The Salvation Army (The Army) is an International, Evangelical Christian Church dedicated to providing individuals worldwide with spiritual, physical, social and emotional support. Today the Salvation Army focuses on mission-driven programs and service delivery designed to meet the needs of each local community. These programs include human service programs such as homeless programs, preschool and after school care programs, disaster relief, senior programs, as well as The Salvation Army ministerial activities.
 
The Empire State Division is in the Eastern Territory, one of the Army’s four U.S. geographic service areas. The Headquarters (DHQ) is located in Syracuse, New York and is the administrative unit that directs 40 Army Corps in metropolitan areas covering Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, and Albany. The Empire State Division provides programs and services to thousands of people annually throughout 48 upstate New York counties, plus Sayre, Pennsylvania. The Empire State Division’s operating budget exceeds $55 million.
 
The Opportunity:  Director of Human Resources
 
The Salvation Army Empire State Division is looking to fill an Executive-level position responsible for managing the Divisional Human Resources operations (including Affirmative Action Planning) for the Empire State Division. The new Director will be an experienced, strategic human resources professional with the ability to provide contemporary leadership to the department while supervising four dedicated professionals: the HR Generalist, Payroll and Benefits Administrator, HRIS Coordinator and HR Assistant. Indirectly, s/he will be a resource to Division officers and staff in the field who require human resource support in carrying out their managerial and supervisory responsibilities. 
 
Major areas of responsibilities include planning, development, compliance, performance management, employee orientation and training, employee relations, compensation, benefits, payroll processing support functions, workplace investigations and employee counseling. As a member of the executive leadership team, this position participates in overall agency strategic planning, chairs the Divisional Personnel Committee, co-chairs the Syracuse Area Services Employee Committee, and is a member of the Divisional Command Finance, CQI, and Finance Committees. Based at The Army Divisional Headquarters in Syracuse, NY, The Director of Human Resources will develop and nurture a vision for excellence in all human resource matters throughout the Division.
 
Primary Performance Objectives 
 
General Leadership

• Plan, develop, organize, implement, and direct all aspects of the Division’s human resource function and evaluate its performance.
• Ensure that the Division is in compliance with all HR-related federal, state and local laws.
• As a key member of the executive leadership team for the Division, the Director will ensure that HR policies and procedures remain current and align with institutional philosophies and marketplace best practices.
• Serve as an organizational resource by providing appropriate training and support to Officers, professional and administration staff, and others within the organization.
• As a strategic partner, participate in the development and implementation of the Division’s strategic planning. Translate the strategic and tactical business plans into effective HR and operational plans.
• Maintain a visible presence throughout the Empire State Division and ensure that the entire Division has the resources needed to carry out the various HR functions.
• Consistently demonstrate a working knowledge and ability to coach and develop others on the policies, procedures and processes required to remain in compliance with HR-related legislation.
• Foster a culture of collaboration throughout the Division, encouraging cooperation, reliability, and accountability.
• Oversee and manage the operating budget and other financial tools of the human resources function, and participate in the development of and share responsibility for budgetary performance of all HR expense areas.
• Serve as staff liaison to the Advisory Board Personnel Committee, CQI and Strategic Planning Committee.

 
Human Resources Management & Implementation

• Provide leadership and direction in the design and implementation of comprehensive human resources practices for employee relations, recruitment, benefits and payroll functions.
• Counsel officers and staff on employee relations issues, interpretation of agency policies, procedures and guidelines to ensure consistent and uniform practices within the Empire State Division.
• Ensure that all personnel meet minimum job requirements, including COA licensing and TSA standards.
• Lead and conduct investigations in collaboration with legal counsel.
• Deliver in-house management training programs that address needs across program lines (i.e., AAP, sexual harassment, HIPAA compliance safety, performance management).
• Ensure system-wide orientation and training programs are consistent, current and regularly implemented to raise the overall ability of employees to excel in their goals.
• Maintain a working knowledge of industry trends and employment legislation and ensures ongoing Division compliance.
• Develop and oversee competitive compensation and benefits programs designed to attract and retain a highly skilled and diverse workforce.
• Identify and track key human resource indicators that will anticipate issues and identify effective solutions.

 
Staff and Performance Management

• Directly supervise the work of the human resources department.
• Serve as a resource to Division officers and staff in the field who have human resource needs with the staff they hire and manage.
• Recommend, evaluate and participate in staff development for the entire Division.

 
The Qualified Candidate
 
The Salvation Army Empire State Division seeks a service-minded Director of Human Resources who will foster a workplace environment consistent with the vision and mission established by The Salvation Army and build relationships with leadership to strategically and effectively facilitate integration of human resource best practices across the Empire State Division. The successful candidate will have a demonstrated ability to establish and maintain a multi-faceted HR system with consistent practices, efficient operations, and streamlined processes across the organization. S/he will provide evidence of leading successful rollouts of new initiatives in partnership with senior management in various departments, and the ability to forge positive, trusting relationships between HR professionals and all staff.
 
Prior knowledge and experience with administering an Affirmative Action Plan is a plus, and a proven track record of monitoring industry standards and trends is required. The ideal candidate will be a creative senior leader and expert in the field of human resources, bringing knowledge of best practices and a proactive and relational approach to the role. HR experience in a human services nonprofit with a complex multi-site structure is strongly preferred.
 
Specific Requirements Include:

• Passion for The Salvation Army’s mission, coupled with strong leadership skills.
• A minimum of seven years of progressive experience in human resources, with a minimum of 3 years leading a complex HR department with team specialists in the various HR concentrations.
• A Master’s Degree or equivalent. Professional Certification such as SHRM-SCP, SPHR or equivalent is strongly preferred.
• Ability to develop and successfully implement effective human resource initiatives to achieve and support agency goals.
• Ability to effectively multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
  • Working knowledge and understanding of federal, state and local labor laws.
  • Proven ability to recruit, develop and retain a highly effective team of HR professionals.
  • Ability to relate to and effectively interact with all levels of a highly diverse workforce.
  • Excellent interpersonal, presentation, oral and written communication.
  • Team player who can give and take advice and support in order to ensure the fulfillment of The Salvation Army.
  • Entrepreneurial spirit, creative problem solver and strong collaborator.
  • Ability to build trust and respect with a wide variety of stakeholders.

 
The Salvation Army offers a competitive salary and a robust benefits package. The position will have a car available (either assigned or from the fleet pool). The position finalist will be required to successfully clear full background and reference checks.
 
The Salvation Army is committed to achieving full and equal opportunity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.
 
To Apply
 
This search is being managed by Evette Simon, SHRM-SCP, SPHR, Vice President and Laura Weinman, Senior Consultant at Kistner Eddy Executive Services (KEES).
 
To apply, candidates should submit their cover letter and resume and complete the online application by clicking the link at the bottom of the page or by going to https://alfordexecutivesearch.applicantstack.com/x/openings. To assure confidential tracking of all applicants, no applications will be accepted via email.
 
Online applications are preferred, but resumes and cover letters may be mailed to KEES, 3075 Book Road, Suite 103 #9682, Naperville, IL, 60567-9682. Please do not mail applications by US mail if you have applied online.
 
Questions may be addressed to lweinman@alfordexecutivesearch.com.
 
KEES is a retained search firm dedicated to providing recruitment services of exceptional quality and strengthening the nonprofit community through professional staffing and leadership solutions.