Director of Human Resources

Heart of Los Angeles helps young people overcome barriers through exceptional, free, integrated programs and personalized guidance in a trusted, nurturing environment.

Our core values are: Respect, Responsibility, Support , Positive Communication, and Inclusion.

At Heart of LA, we recognize that strong employee relations and meaningful staff support are foundational to the impact we have on the students and communities we serve. As such, our HR Department plays a vital role in advancing our mission. This is an opportunity for a passionate and dedicated HR professional to apply their expertise in guiding and strengthening the HR operations of a growing, mission-driven social justice organization.

Heart of LA is seeking a people-centered Director of Human Resources to lead and oversee all core HR administrative functions. Reporting to the Chief of Staff, the Director of HR is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the Human Resources Department, including and not limited to maintaining employee records, administering health and leave benefits, overseeing and reviewing semi-monthly payroll for final Finance approval, ensuring timesheet accuracy and compliance, and serving as a primary resource for staff on HR policies, procedures, and programs. The Director of HR directly supervises the HR Coordinator.

The ideal candidate brings a strong foundation in all aspects of human resources, with exceptional attention to detail and well-developed analytical and time management skills. They are able to balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution, working both collaboratively and independently to ensure the seamless, end-to-end implementation of HR operations and projects.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Overseeing all human resources, talent strategy, and company culture to align with business goals.

HR Operations & Recordkeeping

Prepare, maintain, and audit personnel records and reports, ensuring accuracy and confidentiality.

Serve as the primary administrator of the organization’s HRIS (Paycom), maintaining data integrity and updating systems as needed.

Process and document personnel transactions, including hires, promotions, transfers, performance reviews, and terminations.

Maintain employee statistics and required reporting for government agencies and insurance providers.

Benefits Administration

Administer employee benefits programs, including health insurance and retirement plans.

Manage enrollments, claims resolution, change reporting, invoice approvals, and annual benefits evaluations.

Administer leave programs, including vacation, sick leave, and state-managed leave programs, ensuring accurate tracking and compliance.

Payroll & Timekeeping

Oversee the monitoring and review of timesheets throughout each pay period to ensure accuracy and compliance in collaboration with the HR Coordinator.

Review personnel budgets to ensure salary and hour alignment with approved budgets.

In collaboration with the HR Coordinator prepare and review semi-monthly payroll for final approval by Finance.

Recruitment & Hiring

Partner with managers and directors to recruit for exempt, non-exempt, and temporary roles.

Approve and post job requisitions, conduct reference checks, and prepare job offers.

Lead onboarding for new hires and supervise the HR Coordinator’s participation in the process.

Compliance & Policy Administration

Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local employment laws and reporting requirements (including Immigration, ACA, and EDD).

Research, draft, and update HR policies and procedures.

Maintain and update the Employee Handbook.

Employee Relations & Organizational Development

Respond to staff inquiries regarding policies, procedures, and benefits in a helpful and timely manner.

Advise leadership on employee relations matters and participate in corrective and disciplinary meetings.

Conduct internal investigations in collaboration with internal partners and legal counsel.

Develop and facilitate supervisor training on hiring, performance management, compliance, and workplace conduct.

Support staff development initiatives and employee engagement activities.

Supervision

Directly supervise the HR Coordinator and assign responsibilities as needed to support departmental goals.

Other Duties

Perform other HR-related responsibilities as assigned.

The Director of Human Resources brings 5+ years of progressively responsible experience in human resources, including recruiting, talent development, payroll administration. This role is responsible for leading Heart of LA’s human relations strategy and strengthening organizational capacity, voice, and reputation.

Strong candidates will:

5+ years of experience in all HR and benefit administration, preferably in the non-profit sector.

Bachelor’s Degree preferred but will consider relevant experience

Proficient to advanced experience with human resource information systems (Paycom preferred)

Demonstrated proficiency in Google Workspace and Microsoft Office (including advanced Excel skills), with the ability to effectively utilize office equipment and conduct thorough research.

A strong knowledge of Federal, State and Local Labor Laws. (CA & LA)

Ability to maintain strong attention to detail and organizational skills, as they will deal with multiple tasks going on at the same time

Comfortable with taking accountability for job duties and being solutions-oriented

Ability to multitask and be resourceful

Strong and effective written and oral communication skills; ability to enforce compliance with all staff in a diplomatic but assertive manner

Experience fostering trust and psychological safety through consistent, people-centered HR practices.

Ability to maintain a high-degree of confidentiality due to nature of the role

A collaborative team-working style with ability to relate effectively with people from diverse backgrounds

The highest standards of conduct and comportment; the ability to be a strong role model for youth during all working hours; treat employees, donors, staff and youth with respect

Aligned to the mission, vision, and equity commitments of Heart of LA

Must pass CA DOJ background check

Spanish proficiency desired, but not required