Leadership role
Director of HR
Directs an organization's human resources function, including hiring, pay and benefits, employee relations and HR compliance.
Reporting and scope
Usually reports to the Executive Director / CEO, COO or Chief Human Resources officer. Authority covers people policies and practices across the organization.
Core responsibilities
- Runs recruiting, onboarding and staff retention
- Manages pay structures and benefits and supports the board's executive compensation review
- Handles employee relations, investigations and discipline
- Keeps employment policies and practices compliant with law and funder requirements
- Oversees HR systems, records and payroll coordination
- Leads training, performance management and culture efforts
How it differs
Chief Human Resources and VP of Human Resources are the executive tiers above. Training Director runs learning programs only. In very small organizations HR sits with the Office Manager or Director of Operations.
By organization size
Below about 50 employees HR is often handled part time or outsourced. In large organizations the Director of HR may lead one HR area or a regional team under a chief HR officer.
Filings from the last five years mapped to this role commonly report titles such as: Director of Human Resources; HR Director; Director of HR; Human Resources Director; Director of Human Resource; Director, Human Resources