Human Resources Operations Director

Role Overview

The Human Resources Operations Director is the operational lead for the HR function. Based in Atlanta, GA at 3180 Presidential Drive, this role ensures the day-to-day HR engine runs smoothly by overseeing systems, compliance, payroll, reporting, and process consistency across all locations. The position reports to the Chief People Officer.

LifeLine Animal Project is dedicated to the welfare of animals and the people who care for them. Team members are expected to reflect the organization’s mission and core values in their daily work, service to clients, and care of animals.

Core Values

• Save lives.
• Build community.
• Be exceptional stewards.
• Be courageous.
• Be compassionate.
• Take responsibility.
• Respect, embrace, and celebrate diversity.

Key Accountabilities

This position provides structure and leadership for HR operations, turning strategy into dependable execution. The director is expected to ensure payroll accuracy, maintain compliance, protect data quality, and create repeatable processes that support consistent performance across all sites.

Team Leadership and Development

• Lead the on-site HR Managers and one HR Administrative Assistant, including goal setting, performance standards, and accountability.
• Improve and formalize operational workflows, recurring checklists, deadline tracking, and regular check-in rhythms.
• Coach and develop HR Managers so they grow in judgment, confidence, and technical capability.
• Act as the main escalation contact for HR operational matters across the organization.
• Support an inclusive, high-performing culture aligned with the organization’s mission.
• Help strengthen community engagement by supporting volunteers connected to the mission.

Compliance and Risk Management

• Keep required certifications current and ensure workplace safety and employment law compliance across all sites.
• Maintain thorough documentation for every compliance activity to avoid reliance on individual memory.
• Verify that background checks are completed and recorded for every hire, including site-specific checks where required.
• Track employee training progress toward the annual 40-hour target and ensure county shelter staff complete the 40 hours required under county contracts.
• Stay current on employment law changes and update practices and documents proactively.
• Handle DOL unemployment compensation notices and participate in administrative hearings when needed.

Payroll Oversight

• Own the full payroll cycle for all three payrolls, including submission in ADP and post-run reconciliation.
• Set and enforce payroll deadlines with clear accountability for supervisors across all payrolls.
• Review ADP payroll setup early in the role and put validation controls in place to catch errors before payroll processing.
• Keep payroll records, corrections, and adjustments fully documented and ready for audit review.

HRIS and Systems Administration

• Serve as the ADP system owner, handling configuration, data accuracy, reporting, and user access.
• Review ADP modules currently in use and identify unused capabilities that may add value.
• Create and maintain standard HR reports and dashboards for leadership and compliance needs.
• Work with IT and external vendors on updates, integrations, and troubleshooting.

Benefits Administration

• Partner with the broker to manage employee benefits, including new-hire enrollment, qualifying life events, and open enrollment.
• Act as the main contact for benefits vendors, brokers, and carriers.
• Support employees by resolving benefits questions accurately and promptly.
• Monitor plan performance and costs, and provide data and analysis to the CFO and CPO for renewal and plan design decisions.

Workers’ Compensation

• Oversee the workers’ compensation process across all sites, ensuring consistent handling by on-site HR Managers.
• Maintain accurate claim records.
• Coordinate with the workers’ compensation carrier on complex or escalated matters when required.
• Analyze claim trends and work with operations leadership to help reduce injury risks.

HR Policy Management

• Own and update key HR documents, including the employee handbook, leave policies, disciplinary procedures, and safety protocols.
• Make sure policies remain current, legally compliant, consistently applied, and clearly communicated organization-wide.
• Run a regular review cycle for all HR policy documents.

Qualifications

• Strong commitment to the care of animals and the people who support them.
• Solid understanding of employment law, wage and hour rules, and HR compliance expectations.
• Demonstrated ability to bring structure to underdeveloped processes and operational environments.
• Proven skill in developing direct reports and closing capability gaps with practical development plans.
• Excellent attention to detail, especially in payroll, records management, and compliance documentation.
• Strong project management and prioritization skills with the ability to handle several deadlines at once.
• Clear communication style with the ability to turn HR requirements into actionable guidance for managers and supervisors.
• PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP certification is preferred.
• Must have reliable transportation to arrive promptly for scheduled shifts.
• Must successfully pass a background check.

Education and Experience

A bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related discipline is required, or an equivalent mix of education and experience.

Applicants should bring at least 5 years of progressive HR experience, including 3 or more years in a supervisory or leadership role.

Hands-on experience running payroll in ADP Workforce Now and using its broader functionality is required.

Experience in a multi-site organization is strongly preferred, and exposure to nonprofit, social services, or healthcare environments is an advantage.

Work Environment

This is a full-time hybrid position. Regular travel between organization sites is expected, and occasional evening or weekend availability may be needed.

Additional Information

Reports to: Chief People Officer

Location: 3180 Presidential Drive, Atlanta, GA 30340

Department: Human Resources

Closing date: September 11, 2026

Posting date: June 11, 2026

Contact: Aisha Thompkins, Chief People Officer

Telephone: 404-494-0355

Email: athompkins@lifelineanimal.org