1199SEIU - Human Resources Director

Organization Overview

Every day, the members of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East save lives, deliver babies and care for the sick, seniors and people with disabilities. We are frontline caregivers in hospitals, nursing homes, homecare, clinics, pharmacies and all other areas of the healthcare industry. We are nurses, nurse aides, techs, lab workers, clerks, housekeepers, dietary workers, transporters, pharmacists, social workers and many other types of medical professionals.

With over 450,000 members throughout Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Florida, and Washington, DC, 1199SEIU is the largest and fastest-growing healthcare union in the nation. 1199SEIU members are moving forward in all our regions and nationally by working in coalition with progressive organizations to build the strongest voice for all working people.

Since our founding in 1932, our mission has been to stand up for quality healthcare, good jobs and social justice for all. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. called 1199 his favorite union and referred to us as “the authentic conscience of the labor movement." Over the years 1199SEIU has won some of the highest standards for healthcare workers in the country, including good wages and benefits, safe staffing, paid time off, secure retirement, model childcare and education benefits and a real voice in the workplace. Our members are highly politically engaged and active, so we have the strength to advocate with government and elected officials for our patients, families and communities.

We are affiliated with the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) which has over two million members and is the largest labor union in North America.

Position Overview

1199SEIU is seeking a talented, experienced Human Resources Director to develop and implement human resource strategies that support organizational priorities and reflect the union’s values.

The HR 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.

Leading a team of nine plus regional HR staff, the HR Director will ensure that 1199SEIU’s HR systems, processes, and operations reflect best practices and meet the needs of passionate, high-performing staff.

The ideal candidate brings significant HR expertise, leadership experience, and the ability to optimize systems and processes in a large, complex organization. The HR Director should have experience working in a unionized environment, be committed to fostering trust and respect with staff, and possess a deep commitment to social and racial justice.


Key Responsibilities

Strategic HR Leadership and Operational Oversight:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive vision and strategy for the union’s human resources function
• Provide leadership for the development of HR programs and services that support, develop, leverage, and recognize the strengths and contributions of all staff
• Oversee the day-to-day execution of all key HR functions, including directing 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 policies and procedures 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 talented team of nine and regional HR staff

• 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 protocols, expectations, and procedures

• 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
• Oversee staff engagement activities including social events and group activities
• Assess and advance employee engagement and satisfaction
• Develop and advise on internal communications and messaging

• Play a key role in fostering and facilitating the relationship between management and the staff union
• Participate in contract negotiations and arbitration hearings, oversee the grievance process, execute collective bargaining agreements, and lead the development of strategies for ongoing engagement with the union
• Provide guidance on conflict resolution and facilitate mediation between staff and managers
• Communicate and collaborate with staff union representatives

• Identify, develop, and implement opportunities for skills development and professional growth
• Lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of the performance review process
• Coach and train managers on conducting effective reviews, delivering feedback, and handling difficult conversations

• At least ten years' of directly related experience in Human Resources with a minimum of five years in a leadership role
• Experience managing human resources functions in political, labor, or advocacy organizations
• Significant knowledge of and experience with employee relations, employment law, compensation, hiring and recruitment, organizational planning and development, employee and labor relations
• Experience leading HR and managing employee relations in a unionized environment, including negotiating and administering collective bargaining agreements
• Unquestionable ethics, self-motivation, reliability, and strong attention to detail
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills with 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 ability to handle confidential situations and information
• Demonstrated ability to build equitable and inclusive environments, including through systems, processes, and practices
• Excellent judgment, self-motivated and intellectually curious
• Knowledge of current regulations, laws, industry trends and best practices regarding HR
• Deep commitment to working people and social and racial justice
• HR certification (SHRM-SCP or SPHR) preferred
• Degree from an accredited four-year college or university or equivalent experience. Master’s degree in human resources, business, organizational development, or a related field preferred

Physical Requirements, Direction and Decision Making 

The position is based in New York, NY and is expected to work in the office four days a week.

The HR Director reports directly to the Executive Vice President for Organizational Excellence.

Salary and Benefits

The salary for the position is $197,716; 1199SEIU offers an excellent benefit package.  

1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  


To Apply

To apply, submit a resume and a concise, compelling cover letter that outlines the specific ways in which you would be a good fit for this position.

1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East is an Equal Opportunity Employer.