Senior Vice President of Human Resources-YMCA of the Triangle Association

POSITION SUMMARY:

Reporting directly to the Chief People Officer (CPO), the Senior Vice President of Human Resources will be a pivotal leader working in close partnership with the senior leadership team and the Board of Directors Human Resources Committee. This strategic and hands-on leader will play an essential role in shaping the vision for the YMCA of the Triangle’s people strategy, guiding all facets of Human Resources to support a dynamic workforce of approximately 415 full-time and 2,700 part-time employees across 7 counties in North Carolina. With a "roll-up-your-sleeves" approach, this leader will motivate, inspire, and develop a high-performing team of HR professionals dedicated to advancing the organization’s mission through scalable, innovative HR strategies and practices. The Senior Vice President of Human Resources will drive the creation and implementation of programs that foster a values-based culture, reinforce the YMCA’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, and ensure alignment with the YMCA’s mission and cause. This growth-oriented, challenge-seeking leader will be instrumental in cultivating an engaging workplace that attracts, develops, and retains top talent, while embodying the spirit and values of the YMCA.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Provides strategic vision, leadership, and direction to a team of Human Resources professionals dedicated to fostering and supporting the YMCA’s organizational culture. Develops and implements strategies to ensure compliance with employment laws, regulations, and Association policies, while driving competitive compensation and benefits programs. Continuously monitors industry trends, best practices, regulatory changes, emerging technologies, and high-risk factors to assess and anticipate their impact on the Association, ensuring that HR practices remain innovative, compliant, and aligned with organizational goals.
• Collaborates with the CPO to shape and drive culture strategy across the organization, ensuring that policies, benefits, talent acquisition strategies, and performance management systems are fully aligned with the YMCA’s desired culture and values. Leverages data from exit interviews and employee surveys to identify patterns, recurring themes, or areas for improvement, translating insights into actionable initiatives. Works closely with the Chief People Officer and Chief Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging Officer (CDEIBO) to ensure that all strategies and programs are developed with a comprehensive lens of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, fostering a workplace that reflects these core values.
• Leads the strategic oversight and management of the YMCA’s comprehensive employee benefits programs, which include Health and Welfare plans (medical, dental, vision), life insurance, disability coverage, paid time off (vacation, sick leave, holidays, floating holidays), YMCA retirement benefits, and any additional employee benefit offerings. Partners closely with third-party providers to conduct annual reviews and evaluations of health and welfare benefit strategies, ensuring that offerings remain competitive, cost-effective, and aligned with employee needs.
• Leads the administration and oversight of the salary management program for part-time and full-time staff, ensuring the integrity and equity of compensation across the entire Association. Develops and implements salary structures, maintaining rigorous pay equity standards and transparency. Collaborates with the CPO to engage the YMCA of the Triangle’s Board of Directors Human Resources Committee in discussions and decision-making regarding annual compensation adjustments for full-time staff.
• Directs and partners with staff regarding complex employee relations issues and collaborates with legal counsel to ensure appropriate, compliant actions are taken. Promotes a culture of engagement and partnership in understanding employment law, risk mitigation, and compliance with policies, programs, and regulations.
• Works with the Human Resources Talent Acquisition team to develop strategies that attract and retain high-quality, diverse talent for branches, overnight camps, and support departments. Designs and implements recruiting strategies that reflect the specific needs of each individual market where staff is required.
• Develops, implements, and enhances systems to ensure fair and consistent employment practices across the Association. Ensures that recruiting strategies are creative and tailored to each market’s specific needs.
• Oversees staff responsible for maintaining accurate data within the Human Resources Information System (UKG Ready). Ensures processes are streamlined, user-friendly, and that reporting, and analytics are relevant and support business partners. Regularly evaluates potential system enhancements or upgrades to ensure optimal functionality. Ensures timely and accurate submission of data to external agencies such as the EEOC, Department of Labor, YMCA of the USA, and other grant-providing entities.
• Manages the Human Resources department’s annual budget , which includes both functional expenses and organization-wide costs such as Health and Welfare benefits.
• Works with HR teams and leaders across the Association to re-imagine and implement innovative rewards and recognition systems.
• Collaborates with the Operational Risk department to address issues involving staff and members/participants, ensuring that all actions are compliant with necessary safety measures.
• In partnership with the CPO, leads the YMCA of the Triangle’s Board of Directors Human Resources Committee , focusing on benefits and compensation for full-time staff members. Engages and recruits diverse committee members and ensures that all members are aligned with the YMCA’s Mission and Cause. Actively encourages committee members to participate in the YMCA’s annual fundraising campaign.
• Works with a cross-functional team to design strategies that enhance the organization’s culture and employee experience across all dimensions of diversity.
• Continuously evaluates the competitiveness of people-related programs and practices, comparing them with other similar organizations and local markets to ensure the YMCA remains an employer of choice, capable of attracting and retaining top talent.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, human resources, or a related field is required; advanced degree or equivalent experience is a plus.
• 10+ years of progressively responsible senior leadership experience in all facets of Human Resources, including HRIS, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role overseeing multiple HR functions.
• Experience in a non-profit setting is preferred.
• Cultivates and actively promotes caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility in all interactions.
• Solid business acumen and a strategic mindset, with a keen understanding of business imperatives and organizational priorities. Demonstrated ability to develop, implement, and manage complex budgets, evaluate financial performance, and take proactive, decisive action to drive results and ensure financial sustainability.
• Proven ability to develop, lead, and motivate staff, volunteers, and cross-functional teams while fostering a collaborative and engaging work environment.
• Excellent organizational, time management, and communication skills—both written and verbal—including the ability to deliver compelling presentations and engage audiences in person and through virtual platforms.
• Strong leadership, persuasion, and collaboration skills, with the ability to influence and guide key stakeholders.
• Senior professional certifications with SHRM or HRCI are highly valued.
• Significant experience in areas related to child protection, incident management, Workers’ Compensation, background checks, and the safety of children and program participants is highly desirable.
• Proven ability and capacity to address and resolve employee conflicts collaboratively and work toward/find equitable solutions.
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and professionalism.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use a computer for extended periods of time and be able to communicate using a computer and phone/smart device. The employee frequently is required to sit and reach and must be able to move around the work environment.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• Ability to adapt to change quickly, work under stressful conditions on a regular basis, and take the responsibility for the health and safety of others.
• Travel, including evening, weekend, and overnight, will be necessary.