Director of Human Resources

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

Established in 1983, San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program, Inc. (SDVLP) is the oldest and most comprehensive pro bono legal services program in San Diego County. SDVLP's mission is to provide equal access to the justice system by serving as a bridge between indigent and other disadvantaged people in San Diego County and the volunteer lawyers who are willing to donate their time and resources. Our team of talented and passionate employees is collegial, supportive, and committed to providing top-quality legal services to indigent, vulnerable San Diegans.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

• Lead the full-cycle recruitment process, including workforce planning, job posting, candidate screening, interviewing, and offer negotiation
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve HR policies, procedures, and the employee handbook in compliance with applicable federal and state employment laws
• Oversee employee onboarding, orientation, and offboarding programs to ensure a consistent and positive employee experience
• Manage employee benefits programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and 401(k), serving as the primary liaison with benefits brokers and vendors
• Oversee performance management systems, including annual reviews, goal-setting frameworks, and performance improvement plans
• Provide guidance and coaching to managers and staff on employee relations matters, conflict resolution, and HR best practices
• Lead organizational learning and development initiatives, including identifying training needs and coordinating professional development opportunities
• Oversee HRIS systems, currently Paycom, ensuring data integrity and leveraging reporting capabilities to support organizational decision-making
• Oversee compensation benchmarking and maintain equitable, competitive pay practices aligned with the nonprofit sector
• Champion employee engagement, recognition, and retention strategies that reflect SDVLP's values and culture
• Ensure organizational compliance with all labor laws, including FLSA, FMLA, ADA, EEO, and California-specific employment regulations
• Partner with senior leadership on workforce planning, organizational development, and strategic HR initiatives
• Supervise the HR Coordinator and provide mentorship and day-to-day direction
• Engage in other tasks and projects as needed to further SDVLP's mission

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• This is an exempt position requiring the ability to work in SDVLP's San Diego downtown office a minimum of 3 days per week: 20 to 25-hour work week

• Ten or more years of progressive human resources experience, with at least five years in a management or lead HR role
• Demonstrated knowledge of federal and California employment law and HR compliance requirements
• Experience overseeing benefits administration, compensation analysis, and performance management systems
• Strong knowledge and use of Paycom or comparable HRIS platforms — Paycom experience preferred
• Proven ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters with discretion and sound judgment

• Experience supervising or mentoring HR staff
• Nonprofit experience preferred
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving abilities with high attention to detail
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust across all levels of the organization
• HR certification preferred
• Proficient in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

SDVLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, and any other status protected by state or federal law.