Vice President of Human Resources

YMCA
Salary
$110,000.00
$130,000.00
How to Apply
Apply Online
Resumes Accepted Until
The Summit Area YMCA is seeking a dynamic and strategic Vice President of Human Resources.
Job Description

The Summit Area YMCA is seeking a dynamic and strategic Vice President of Human Resources (VP of HR) to lead all HR functions for our $18 million association, which serves a workforce of 500–600 across multiple branches and programs. This key leadership role is responsible for advancing people strategy, workforce development, and HR operations to ensure the Summit Area YMCA remains an employer and workplace of choice.

As a member of the senior leadership team, the VP of HR reports directly to the President & CEO and partners closely with executive leadership and the Board of Trustees. This role oversees all aspects of HR strategy and execution, including talent acquisition, total rewards, compliance, employee relations, leadership development, culture, and digital innovation in HR systems.

The ideal candidate will bring strong strategic leadership, deep HR expertise, and a passion for advancing a high-performing, inclusive, and mission-driven workplace. This is an opportunity to shape the employee experience and drive organizational excellence at one of New Jersey’s leading nonprofit organizations.

You Might Be the Right Fit If You…

  • Are a collaborative, innovative, and data-driven HR leader with a passion for mission-based work.
  • Thrive in building systems that support people, culture, and organizational success.
  • Embrace technology and change as tools for improving processes and employee experience.
  • Believe that HR is a strategic function that enables excellence at every level of the organization.
  • Value inclusion and are committed to building an equitable workplace for all.

At the Summit Area YMCA, we are committed to equal opportunity employment regardless of gender, age, disability, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or religious affiliation. Our main purpose is to strengthen community. Every day, we work side-by-side with our neighbors to make sure that everyone can reach their full potential and we strive to live our cause with purpose every day. No matter who you are or where you’re from, we believe that we’re stronger when we come together.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field required; Master’s degree or HR certification (e.g., SHRM-SCP, SPHR) preferred. YMCA Organizational Leader certification a plus.
  • Minimum of 10 years of progressive HR experience, with 3–5 years in leadership. Experience in nonprofits or mission-driven organizations preferred.
  • Strong knowledge of employment law, HR best practices, YCMA regulations (child safety, aquatics) and talent development frameworks.
  • Data-driven, proficiency with HR platforms (e.g., Paycom, Paylocity, etc) and familiarity with AI tools for recruitment and analytics.
  • Expertise in HR audits, salary administration, policy development, and compensation plans.
  • Mission-driven, innovative, and collaborative, with a passion for recruiting passionate, qualified talent driving results and mitigating risks.
  • Strong leadership and communication skills with proven ability to partner with executive leadership on strategy and risk management.
Essential Functions
  • Participates in strategic planning, providing leadership and consultation to executives and management in aligning organizational structure, roles, and responsibilities with strategic objectives.
  • Leads all talent development strategies, including staff training, leadership development, mentoring program, coaching, progressive discipline, succession planning, and career pathways.
  • Creates an environment that attracts high performing, and functionally expert employees to create an environment where the SAY is an Employer of Choice.
  • Leads long-term efforts to transform the SAY into a Workplace of choice which retains, promotes, and rewards high performing employees by building a positive culture, evaluating employee satisfaction, and creating sustainable reward and recognition programs that reinforce organizational values and improve retention.
  • Develops and oversee performance management systems, ensuring clear goal setting, appraisals, and resolution of workplace issues.
  • Develops and manages total rewards strategy including job classification, salary structure, pay equity, and benefits administration.
  • Champions and incorporates a tech forward, digital first approach to the department, including the incorporation of AI to gain efficiencies in HR processes (recruiting, onboarding) and to digitize existing paper processes including recruiting, onboarding, and general performance management.
  • Leads ongoing improvement of HR systems, data integrity, and reporting capabilities to inform decision-making and measure impact.
  • Develops and executes staffing strategies that meet current and future talent needs across all levels of the organization.
  • Identifies and cultivates diverse, high performing functionally expert candidates to support recruitment efforts.
  • Ensures compliance with all federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
  • Maintains effective policies and legal partnerships to manage HR-related risk and support a compliant workplace.
  • Ensures timely submission of regulatory reports and accurate management of employee records and HR systems.
  • Manages the HR department budget and ensures resource alignment with organizational priorities.
  • Serves as staff liaison to HR Committee, fostering strong volunteer relationships, guiding policy development, supporting policy implementation, and addressing HR-related governance needs of the Board.
  • As an Ambassador for the Y, communicates to members, volunteers, and the general public that the Y is the nation’s leading non-profit committed to strengthening the community through Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility.
  • As an Ambassador for the Y, communicates to members, volunteers, and the general public that diversity and inclusion are core to the Summit Area YMCA mission. The SAY is open and inclusive of all people regardless of their ability, age, culture, ethnicity, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation and socio-economic background and we must all strive courageously against any discriminatory behavior and will always abide by the Summit Area YMCA’s Diversity & Inclusion policy as explained in the Employee Handbook.
Cause-Driven Leadership Competencies

Critical Thinking & Decision Making - Makes informed decisions based on logic, data, and sound judgment

Project Management – Ensures project goals are met and intended impact occurs.

Emotional Maturity – Demonstrates the ability to understand and manage emotions effectively in all situations.

Inclusion - Values all people for their unique talents, and takes an active role in promoting practices that support diversity, inclusion, and global work, as well as cultural competence

Functional Expertise – demonstrates superior technical skills for the role

Develops self and Others: develops self and supports others (e.g., staff, volunteers, members, program participants), both formally and informally, to achieve their highest potential

Required Certifications

Salary & Benefits

This full-time, exempt-level position generally works Monday–Friday during standard business hours, with occasional evening or weekend responsibilities. The Salary range for this position is $110,000 – $130,000 annually, based on experience.

The Summit Area YMCA offers a generous benefits package that includes subsidized medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance. Paid time off for vacation, wellness, and holidays, Free YMCA family membership, discounts on YMCA programs and services (including childcare), Ongoing professional training and development and a 12% employer contribution to the YMCA retirement plan upon eligibility.

If you are a visionary HR leader who believes in the power of people and community, we want to hear from you.