Director of Human Resources

Company Description

A best-in-class city that attracts best-in-class talent, Philadelphia is an incredible place to build a career. From our thriving arts scene and rich history to our culture of passion and grit, there are countless reasons to love living and working here. With a workforce of over 30,000 people, and more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia offers boundless opportunities to make an impact.

As an employer, the City of Philadelphia values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work above all else. We offer a vibrant work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and the experience you need to grow and excel. If you’re interested in working with a passionate team of people who care about the future of Philadelphia, start here.

What we offer

• Impact - The work you do here matters to millions. 
• Growth - Philadelphia is growing, why not grow with it? 
• Diversity & Inclusion - Find a career in a place where everyone belongs.
• Benefits - We care about your well-being.

Agency Description

The Free Library of Philadelphia (FLP) is one of the largest public library systems in the world. As an important cornerstone of the Philadelphia community, FLP has a mission to advance literacy, guide learning, and inspire curiosity. The long-term vision of the FLP is to build an enlightened community devoted to lifelong learning. For over 100 years, the FLP has championed education in and out of the classroom, providing no cost resources for literacy and learning.

Job Description

Position Summary
The HR Director is a senior executive role responsible for leading the Free Library of Philadelphia’s (FLP) human resources strategy and overseeing a comprehensive range of HR functions. These include DEI initiatives, employee relations, payroll, labor relations, training and development, safety, risk management, and more. The HR Director will ensure the Library fosters an inclusive and supportive workplace while remaining compliant with applicable laws and regulations, all while advancing the Free Library’s mission and vision.

As a key member of the executive leadership team, the HR Director will report directly to the First Deputy Director. This role includes active participation and presentations at meetings with the Free Library’s Board of Trustees, the quarterly public hearings held by the Board of Trustees (open to the public), and the Free Library Foundation Board of Directors. The HR Director will provide strategic insights and guidance on matters related to staffing, employee relations, DEI, and organizational policies.

Additionally, the HR Director will serve as the point of contact to ensure compliance for Free Library Foundation employees, ensuring consistency in personnel expectations. This includes overseeing that Foundation employees operate within the Library’s physical and digital infrastructure, in alignment with Free Library policies and practices.

Essential Functions
• Leadership in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI):
o Lead the development and implementation of DEI strategies aligned with the Library’s mission.
o Ensure DEI principles are integrated across all HR practices and policies.
o Oversee the assessment and implementation of the DEI plan.
• Human Resources Oversight:
o Manage recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and employee engagement.
o Ensure HR policies comply with laws and promote fairness and equity.
o Support managers in staffing and HR operations.
• Payroll and Compensation:
o Oversee accurate payroll processing and competitive compensation strategies to support recruitment and retention.
• Employee Relations:
o Address employee concerns and mediate conflict to maintain a positive workplace culture.
o Investigate and resolve workplace conduct violations.
• Labor Management and Relations:
o Ensure compliance with collective bargaining agreements and engage with union representatives to maintain positive labor relations.
• Training and Development:
o Develop and implement training programs to enhance staff skills and support professional growth.
o Collaborate on DEI-focused training initiatives.
• Safety and Risk Management:
o Oversee workplace safety compliance, manage injury claims, and ensure timely response to safety issues.
o Provide safety-related training and address concerns promptly.
• EEOC Compliance:
o Ensure compliance with EEOC regulations and manage claims related to workplace discrimination.
• Policy Development:
o Lead policy creation and revisions to ensure legal compliance and alignment with the Library’s mission, focusing on DEI and staff retention.
• Metrics and Reporting:
o Track and report on DEI and HR metrics to evaluate program effectiveness and progress.
• Community Engagement:
o Promote DEI goals through advisory committees and employee resource groups, fostering an inclusive culture.
• Board Engagement:
o Participate in Board meetings and quarterly public hearings, providing strategic insights on staffing, employee relations, DEI, and policy matters.
o Prepare and present HR-related updates for Board discussions.
• Foundation Employee Compliance:
o Ensure compliance for Free Library Foundation employees, aligning personnel practices with Library policies and standards.
o Oversee the integration of Foundation employees into the Library’s infrastructure and practices.
• Other Duties:
o Perform additional tasks as assigned.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Strategic Leadership & Knowledge: Proven ability to develop and implement HR and DEI strategies, aligning initiatives with organizational goals and driving systemic change.
• Anti-Racist Practices & DEI Expertise: Deep understanding of anti-racist practices, DEI principles, and the ability to integrate these strategies into organizational culture and policy.
• Legal Acumen & Compliance: Expertise in federal, state, and local equal employment opportunity laws, ensuring compliance across all HR functions and with various stakeholders, including Foundation employees.
• Board & Stakeholder Engagement: Experience working with executive leadership and Boards (including Trustees and Foundation), providing strategic insights on staffing, employee relations, DEI, and organizational policies.
• Communication & Presentation: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly present HR-related matters to Board members, leadership, and staff, as well as resolve conflicts effectively.
• Collaboration & Consensus Building: Strong ability to collaborate across departments, build consensus among diverse stakeholders, and guide teams toward shared goals.
• Emotional Intelligence & Interpersonal Skills: High emotional intelligence and strong interpersonal skills to engage effectively with employees at all levels and external partners.
• Conflict Resolution & Employee Relations: Expertise in addressing sensitive employee relations issues, conducting investigations, and fostering a respectful workplace.
• Analytical & Data-Driven Decision-Making: Strong analytical skills to evaluate complex issues and data, making informed decisions that support HR and DEI goals.
• Program Development & Implementation: Ability to design, implement, and refine HR programs and policies that enhance organizational effectiveness and drive DEI initiatives.
• Influential Leadership: Skilled in influencing leadership behaviors and fostering a culture of collaboration and inclusion.
• Technical Proficiency: Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and relevant HR software tools for managing HR functions, reporting, and data analysis.
• Physical & Environmental Adaptability: Ability to perform necessary physical duties and adapt to the environmental conditions required for success in this role.

Qualifications

• Completion of a bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Labor, Public Administration, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of five years of experience in implementing human resources initiatives, policies, and cross-cultural resource efforts.
• At least three years of management or supervisory experience in a related role.
• Minimum of three years of experience developing and administering diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within a public or private organization.
• Minimum of three years of experience designing and implementing strategies focused on diversity and inclusion, ensuring integration into organizational culture and policies.

Equivalent Experience:
• Any equivalent combination of education and experience that meets the outlined requirements and is deemed acceptable by the Free Library of Philadelphia will also be considered.

Additional Information

TO APPLY: Interested candidates must submit a cover letter and resume.

Salary Range: $125,000-$135,000

Discover the Perks of Being a City of Philadelphia Employee:

• Transportation: City employees get unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program. Employees can ride on SEPTA buses, subways, trolleys, and regional rail for their daily commute and more.
• Parental Benefits: The City offers its employees 8 weeks of paid parental leave.
• We offer Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
• Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
• Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Generous retirement savings options are available
• Pay off your student loans faster - As a qualifying employer, City of Philadelphia employees are eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Join the ranks of hundreds of employees who have already benefited from this program and achieved student loan forgiveness.
• Unlock Tuition Discounts and Scholarships - The City of Philadelphia has forged partnerships with over a dozen esteemed colleges and universities in the area, ensuring that our employees have access to a wide range of tuition discounts and scholarships. Experience savings of 10% to 40% on your educational expenses, extending not only to City employees but in some cases, spouse and dependents too!

Join the City of Philadelphia team today and seize these incredible benefits designed to enhance your financial well-being and personal growth!

*The successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire

Effective May 22, 2023, vaccinations are no longer required for new employees that work in non-medical, non-emergency or patient facing positions with the City of Philadelphia. As a result, only employees in positions providing services that are patient-facing medical care (ex: Nurses, doctors, emergency medical personnel), must be fully vaccinated.

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to faqpchr@phila.gov.

For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx

Client-provided location(s): Philadelphia, PA

Job ID: 69a0f0bb-e2a3-4f46-b3cd-7f19b544de9a

Employment Type: OTHER

Posted: 2026-08-26T15:10:14