Human Resources Director

Organization Overview

The New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) is a union of approximately 45,000 frontline nurses and healthcare professionals in over 150 hospitals, nursing homes, public health departments, city agencies and school districts across New York state. We are united for our patients, practice, safe staffing, and healthcare for all. Dedicated to improving the lives and working conditions of NYSNA members and our communities, we are a bold force in the fight for economic, social and racial justice. 

As a powerful union and organization made up of and led by nurses and healthcare professionals, we understand the vital role that we play in providing healthcare to all who need it, protecting the public health, and promoting the well-being of nurses in our workplaces, our communities and the political sphere.

We are affiliated with the National Nurses United, AFL-CIO, the largest union and professional association of registered nurses in U.S. history, with nearly 225,000 members nationwide. 


Position Overview

NYSNA is seeking an experienced Human Resources professional to lead the human resource function and to develop and implement strategies and systems in support of NYSNA’s organizational priorities and values. 

The Human Resources Director will be responsible for all aspects of the union’s human resources functions, including employee and labor relations, compensation and benefits, performance management, professional development, hiring and recruitment, and compliance with applicable employment laws and regulations.  

Reporting directly to the Chief of Staff, this senior leader will set and foster a positive, high-performing internal culture that supports employees while ensuring human resources systems are effective and efficient.

The Human Resources Director will manage a small HR team, working together to ensure NYSNA’s HR systems, processes, and operations reflect best practices and meet the needs of the organization and the passionate, high-performing staff.

The ideal candidate is a collaborative, ambitious leader who enjoys rolling up their sleeves and assessing, optimizing and refining HR systems and processes across an organization.  

Candidates should bring significant HR expertise, excellent communication skills, experience working in a unionized environment, a commitment to fostering trust and respect with staff, and possess a deep passion for social, racial and worker justice.  

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Operational Oversight:

• Lead the development of HR programs and services that support, leverage, and recognize the strengths and contributions of all staff 
• Oversee the day-to-day execution of all key HR functions, including recruitment and hiring, employee and labor relations, compensation, benefits administration, compliance, performance management, HRIS systems, records, and data 
• Evaluate, build, and strengthen key HR systems and processes to meet the evolving needs of the union 
• Ensure procedures and policies are compliant with all applicable laws and regulations and are up to date with best practices; implement strategies to mitigate HR-related financial, regulatory compliance, and litigation risk 
• Manage, empower, and support a small and talented HR team 
• Lead engagement with staff unions to foster and facilitate the relationship between management and staff unions

Recruitment, Hiring, Onboarding, Offboarding: 

• Oversee the entire employee life cycle, including recruitment and hiring, onboarding, and offboarding 
• Develop and implement strategies to identify and attract talent 
• Further develop onboarding and offboarding procedures, protocols, and expectations 

Employee Relations and Organizational Culture:

• Develop, communicate, and administer human resource policies and procedures that will maintain and improve employee relations and shape organizational culture 
• Create a culture of belonging and inclusivity among staff and members 
• Foster collaboration, build morale, and increase productivity and retention 
• Assess and advance employee engagement and satisfaction 

Labor Relations:

• Participate in internal staff union contract negotiations and arbitration hearings with two staff unions, implement and execute collective bargaining agreements 
• Provide guidance on conflict resolution and facilitate mediation between staff and managers, and oversee the grievance process 
• Lead and model regular and productive communications and collaboration with staff unions 

Professional Development and Training: 

• Identify, develop, and implement opportunities for staff regarding skills development and professional growth 
• Lead the design and implementation of routine performance review processes 
• Coach and train managers on conducting effective reviews  

Key Qualifications and Attributes

• At least ten years of Human Resources experience with a minimum of five years in a leadership role 
• Significant experience managing human resources functions in political, labor, or advocacy organizations 
• Extensive knowledge of and experience with employee relations, employment law, compensation, hiring and recruitment, organizational planning and development, employee and labor relations 
• Experience managing employee relations in a unionized environment, including negotiating and administering collective bargaining agreements 
• Unquestionable ethics, excellent judgement, self-motivation, reliability, and strong attention to detail 
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills and the ability to work with a variety of stakeholders 
• Ability to diagnose issues and exercise sound judgment in complex and sensitive HR situations 
• High level of professionalism and the ability to handle confidential situations and information 
• Demonstrated ability to build equitable and inclusive environments, including through systems, processes, and practices 
• Knowledge of current regulations, laws, industry trends and best practices  
• Deep commitment to economic, social and racial justice 
• HR certification (SHRM-SCP or SPHR) preferred 
• Degree from an accredited four-year college or university or equivalent experience 

Location, Salary and Benefits

The salary range is $190,000 - $200,000 along with an excellent benefit package. The position is based in New York, NY and is expected to work in the office, with some flexibility. Occasional travel, as well as evening and weekend hours will be required to fulfill the duties of this position.

To Apply

To apply, submit an application at https://grossmansolutions.applytojob.com, including a resume and concise, compelling cover letter that outlines specific ways in which you would be a good fit for this position. Please do not use AI to write your cover letter. We want to see how you think and write.

NYSNA is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering an organizational culture of diversity and inclusion. Women, minorities, people of color, individuals with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQ+ community are strongly encouraged to apply. Employment will be contingent upon references and background check.