Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey

 

Summary of the Department:  The Human Resources Department of the American Friends Service Committee in Philadelphia provides support services and administers policies and procedures that apply directly to approximately 250 staff based in AFSC offices in the US and around the world. 

 

The Human Resources Department oversees recruitment and selection of staff, administration of salary and benefits, labor relations, and the development of personnel policy. All Human Resources policies and procedures are conducted in a manner that reflects and supports AFSC’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.  The Human Resources Department oversees the employment portion of the Affirmative Action Plan and supports the implementation of uniform, equitable personnel policies and practices throughout the organization. 

 

Summary of Principal Responsibilities: The Director of Human Resources and Inclusion manages all AFSC business related to staff recruitment, selection, training, evaluation, discipline, professional support, compensation and benefits. The Director influences performance and job satisfaction throughout the organization.  She/he is part of the senior leadership team which advises the General Secretary in the management of the AFSC, and serves in a consulting capacity on issues that affect morale, labor relations, labor law, personnel expenses, and the impact of managerial decisions on staff.  She/he provides leadership for the development and management of personnel policies, practices, and services which address both individual and organizational needs. The Director has primary responsibility for contract negotiations with unions, and for upholding the AFSC’s commitment to the terms of the contracts.  (Staff members in the central office and in several regions in the United States are unionized, while staff members in other regions are not.)  The Director will ensure that AFSC’s human resources policies and practices are grounded in a commitment to diversity and inclusion.  The Director is responsible for the Human Resources departmental staff and budget.  The person in this role must understand and be committed to the mission and basic values of the AFSC, be a strong leader and skilled administrator committed to organizational learning, and be able to communicate clearly and effectively.

 

Essential Functions/Responsibilities:

1.      Manage the overall work of the Human Resources Department in a manner that supports AFSC’s commitment to a diverse workforce.  Work with department staff to prioritize, plan, and evaluate human resources projects and processes. Supervise the Department’s staff, oversee the annual budget, and plan the Department’s work.

 

2.      Insure that the Human Resources Department nurtures quality employee relations, and effectively conducts recruitment, administers wages and benefits, and provides training and development services throughout the AFSC.  Insure that Human Resources Department operations are timely and efficient.

 

3.      In collaboration with the Board Human Resources Committee, initiate and develop personnel policies, standards, and procedures designed to support the mission of the AFSC.

 

4.      Implement, interpret and communicate personnel policies, standards and procedures in support of a positive and effective work environment.

 

5.      Assure employer compliance with relevant international, federal, state, and municipal laws.  Monitor changes in laws and regulations that affect employment and retirement practices to insure that the AFSC adapts appropriately and in a comprehensive, timely, and effective manner.

 

6.      Negotiate Collective Bargaining Agreements with the various AFSC unions.  Insure compliance with the terms of all collective bargaining agreements.  Serve as principle liaison with unions for all communications, inquiries, grievances and general labor relations.

 

7.      Implement, assess and communicate the goals for inclusion and diversity expressed in the employment portion of the Affirmative Action Plan.

 

8.      Ensure that periodic staff performance reviews are carried out effectively and according to schedule.

 

9.      Monitor and regularly assess the climate of employee relations and suggest timely steps to address problems.  Advise management of the impact of decisions on staff morale.

 

10.  Serve as staff support to the Board Human Resources Committee.  Assure the staffing of related subcommittees.

 

11.  Prepare an annual report to the Board of Directors on the work of the department and the progress toward departmental goals.

 

 

12.  Serve as a member of senior management, providing expertise and counsel to the General Secretary.  Participate in meetings of the management team.

 

13.  Maintain accurate and comprehensive paper and electronic employment records.  Provide a high level of prompt, accurate, and comprehensive internal and external reporting.

 

14.  Oversee the design and implementation of the maintenance program for overseas staff.  Insure that the AFSC’s policies and procedures for locally appointed overseas staff is consistent with AFSC’s overall Human Resources policies and procedures.

 

15.  Insure that vendor contracts for employee benefits provide the best balance of high service and low cost.  Monitor, control and report on benefit costs.

 

16.  Provide the principal Human Resources interface with all regions, units and departments.  Oversee working partnerships with other administrative departments:   manage Human Resources-related postings on the AFSC website (in collaboration with AFSC’s Communications Department), produce the Staff Directory (in collaboration with the Information Technology Department),  and coordinate organization-wide benefits cost analysis (in collaboration with the Finance Department.)

 

17.  Carry out special assignments as required by the General Secretary.

 

             1.     At least seven years’ experience in human resources work and a degree in a related field, including knowledge of employee law, employment insurance practices, and pension administration and legislation.

 

             2.     Commitment to Quaker values and testimonies.  Understanding of and compatibility with the principles and philosophy of the American Friends Service Committee including non-violence, the belief in the intrinsic worth of every individual, and the committee process.

 

             3.     Demonstrated leadership, managerial and organizational learning skills.

 

             4.     Experience in labor/management relations within a union context required.

 

             5.     Excellent oral and written communications skills and a capacity for creative listening.

 

             6.     Concern and support for those who experience oppression by virtue of gender, age, race, ethnicity, religion, citizenship, minority status, disability, or sexual orientation.  Demonstrated ability to work and communicate with diverse staff and be sensitive to their personnel needs.

 

             7.     Experience working with affirmative action principles, and clear commitment to the affirmative action goals of the AFSC and to practices of diversity and inclusion.

 

             8.     Demonstrated ability to handle a heavy workload, to manage stress, and to delegate responsibility.

 

             9.     Ability to attend evening and weekend meetings and to undertake some travel.

 

         10.     Demonstrated ability to exercise discretion, to set and maintain standards for confidentiality, to utilize sound judgment and to make fair decisions.

 

         11.     Experience working in a United States organization that conducts work internationally.  Fluency in a language in addition to English would be helpful.

 

         12.     Computer literate, familiar with various HRIS reporting systems, and demonstrated understanding of management information systems for development of Human Resources statistical reporting and strategic planning.

 

 

The American Friends Service Committee is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.  Qualified persons are encouraged to apply regardless of their religious affiliation, race, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation or disability.

 

The AFSC Central Office is a unionized workplace, represented by District Council 47 of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, AFL-CIO.  This is a Management position and is not represented.