Human resources manager

Pay starts at $60,000 per year and up based on experience. Where culture meets accountability, and everyday leadership decisions shape lasting impact. This role is part of a mission-driven nonprofit environment focused on strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. It requires both strategic HR expertise and hands-on employee relations leadership in a multi-site organization. This is not a purely advisory HR role, you will be actively involved in guiding leaders, addressing employee concerns, and supporting real-time people decisions that impact staff and culture.

What You Will Do

As the HR Manager, you will serve as a trusted partner to operational leaders and staff by:

• Coaching and advising managers through the full employee lifecycle, including onboarding, performance management, corrective action, employee concerns, and separations.
• Helping leaders practice “compassionate accountability” by setting clear expectations and addressing performance issues consistently and fairly.
• Reviewing employee relation situations and decisions to ensure fairness, consistency, compliance, and alignment with organizational standards.
• Conducting and supporting workplace investigations, including documentation, interviews, and outcome recommendations.
• Identifying risk in employee relation matters and escalating appropriately when issues involve harassment, discrimination, safety concerns, or legal exposure.
• Building leadership capability through coaching, feedback, training, and practical HR guidance.
• Supporting consistency across departments by reviewing documentation, identifying trends, and reinforcing policy application.
• Partnering on organizational initiatives including workforce planning, culture development, and employee experience improvements.
• Staying current on employment laws and translating that knowledge into practical guidance for leaders.

What Success Looks Like

You are successful in this role when:

• Managers feel supported but also appropriately challenged in their decisions.
• Employee relation issues are addressed early, consistently, and fairly.
• Investigations and documentation are handled thoroughly and professionally.
• Leaders grow in their ability to manage people effectively.
• The organization maintains trust, consistency, and compliance across locations.

Why This Role May Be a Great Fit for You

This role is a strong fit if you:

• Enjoy coaching leaders and influencing decisions without formal authority.
• Are comfortable addressing difficult or sensitive workplace situations directly.
• Can balance empathy with accountability when handling employee issues.
• Enjoy a mix of strategic HR thinking and hands-on problem solving.
• Want to make an impact on culture, leadership quality, and employee experience.
• Demonstrate confident judgment and sound decision making.

Why This Role May Not Be a Good Fit for You

This role may not be a good fit if you prefer:

• A purely advisory or transactional HR role with limited employee relations involvement.
• Avoiding difficult conversations, conflict, or performance issues.
• Highly structured environments where most scenarios have clear, predefined answers.
• Minimal involvement in investigations, corrective action, or performance management.
• Working independently without frequent collaboration with operational leaders.

Qualifications Snapshot

• Bachelor’s degree in HR, business, organizational leadership, or related field.
• SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR preferred.
• 3+ years of progressive HR experience with strong employee relations focus preferred.
• Experience with investigations, performance management, and leader coaching.
• Strong judgment, discretion, and ability to handle confidential matters.
• Ability to influence leaders and provide direct, respectful feedback.
• Working knowledge of employment law and HR best practices.

Work Environment

Fast-paced, multi-site environment requiring adaptability and prioritization. Regular collaboration with leaders across locations. Occasional evening/weekend work based on organizational needs. Frequent computer and communication-based work. Travel within Northwest Indiana YMCA locations required. Must reside within the Association service area.

Our benefits include

Access to UnitedHealthcare Medical coverage, along with complimentary dental and vision care for employees. Additionally, we provide free Long-Term Disability (LTD) and Life Insurance coverage, safeguarding you and your loved ones. We understand the importance of work-life balance, which is why we offer a generous Paid Time Off (PTO) policy, allowing you to recharge and enjoy quality time with your loved ones. Planning for your future is essential, and we're committed to helping you build a secure retirement. That's why we proudly offer a 12% employer contribution to your retirement savings, ensuring a brighter tomorrow. Your well-being is our priority, and our benefits reflect our dedication to supporting you every step of the way. We encourage our staff to take full advantage of our facilities. Full-time employees receive a complimentary family membership, along with 50% off most of our programs. It’s our way of supporting their health and well-being, while fostering a balanced and active lifestyle.