Director of HR

Job Title: Director of Human Resources

Industry: Nonprofit / Education / Research

Location (city, state): Arlington, VA - Fully on-site

Assignment Type: Direct Hire

Pay: $120,000 – $130,000 annually

Work Schedule: Monday–Friday, 40 hours per week, Standard business hours with a one-hour lunch

Benefits: This position is eligible for medical, dental, vision, and 401(k).

About Our Client:

Addison Group is partnering with a mission-driven organization in the nonprofit and research space to identify a Director of Human Resources. Our client is a well-established organization with a collaborative culture, a strong leadership team, and a focus on long-term impact. This role will oversee HR strategy and operations for a workforce of approximately 135–145 employees.

Job Description:

The Director of Human Resources will serve as a key strategic partner to senior leadership, guiding people-related initiatives while ensuring compliance, operational excellence, and a positive employee experience. This individual will lead HR operations, manage a small HR team, and align talent strategies with organizational goals. The role is highly hands-on and best suited for a leader who enjoys balancing strategy with day-to-day execution.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic HR guidance to executive leadership and department heads
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment regulations across multiple states
• Oversee employee relations, performance management, and organizational development initiatives
• Lead recruiting efforts, onboarding processes, and early-career talent programs
• Manage and mentor a lean HR team, fostering growth and operational consistency
• Maintain and enhance HR policies, procedures, and employee handbook materials
• Oversee HR systems and data integrity, reporting, and vendor relationships
• Partner with Finance on payroll audits, workforce planning, and budget oversight
• Use workforce data and metrics to inform leadership decisions and planning

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Advanced degree and/or SHRM, PHR, or SPHR certification strongly preferred
• Significant progressive experience in HR leadership roles
• Prior experience managing a small HR team (2–3 team members)
• Strong working knowledge of multi-state employment laws and HR best practices
• Background in nonprofit, education, or research environments strongly preferred
• Experience with HRIS platforms, budgeting, and complex HR operations
• Advanced Excel skills (including pivot tables and VLOOKUPs)
• Excellent judgment, communication skills, and ability to handle sensitive matters discreetly

Additional Details:

• Department: Human Resources
• Team Size: 2–3 direct reports
• Company Size: Approximately 135–145 employees
• Interview Process: Three-step interview process including video and panel interviews
• Start Date: As soon as possible; flexible for candidates currently employed

Perks:

• Competitive salary
• Comprehensive health and dental coverage
• Unlimited paid time off
• Retirement savings plan
• Life and long-term disability insurance
• Commuter/parking benefits
• Professional development and continuing education opportunities

Addison Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Addison Group provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Addison Group complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. Reasonable accommodation is available for qualified individuals with disabilities, upon request.

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