Director of Human Resources

Position Summary:

The Director of Human Resources (HRD) leads a comprehensive HR function supporting a diverse, multi-site affordable housing organization. This role is responsible for the daily execution and continuous improvement of HR operations across the employee lifecycle.

The HRD serves as the operational anchor for employee relations, compliance, HR systems integrity, reporting, and scalable delivery of People Operations. This position is central to how we scale as an organization—bringing together compliance rigor, operational excellence, and a growth mindset to deliver a seamless, equitable, and high-quality employee experience.

The Director of Human Resources is responsible for building, implementing, and continuously improving HR systems, processes, and procedures across the entire employee lifecycle, including recruitment, onboarding, time and attendance, benefits administration, safety & compliance, performance management, and retention. The HRD ensures that HR operations are efficient, compliant, and aligned with organizational goals while also being people-centered and supportive of employee growth.

Burbank Housing is looking for a hands-on, solutions-oriented leader adept at both strategy and execution. The Director of Human Resources plays a critical role in ensuring Burbank Housing’s people systems are strong, scalable, and aligned with its mission. By building a solid operational foundation, the HRD role enables employees to do their best work—supporting growth, consistency, and positive employee experience across the organization.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: The following reflects Burbank Housing’s definition of essential functions for this position and does not limit other responsibilities as organizational needs evolve.

Human Resources Leadership:

• Build trusted partnerships with Executive Leadership, Directors, Managers, Supervisors, HR staff, Payroll, and other key stakeholders, to deliver timely, accurate, and employee-centered People Operations at scale.
• Communicate clearly and credibly with leaders and stakeholders to support consistent decision making that balances employee experience, operational needs, and risk considerations.
• Bring forward field-level insights to support HR Operational strategies and action plans that strengthen recruitment and retention.
• Lead, supervise, and develop Human Resources staff; establish clear expectations, priorities, and performance standards.
• Oversee benefits, compliance, HR systems and technology, and employee lifecycle management.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local (multi-county) employment laws and housing-related workforce regulations.

Employee Relations and HR Partnership:

• Serve as a trusted advisor to leaders and employees, providing guidance and hands-on support on a broad range of employee relations matters for both exempt and non-exempt employees in alignment with organizational practices, policies, and applicable legislation.
• Operate as an embedded People Partner – anticipating risks, strengthening supervisory practices, and helping prevent workplace issues by coaching leaders, and using field-level insights to inform broader strategies and risk mitigation efforts.
• Act as a neutral, unbiased, and objective partner in assessing employee matters, remaining committed to upholding Burbank Housing’s organizational values in every situation.
• Manage complex employee relations issues, including investigations in partnership with legal counsel as needed.
• Consult with employees on workplace concerns and resolution pathways, reinforcing respectful communication, inclusion, and effective conflict resolution.
• Maintain confidentiality, discretion, and ethical judgment when handling sensitive employee relations matters.
• Share actionable insights with senior leadership to inform strategies, supervisory education, and consistent practice.
• Develop and maintain consistent performance management and disciplinary frameworks across hourly and salaried populations.
• Ensure supervisors are using appropriate coaching, counseling, and discipline to address employee issues/concerns.
• Foster an open-door HR culture grounded in trust, inclusion, and respectful communication.

Operational Leadership and Continuous Improvement

• Contribute to scalable, consistent, and simplified HR practices by identifying process improvements, documentation standards, and decision supports such as templates, playbooks, and checklists.
• Leverage data analytics, workforce insights, and field observations to identify recurring themes, potential systemic issues, and opportunities for prevention and capability building.
• Partner with Executive Leadership Team on compensation philosophy; lead salary benchmarking and pay equity analysis.
• Oversee benefits strategy with cost-containment and employee value in mind.
• Establish case management tools to track issues, actions, outcomes, and cycle times accurately and consistently.
• Oversee coordination of recruitment and retention activities within the HR team and in partnership with Department Leaders and Supervisors.
• Own the HR processes and systems strategy, identifies inefficiencies and risks, designs and implements streamlined, scalable solutions.
• Oversee partnership with Payroll team in Finance to support data accuracy and recordkeeping.
• Oversees leaves of absence administration; maintain expertise in FMLA/CFRA, FEHA, ADA and related laws.
• Lead workplace safety compliance and workers' compensation claims management.
• Embed AI tools and automations into HR workflows to drive efficiency and error reduction (e.g., payroll anomaly detection, automated password resets, employee ticket triage).
• Lead internal audits and risk assessments, including Workers’ Compensation and Retirement Plan audits.

Knowledge, Skill, and Experience:

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree required; major in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
• MBA or equivalent degree a plus.
• Minimum of 10 years of professional work experience, including at least five years in human resources.
• Prior people management experience required.
• Experience supporting an organization with a diverse and hourly employee population of 400+ total employees in all functions of human resources required.
• Demonstrated experience managing HR operations across multiple locations and counties.
• Proven background in employee relations, payroll oversight, benefits administration, talent acquisition, performance management, training and development, and workers’ compensation.
• Experience in policy development and implementation.
• Demonstrated proficiency in supervising and motivating subordinates.
• Strong working knowledge of California employment laws; Wage & Hour expertise required; housing compliance experience a plus.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Commitment & enthusiasm toward achieving Burbank Housing’s Mission and Vision Statements.
• Demonstrated ability to build, implement, and scale effective HR systems and processes.
• Must be effective at listening, understanding, and clarifying concerns raised by employees and supervisors.
• Ability to coach supervisors on corrective action and performance issues.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven ability to work independently and as part of a team with people of diverse backgrounds, demonstrating cultural awareness.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and data integrity.
• Excellent judgment and ability to balance risk, compliance, and employee experience.
• High degree of discretion, confidentiality, and professionalism.
• Self-directed organizational and time management skills.
• Proven ability to work with diverse groups in cooperative problem-solving, consensus-building, and executing solutions.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office: HRIS experience required (Paycom preferred).
• Ability to conduct monthly on-site visits at various property locations throughout Sonoma, Napa, Marin, and San Francisco counties.
• Ability to build positive working relationships, both internally and externally.
• Demonstrates maturity and sensitivity to the needs of employees.
• Seasoned professional with a strong sense of self-confidence and professional demeanor; a calm, thoughtful approach to interpersonal relations, communications, and challenging situations.
• Versatility, flexibility, and a willingness to work within an environment of changing priorities with enthusiasm.
• Demonstrated planning, analytical, and organization skills as well as good problem-solving abilities.

Additional Requirements:

• Valid California Driver's License, a good driving record, and automobile insurance per the requirements of the State of California.
• Demonstrated competency with computer software and systems: proficiency with Microsoft Office Business Suite, HRIS systems (Paycom preferred), and LMS – Yardi Aspire, preferred.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

Physical Demands:

Regularly required to sit, walk, stand, use hands for keyboarding and tools; reach above and below shoulder level; lift up to 30 pounds; stoop, kneel, crouch; and communicate verbally and audibly.

Work Environment:

Moderate noise level in a professional office setting.

Supervisory Responsibilities: Yes

Acknowledgement

I certify that I have read and understand the duties and responsibilities of this position. I acknowledge that Burbank Housing is an at-will employer and that either party may terminate employment at any time, with or without notice or cause.