Executive Director of Human Resources

About the YMCA of Memphis & the Mid-South

The YMCA of Memphis & the Mid-South is a vital nonprofit organization committed to community strengthening through youth development, promoting healthy living, and encouraging social responsibility. With a longstanding presence across Memphis and the Mid-South, the YMCA employs thousands and serves numerous individuals and families daily via diverse programs and services. The Human Resources team is essential in supporting and fostering the staff behind these efforts.

Position Summary

The YMCA seeks a seasoned Executive Director of Human Resources to lead and manage the HR team’s everyday operations. Reporting to the Chief People Officer, this role oversees HR service delivery, talent recruitment and onboarding, employee relations, compliance, compensation, and staff development. The Executive Director ensures effective execution of the organization's people strategy to provide responsive and quality support across the Association, fostering a workplace culture that encourages staff growth and engagement.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Chief People Officer as a core leadership member, translating people strategies into operational actions.
• Lead the daily management of HR team activities, maintaining high service standards for employees and leadership across the organization.
• Develop, implement, and refine HR policies, processes, and workflows to uphold operational excellence aligned with the YMCA's mission.
• Oversee vital HR functions such as onboarding, HRIS management, recordkeeping, and employee lifecycle transactions while ensuring accuracy and confidentiality.
• Manage HR team workflows by prioritizing tasks, resolving escalations, and meeting service benchmarks.
• Monitor and report HR metrics to support leaders in making timely, informed personnel decisions.
• Supervise the recruitment, hiring, and onboarding processes to secure and retain talent representative of the community served.
• Partner with management to deliver a seamless candidate experience and effective integration of new hires.
• Address employee relations matters fairly and consistently while guiding managers on performance management and corrective actions.
• Support initiatives that promote employee engagement, recognition, and retention to strengthen a mission-centered culture.
• Ensure compliance with employment laws including FLSA, FMLA, ADA, and EEO requirements.
• Administer compensation, benefits, and leave programs accurately and fairly to optimize employee experiences.
• Maintain detailed and compliant personnel documentation for audits, reporting, and organizational accountability.
• Assist with HR department budgeting and resource management.
• Recruit, mentor, and develop HR staff to promote collaboration, accountability, and professional development.
• Provide consistent feedback, training, and performance evaluations to build an effective, service-focused HR operation.
• Carry out additional duties as directed by the Chief People Officer to support the YMCA's overall objectives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, or related field required; Master’s degree or certifications such as SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR are preferred.
• Minimum five to seven years progressive HR experience, including at least three years in a leadership or supervisory role within HR.
• Comprehensive knowledge and experience across HR operations, employee relations, talent acquisition, and regulatory compliance.
• Proficient leadership and organizational skills with the capability to manage shifting priorities and lead teams effectively.
• In-depth understanding of employment law and HR compliance standards.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and advise leaders at various levels.
• Experienced in HRIS systems and HR data reporting with a strong commitment to accuracy and confidentiality.

Working Conditions

Based in Memphis, Tennessee, this role involves occasional travel within the Mid-South region. Flexibility is necessary to attend meetings, events, and related activities to fulfill position responsibilities.

Organizational Values and Leadership

The YMCA fosters a workplace culture promoting mission advancement, collaboration, operational effectiveness, and continuous personal development. The successful candidate will embody qualities such as being welcoming, nurturing, determined, hopeful, and genuine.