Executive Director of Human Resource

About the YMCA of Memphis and the Mid-South:

The YMCA of Memphis & the Mid-South is a cornerstone non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. With a rich history and a strong presence across the Memphis and Mid-South region, the Y employs thousands of team members and serves thousands of individuals and families each day through a wide range of programs and services. Its people are at the heart of that mission, and the Human Resources team plays a vital role in supporting, developing, and caring for the staff who make the work possible.

Position Summary:

The YMCA of Memphis & the Mid-South is seeking an experienced Executive Director of Human Resources to lead the day-to-day functions of the HR team. Reporting to the Chief People Officer, this leader oversees HR operations and service delivery, talent acquisition and onboarding, employee relations, compliance, and total rewards, while supervising and developing the HR staff. The Executive Director translates the organization’s people strategy into consistent, dependable execution, ensuring team members and leaders across the Association receive responsive, high-quality support. As a key partner to the Chief People Officer, this leader helps build a positive, mission-driven culture and a workplace where staff can grow and thrive.

Essential Functions:

Leadership and Strategy:

•  Serves as a key member of the leadership team, partnering with the Chief People Officer to turn people strategy into day-to-day execution.
• Lead the daily operations of the HR team, ensuring consistent, responsive, and high-quality service to team members and leaders across the Association.
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve HR policies, procedures, and workflows that support operational excellence and advance the Y’s mission.

HR Operations and Service Delivery:

• Oversee core HR functions including onboarding, HRIS administration, records management, and employee lifecycle transactions, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and confidentiality.
• Manage the day-to-day workflow of the HR team, setting priorities, resolving escalations, and ensuring service expectations are consistently met.
• Track key HR metrics and prepare reporting that helps leaders make informed, timely people decisions.

Talent Acquisition and Onboarding:

• Oversee recruiting, hiring, and onboarding processes to attract and retain talent that reflects the communities the Y serves.
• Partner with hiring leaders to ensure a smooth, welcoming candidate and new-hire experience from offer through the first months of employment.

Employee Relations and Engagement:

• Oversees employee relations and serves as a trusted resource for team members and leaders, responding to employee relations matters with fairness, consistency, and sound judgment.
• Guide managers through performance management, coaching, and corrective action in line with policy and best practice.
• Support engagement, recognition, and retention efforts that strengthen a positive, mission-driven culture.

Compliance and Total Rewards:

• Ensure HR practices comply with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, including FLSA, FMLA, ADA, and EEO requirements.
• Oversee administration of compensation, benefits, and leave programs, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and a positive team member experience.
• Maintain accurate personnel records and documentation to support audits, reporting, and organizational accountability.
• Support development and management of the HR department budget, ensuring responsible stewardship of resources.

Team Leadership and Development:

• Recruit, supervise, coach, and develop the HR team, fostering accountability, collaboration, and professional growth.
• Provide ongoing feedback, training, and evaluations that build a high-performing, service-oriented HR function.

Other Duties as Assigned:

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Chief People Officer to support the overall goals and operations of the YMCA.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, or a related field (Master’s degree or SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR certification preferred).
• Experience: Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive human resources experience, including at least 3 years leading or supervising an HR team. Broad experience across HR operations, employee relations, talent acquisition, and compliance is highly desirable.
• Skills:
• Strong leadership and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and lead a team.
• Working knowledge of employment law and HR compliance, including FLSA, FMLA, ADA, and EEO.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to advise and influence leaders at all levels.
• Proficiency with HRIS platforms and HR reporting, with a commitment to accuracy and confidentiality.

Work Environment

This position is based in Memphis, TN, with occasional travel throughout the Mid-South region. Flexibility is required to attend events, meetings, and other activities as necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of the role.

YMCA of Memphis & the Mid-South is an equal opportunity employer and encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply.

YMCA Leadership Competencies:

Mission Advancement: Reinforces the Y’s values within the organization and the community. Effectively communicates the benefits and impact of the Y’s efforts for all stakeholders.

Collaboration: Builds and nurtures strategic relationships to enhance support for the Y. Serves as a community leader building collaborations based on trust and credibility to advance the Y’s mission and goals. Communicates for influence to attain buy-in and support of goals. Provides tools and resources for the development of others.

Operational Effectiveness: Integrates multiple thinking processes to make decisions. Involves staff at all levels in the development of programs and activities. Ensures execution of plans. Institutes sound accounting procedures and financial controls. Assigns clear accountability and ensures continuous improvement.

Personal Growth: Fosters a learning environment embracing diverse abilities and approaches. Creates a sense of urgency and positive tension to support change. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.

Behavioral Characteristics: Welcoming, Nurturing, Determined, Hopeful, and Genuine.