Organization Overview
The New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) is a union of approximately 45,000 frontline nurses and healthcare professionals in over 150 hospitals, nursing homes, public health departments, city agencies and school districts across New York state. We are united for our patients, practice, safe staffing, and healthcare for all. Dedicated to improving the lives and working conditions of NYSNA members and our communities, we are a bold force in the fight for economic, social and racial justice.
As a powerful union and organization made up of and led by nurses and healthcare professionals, we understand the vital role that we play in providing healthcare to all who need it, protecting the public health, and promoting the well-being of nurses in our workplaces, our communities and the political sphere.
We are affiliated with the National Nurses United, AFL-CIO, the largest union and professional association of registered nurses in U.S. history, with nearly 225,000 members nationwide.
Position Overview
NYSNA is seeking an experienced Human Resources professional to lead the human resource function and to develop and implement strategies and systems in support of NYSNA’s organizational priorities and values.
The Human Resources Director will be responsible for all aspects of the union’s human resources functions, including employee and labor relations, compensation and benefits, performance management, professional development, hiring and recruitment, and compliance with applicable employment laws and regulations.
Reporting directly to the Chief of Staff, this senior leader will set and foster a positive, high-performing internal culture that supports employees while ensuring human resources systems are effective and efficient.
The Human Resources Director will manage a small HR team, working together to ensure NYSNA’s HR systems, processes, and operations reflect best practices and meet the needs of the organization and the passionate, high-performing staff.
The ideal candidate is a collaborative, ambitious leader who enjoys rolling up their sleeves and assessing, optimizing and refining HR systems and processes across an organization.
Candidates should bring significant HR expertise, excellent communication skills, experience working in a unionized environment, a commitment to fostering trust and respect with staff, and possess a deep passion for social, racial and worker justice.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership and Operational Oversight:
Lead the development of HR programs and services that support, leverage, and recognize the strengths and contributions of all staff
Oversee the day-to-day execution of all key HR functions, including recruitment and hiring, employee and labor relations, compensation, benefits administration, compliance, performance management, HRIS systems, records, and data
Evaluate, build, and strengthen key HR systems and processes to meet the evolving needs of the union
Ensure procedures and policies are compliant with all applicable laws and regulations and are up to date with best practices; implement strategies to mitigate HR-related financial, regulatory compliance, and litigation risk
Manage, empower, and support a small and talented HR team
Lead engagement with staff unions to foster and facilitate the relationship between management and staff unions
Recruitment, Hiring, Onboarding, Offboarding:
Oversee the entire employee life cycle, including recruitment and hiring, onboarding, and offboarding
Develop and implement strategies to identify and attract talent
Further develop onboarding and offboarding procedures, protocols, and expectations
Employee Relations and Organizational Culture:
Develop, communicate, and administer human resource policies and procedures that will maintain and improve employee relations and shape organizational culture
Create a culture of belonging and inclusivity among staff and members
Foster collaboration, build morale, and increase productivity and retention
Assess and advance employee engagement and satisfaction
Labor Relations:
Participate in internal staff union contract negotiations and arbitration hearings with two staff unions, implement and execute collective bargaining agreements
Provide guidance on conflict resolution and facilitate mediation between staff and managers, and oversee the grievance process
Lead and model regular and productive communications and collaboration with staff unions
Professional Development and Training:
Identify, develop, and implement opportunities for staff regarding skills development and professional growth
Lead the design and implementation of routine performance review processes
Coach and train managers on conducting effective reviews
Key Qualifications and Attributes
At least ten years of Human Resources experience with a minimum of five years in a leadership role
Significant experience managing human resources functions in political, labor, or advocacy organizations
Extensive knowledge of and experience with employee relations, employment law, compensation, hiring and recruitment, organizational planning and development, employee and labor relations
Experience managing employee relations in a unionized environment, including negotiating and administering collective bargaining agreements
Unquestionable ethics, excellent judgement, self-motivation, reliability, and strong attention to detail
Strong communication and relationship-building skills and the ability to work with a variety of stakeholders
Ability to diagnose issues and exercise sound judgment in complex and sensitive HR situations
High level of professionalism and the ability to handle confidential situations and information
Demonstrated ability to build equitable and inclusive environments, including through systems, processes, and practices
Knowledge of current regulations, laws, industry trends and best practices
Deep commitment to economic, social and racial justice
HR certification (SHRM-SCP or SPHR) preferred
Degree from an accredited four-year college or university or equivalent experience
Location, Salary and Benefits
The salary range is $190,000 - $200,000 along with an excellent benefit package. The position is based in New York, NY and is expected to work in the office, with some flexibility. Occasional travel, as well as evening and weekend hours will be required to fulfill the duties of this position.