Director of Human Resources

Who We Are

For over 60 years, Abilities First, Inc. has been empowering individuals with developmental disabilities to live their most vibrant, independent lives. From early education to adulthood, our wide range of services, including preschool and school programs, day programs and residential services, community connections, and employment services, are designed to uplift every individual’s unique strengths and dreams.

We believe in the power of people - of every background, identity, and ability - to create change and build a more inclusive world. Abilities First is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is welcoming and supportive of people of varying abilities, races, ethnicities, religions, socio-economic status, gender, and gender identities. At Abilities First, you’ll join a mission-driven team that values collaboration, celebrates individuality, and is dedicated to meaningful work. If you're ready to turn your passion into purpose, we’d love to welcome you aboard.

Who We Need

Abilities First, Inc. is seeking a Director of Human Resources to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight of the human resources function at Abilities First, supporting a diverse workforce delivering services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer, the Director leads workforce planning, talent acquisition and development, employee engagement, employee and labor relations, compensation and benefits, and HR compliance and recordkeeping. The Director partners with leaders across the organization to strengthen management practices, promote accountability, and address workforce challenges with sound judgment, consistency, and compassion. This role translates organizational priorities into effective HR policies, systems, and practices that support employees, advance service quality, and foster a culture in which everyone is recognized and valued for their Abilities First.

Responsibilities: 

• Provides leadership, direction, and support to the Human Resources team, establishing clear priorities, promoting professional growth, and ensuring timely, consistent, and responsive HR services.
• Leads recruitment and workforce planning in partnership with agency leadership; develops and maintains effective processes for position requisitions, approvals, and hiring.
• Oversees the planning and execution of HR events, including recruitment events and benefits fairs, and participates as appropriate to support employee access and engagement.
• Analyzes workforce trends and employee feedback to identify retention and engagement opportunities; leads the implementation and evaluation of targeted strategies.
• Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and applicable regulatory requirements; identifies potential risks and strengthens practices through policy development, management guidance, and proactive training.
• Oversees HR communications to employees, ensuring information is accurate, timely, accessible, and consistent with agency policies and priorities.
• Leads employee engagement surveys with the Chief Administrative Officer, analyzes results, and recommends actions to address feedback and strengthen engagement and retention. 
• Evaluates and optimizes the HRIS and related tools to improve efficiency, data integrity, reporting, and the employee experience.
• Maintains the Employee Handbook and HR policies, reviewing them at least annually and updating them as needed to reflect legal requirements and agency practices.
• Collaborates with the Training Department to develop and update HR-related training within the Learning Management System, supporting employee understanding and effective management practices. 
• Evaluates employee benefits and recommends programs that meet workforce needs, remain competitive, and align with the agency’s budget.
• Oversees performance management processes, supports managers in setting expectations and addressing performance concerns, and recommends improvements that strengthen accountability and employee development.
• Integrates diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility principles into HR practices and management guidance; participates in agency initiatives that advance these priorities.
• Serves as the primary HR contact for the labor union, addresses labor relations matters, and manages grievances in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement.
• Participates in collective bargaining and coordinates the development of management proposals and responses, gathering input and facilitating collaboration across the AFI Management Team.
• Develops, maintains, and implements a competitive and financially sustainable compensation strategy in collaboration with the Chief Administrative Officer and Chief Financial Officer to support recruitment, retention, and internal equity.

This is a full-time Exempt position with an annual salary range of $110,000.00 - $130,000.00, commensurate with experience. 

 Benefits

• Time to Recharge - Vacation, personal, sick, and holiday time 
• Health & Wellness – Medical, dental, and vision plans to keep you covered, and Employee Assistance Program available 24/7
• Plan for The Future – Retirement savings plan options, employer-paid life insurance, and access to Free Will
• Level Up Your Skills– Tuition reimbursement and career development training opportunities
• Get Paid When You Need It – On Demand Pay gives you access to earnings as early as the next day
• Make a Difference and Be Recognized! – We celebrate our team through staff appreciation events, employee awards, team celebrations, and ongoing recognition of exceptional performance and service.
• And More!

NOTE: The salary range represents the expected range of compensation for this position, exclusive of fringe benefits or other job-specific stipends where applicable. The actual starting salary for the successful candidate will be based on qualifications, experience, skills, education, internal equity, and other job-related factors. Not all candidates will qualify for the maximum range. 

Minimum Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field. An equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.
• Master's degree in the above/related fields, and/or current HR Certification (PHR, S-PHR, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP) preferred.
• Minimum of seven years of progressively responsible human resources experience, including at least three years managing an HR function and supervising staff.
• Experience in a nonprofit, human services, education, or similarly regulated organization preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in employee and labor relations, collective bargaining administration, employment compliance, and advising leadership on complex personnel matters.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English, including the ability to prepare accurate documentation, communicate sensitive information clearly, and deliver presentations to employees and management. Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish is an asset.
• Extensive knowledge of employment laws, regulations, and HR compliance requirements, with the ability to apply them to practical workplace situations.
• Strong business acumen and demonstrated ability to lead, supervise, and develop staff, establish priorities, and ensure accountability for results.
• Sound judgment and the ability to navigate complex employee and organizational matters with discretion, consistency, and sensitivity while maintaining confidentiality.
• Ability to analyze workforce data, identify trends, and present actionable recommendations to executive leadership.
• Working knowledge of budgeting, compensation, and benefits costs, with the ability to assess the financial implications of HR recommendations and decisions.
• Must have a current NYS driver’s license with no moving violations, as deemed acceptable by our insurance carrier.

 Abilities First provides reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities.