Assistant Director of Human Resources

About Us

The Orthodox Union (OU) is one of the largest Orthodox Jewish organizations in the United States. Founded in 1898, the OU supports a network of synagogues, youth programs, Jewish and Religious Zionist advocacy programs, programs for the disabled, localized religious study programs, and international units. The OU maintains a kosher certification service, whose circled U symbol, Ⓤ, is found on the labels of many kosher commercial and consumer food products.

Job Summary 

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Assistant Director of Human Resources – Shared Services to lead and oversee the operational aspects of our HR department. This role functions as operations lead within the HR department, ensuring the efficient delivery of HR services, compliance, and alignment with organizational goals. The Assistant Director will also oversee employee relations within the organization. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in HR operations, shared services management, employee relations, and process optimization.

Key Responsibilities 

HR Operations & Service Delivery 

• Oversee daily operations of the HR shared services team, ensuring efficient service delivery across key HR functions, including attendance, onboarding and offboarding, parental and disability leave, and benefits.
• Develop and implement streamlined HR processes and workflows to improve operational efficiency.
• Collaborate with IT to align HR technology solutions with service delivery needs, including HR case management systems and employee-facing portals.

Employee Relations 

• Serve as the primary HR contact for all employee relations matters, ensuring fair and consistent application of policies and procedures.
• Conduct thorough investigations into employee complaints, workplace conflicts, and policy violations, providing recommendations for resolution.
• Advise and coach managers on employee relations issues, including performance concerns, conflict resolution, and disciplinary actions.
• Ensure compliance with employment laws and regulations related to employee relations, providing guidance to leadership on best practices.
• Develop and implement strategies to proactively address workplace concerns and improve overall employee relations.

Strategic Planning & Compliance 

• Assist in developing and enforcing HR policies and procedures to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws.
• Monitor HR compliance and risk management activities, including the development and oversight of Human Resource Business Continuity Plans.
• Oversee the HR budget, focusing on cost management and strategic resource allocation.

Talent Management & Development 

• Manage the operational side of performance evaluations, guiding managers on effective assessment and development strategies.
• Develop and implement succession plans to ensure leadership continuity and retention of key talent.

Collaboration & Communication 

• Work closely with Finance, IT, and Legal teams to ensure cohesive and compliant HR operations.
• Oversee relationships with external HR service providers to ensure quality service delivery and cost-effectiveness.
• Serve as a key point of contact for employee concerns related to HR shared services functions.

Qualification Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years in HR management, with a focus on shared services, HR operations, and employee relations.
• Proven leadership abilities, strong analytical skills, and proficiency in HRIS and related technologies.

Preferred Qualifications 

• Professional HR certification (e.g., PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP).
• Prior experience in a non-profit organization or similar setting.
• Familiarity with project management methodologies and tools.

Key Competencies 

• Operational Excellence: Demonstrated ability to manage and improve HR operational processes.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to align HR initiatives with organizational objectives.
• Leadership: Strong team management skills with a focus on development and mentorship.
• Communication: Effective communicator with the ability to influence and collaborate across all levels of the organization.
• Adaptability: Ability to navigate and lead through change in a dynamic environment.

Salary and Benefits

The salary for this position is between $150,000 and $175,000, commensurate with experience.  

 We offer employee-sponsored healthcare, dental and vision plans.

 Other benefits include: 

• Paid sick days
• Paid vacation days
• Paid Jewish and most Federal holidays
• Paid parental leave
• Short Fridays to accommodate for the Sabbath
• Free life and disability insurance)
• 403(b) retirement plan, which the OU will contribute 5% of your wage towards retirement savings after you contribute at least 2% (only eligible after 3 years of continuous service