategic oversight. The Director will manage HR compliance and staff processes, oversee financial systems and reporting, and steward organizational operations to support Sweet Grass’ mission and growth.

This position is an exciting opportunity for an experienced HR and operations leader who thrives in dynamic, values-driven environments. The Director of HR and Operations will ensure that Sweet Grass remains a strong, compliant, and supportive workplace while equipping leadership with the systems, policies, and processes it needs.

Responsibilities

People and Human Resources (50%)

• Ensure compliance with employment regulations across all states of operation and at the federal level (e.g., ADA, FMLA).
• Lead recruitment, hiring, and onboarding processes, including ordering technology and setting up staff in organizational systems.
• Oversee performance management processes, including evaluations, performance improvement plans (PIPs), and extra support for managers.
• Serve as a neutral HR resource for staff, offering guidance and perspective on employee relations issues.
• Liaise with employment attorneys as needed; manage HR documentation and recordkeeping.
• Provide supervisor training resources and internal coaching for Director-level staff.
• Manage payroll and contractor payments, ensuring proper withholdings and timely compliance with state/federal requirements.
• Oversee employee benefits, insurance policies (e.g., EPLI, Cyber, Professional Liability, etc.), and risk management.

Finance (30%)

• Provide high-level financial analysis to inform hiring decisions, cash flow planning, and strategic investments.
• Manage invoicing, accounts receivable, and monitor overdue payments.
• Populate and maintain financial projections spreadsheets to support cash flow forecasting and decision-making.
• Partner with CPA and bookkeeper, with a long-term goal of bringing bookkeeping tasks in-house.
• Handle QuickBooks entries, expense categorization, reconciliations, and credit card statements.
• Process travel reimbursements and ensure accurate expense reporting.

Operations & Strategy (20%)

• Contribute to organizational strategy conversations, including conference planning, marketing presence, and growth opportunities.
• As a member of the leadership team, share operational insights to guide decision-making and long-term planning.
• Oversee organizational operations systems, including Microsoft Office, Asana, Salesforce, and other IT/equipment tracking.
• Ensure IT systems and policies are effective and secure, coordinating with external vendors as needed.
• Manage Sweet Grass’s B Corp certification status and compliance requirements.

Qualifications

Required:

• 8+ years of progressive experience in HR, operations, and/or finance.
• Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business, Nonprofit Management, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Proven track record managing HR compliance, payroll, and employee relations.
• Experience with HRIS, QuickBooks, and other relevant applications and technologies.
• Strong knowledge of federal and state employment law.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, build systems, and support organizational growth.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

Preferred:

• Master’s Degree in HR, Business, Nonprofit Management, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Experience with Indigenous Nations and Native-led organizations
• Familiarity with B Corp standards and compliance.

Core competencies

• Initiative Taking. Proactively identifies organizational needs in HR, finance, and operations, and takes ownership in creating and implementing effective solutions with confidence and persistence.
• Cultural Sensitivity and Understanding. Ability to comprehend and respect the cultural nuances and sensitivities of mission-driven organizations and the communities they serve.
• Accountability. Demonstrates integrity and reliability in managing sensitive HR and financial information, ensuring compliance with deadlines, laws, and organizational standards while maintaining high-quality work.
• Communication and Relationship Building. Builds trust through clear, professional, and compassionate communication with staff, leadership, and external vendors.
• Solution Orientation. Maintains a collaborative, solution-focused mindset when addressing challenges in HR, finance, and operations, modeling calm leadership and problem-solving under pressure.
• Commitment and Collaboration. Shows dedication to Sweet Grass’ mission through strong work ethic, teamwork, and a positive attitude. Supports colleagues and coaches supervisors to strengthen organizational culture and effectiveness.