Manager of Human Resources and Compliance Operations

Position Summary

The Manager of Human Resources and Compliance Operations provides both strategic leadership and hands-on management of all HR and compliance functions for RSSI. Approximately 75% of this role is focused on human resources (including recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, benefits administration, performance management, training, and policy development), while 25% is dedicated to compliance with CARF International, the Illinois Bureau of Accreditation, and other regulatory compliance organizations with which RSSI works.

Serving as the primary point of contact for all HR and compliance matters, this role partners with the Chief Operating Officer, Executive Director, and program leadership to ensure that staff are supported, internal systems are effective, and the organization meets all legal, regulatory, and accreditation requirements.

This role requires a professional who is comfortable balancing daily operational responsibilities with broader strategic goals, who thrives in a collaborative, mission-driven environment, and who can prioritize effectively in a dynamic nonprofit setting.

Core Competencies

• Demonstrated leadership and independent decision-making abilities.

• Strategic thinking and ability to align HR and compliance practices with organizational goals and RSSI’s mission.

• Strong interpersonal, communication, and conflict-resolution skills.

• Knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws and HR best practices.

• Familiarity with CARF International, the Illinois Bureau of Accreditation, and other regulatory compliance organizations.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.

• Proficiency with HRIS and talent management systems.

• Capacity to manage multiple responsibilities with professionalism and accuracy.

• Commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and trauma-informed practice.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Human Resources Leadership & Operations (approx. 75%)

• Serves as the primary HR lead for the organization, managing both strategic initiatives and day-to-day operations.

• Manages recruitment, hiring, and onboarding processes to ensure timely staffing and alignment with RSSI’s mission and values.

• Advises supervisors and program managers on employee relations, performance management, corrective action, and termination processes.

• Administers employee benefits, compensation programs, and leave management in collaboration with payroll and finance.

• Maintains accurate personnel files and HRIS records; prepares reports and dashboards as needed.

• Updates and maintains HR policies, procedures, and the employee handbook to ensure compliance and clarity.

• Coordinates staff development, training, and wellness initiatives to support employee retention and growth.

• Promotes a positive organizational culture grounded in respect, transparency, and accountability.

• Serves as a resource for staff on HR policies, benefits, workplace expectations, and conflict resolution.

Compliance, Accreditation, and Licensing (approx. 25%)

• Leads RSSI’s organizational compliance with CARF International, the Illinois Bureau of Accreditation, and other regulatory compliance organizations.

• Develops and maintains a compliance calendar to track required deadlines, surveys, and submissions.

• Coordinates organizational readiness for CARF surveys, state licensing inspections, and other regulatory audits.

• Develops corrective action plans and ensures timely follow-up on all findings from accreditation or licensing bodies.

• Provides compliance training and technical assistance to staff regarding documentation standards, service planning, and other requirements.

• Collaborates with program and clinical leadership to ensure services are delivered in alignment with accreditation standards.

• Monitors regulatory changes and communicates updates to senior leadership and staff as needed.

• Serves as liaison with accrediting and regulatory bodies, ensuring timely responses and submissions.

Cross-Departmental Collaboration

• Works closely with leadership, program directors, and operations staff to ensure alignment between HR, compliance, and program needs.

• Participates in leadership meetings and strategic planning to integrate workforce and compliance considerations into organizational goals.

• Partners with finance to ensure personnel and compliance processes support fiscal accountability and funding requirements.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Nonprofit Management, or a related field required; Master’s degree preferred.

• 3–5 years of progressive experience in human resources and compliance, preferably in a nonprofit or human services setting.

• Demonstrated knowledge of CARF, Illinois state licensing/accreditation, and other regulatory compliance organizations required.

• SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP certification required.

• Experience with HRIS systems and Microsoft Office Suite required; experience with EHRs and compliance reporting tools a plus.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities independently, with attention to detail and organizational skill.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Must be able to lift and carry 10–15 pounds.

• Prolonged periods of sitting and computer use.

• Occasional evenings or weekends may be required based on organizational needs.

• Primarily office-based; potential for hybrid work arrangement after initial onboarding period.