Director, Human Resources and Administration

About the job

About Heart of America:

Heart of America, a national nonprofit, transform learning spaces, bridge the resource gap, and strengthen communities to give all students room to learn, discover, and thrive. Our work centers on learning. Communities bring us ideas and call upon nearly 30 years of expertise in advancing education equity. We’ve renovated nearly 1,600 classrooms, libraries, STEAM labs, college/career centers, school gymnasiums, and community centers. In addition to our space and whole-school makeovers, we have provided resources, including 4.5 million culturally relevant and age-appropriate books, and infused nearly $17 million in much-needed technology.

At HOA, we look for people who work with their heads AND their hearts. Talent is essential, but talent is not enough. We are looking for people who are passionate about our mission and goals and who are committed to an organizational culture based on compassion, integrity, respect and cooperation.

HOA provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Position Summary

The Director, Human Resources & Administration, is responsible for managing and executing the organization's human resources and administrative functions. Reporting to the Vice President of Human Resources & Administration, this position serves as a trusted resource to managers and staff, ensuring effective HR operations, compliance, talent support, employee relations, benefits administration, and office management.

This role balances strategic thinking with a strong emphasis on hands-on execution and continuous improvement. The Director collaborates across the organization to support a positive, inclusive, and high-performing workplace culture.

What You’ll Do

Strategic Leadership & Advisory

• Serve as a strategic advisor to the leadership team and department heads on organizational design, workforce planning, and change management.
• Translate enterprise goals into actionable people strategies.

Performance & Culture Management

• Lead company-wide goal setting and performance review frameworks and leadership coaching programs.
• Champion employee engagement initiatives, diversity and inclusion, and positive workplace culture.
• Lead the training and development strategy, manage and deliver training and development opportunities for all staff.
• Provide training, guidance, and ongoing support for all managers and supervisors related to hiring, disciplinary actions, coaching, evaluating, and terminating employees.

Talent Acquisition & Workforce Planning

• Oversee hiring, recruitment pipelines, and long-term succession planning.
• Maintain personnel records and HR information systems with accuracy and confidentiality.
• Oversee employee onboarding. Enhancing onboarding process as required to ensure successful onboarding.
• Oversee the Support Team (temporary employee) member recruitment and strategy. Working closely with the Sr. Manager of HR to maintain existing relationships and recruit new Support Team members (temporary employees) to assist with HOA projects.
• Oversee the Intern Program strategy, ensuring a robust intern program and experience. Working closely with the Sr. Manager of HR to establish and maintain relationships with colleges and universities and coordinate intern opportunities and assignments.
• Analyze workforce analytics to forecast staffing needs.

Compensation, Benefits & Payroll

• Design, evaluate, and manage competitive salary structures, incentive programs, and employee benefit packages.
• Oversee or audit payroll administration, 403(b)/retirement plans, and HRIS (Human Resources Information Systems) integrity.
• Assist with employee benefits and providers and analyze offerings on a regular basis to ensure competitive offerings and costs. Identify potential new benefit offerings for employees. Ensure timely communication around employee benefit eligibility and enrollment.

Compliance & Employee Relations

• Ensure full compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws (e.g., FLSA, FMLA/CFRA, ADA, EEO).
• Handle complex employee relations, investigations, disciplinary actions, and grievance resolutions.
• Develop and maintain HR policies and procedures, update and maintain employee handbook.

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business Administration, Organizational Psychology, or a related field, or experience.
• 5- 10+ years of progressive HR experience, including 3+ years in a supervisory or leadership capacity.
• 2-3 years’ experience within corporate philanthropy and/or nonprofits.
• SHRM-SCP or SPHR (Society for Human Resource Management - Senior Certified Professional or (Senior Professional in Human Resources) (preferred)
• Knowledge of employment law and regulatory frameworks
• Strong experience building and leading performance management frameworks
• Strong business acumen and financial/budget management
• High-level executive presence, conflict resolution, and negotiation skills
• Proficiency in HRIS platforms and workforce data analytics
• Demonstrated leadership and supervision experience, particularly in a fast-paced, high-energy environment.
• Highly organized and skilled at managing multiple tasks and projects simultaneously.
• Integrity, positive attitude, mission-driven, and self-directed
• Ability to get along well with diverse personalities and interact with people at different levels within an organization with tact, flexibility, and discretion.
• Ability to conduct presentations in small and large group settings.
• Ability to travel to support HOA projects and attend meetings as required – 25%
• Ability to support HOA Transformation and Resource Distribution projects which include physical work, lifting up to 50 lbs, valid drivers license, the ability to drive and an SUV or minivan, and travel.

Job Location: Minneapolis/St Paul, or Washington DC area. This is a hybrid position that includes remote work.

Benefits: HOA offers medical, dental, vision, paid holidays, vacation leave, and a 403(b) plan plus matching.

Job Type: Full-time

Compensation is based on experience, skills and location.

Please include a cover letter telling us why you are interested in and would be a good fit for this position.

HOA offers medical, dental, vision, paid holidays, vacation leave, and a 403(b) plan plus matching.