Director of People and Culture
Title: Director of People & Culture
Level: Director
Department: Administration
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer
Salary: $85K to $95K
Location: Fairfax, VA
FLSA Status: Full-Time, Exempt
About Us
Shelter House was established in 1981 as a grassroots responder to the homelessness crisis in Fairfax County. Since the organization’s inception, we have adapted and grown to meet community needs, all while working in partnership with government and private partners and community members. Today, Shelter House is a successful and reputable organization of over 100 employees committed to preventing and ending homelessness and domestic violence. In the last year, our compassionate team of individuals changed the lives of nearly 2,000 individuals, half of which were children. Our Culture is built from our Core Values of Inclusivity, Collaboration, Accountability, Respect, and Empowerment (iC.A.R.E.)
About the Role
The Director of People and Culture is a key business partner to Shelter House’s leadership, playing a central role in aligning people practices with organizational goals and mission impact. As a trusted advisor to the Executive Team, Program Directors, and People & Culture staff, this role ensures HR practices are not only operationally sound but also responsive to the needs of a dynamic, mission-driven organization. The Director champions a values-based, inclusive workplace culture while providing hands-on leadership in human resources functions that directly support Shelter House’s service delivery.
Reporting to the CEO, the Director will collaborate across departments to drive workforce development, navigate organizational change, and support leaders in managing performance, employee relations, and engagement. This role oversees critical functions including compliance, benefits administration, retention, talent acquisition, onboarding, training and development, leadership development, DEI initiatives, and continuous improvement of HR systems and policies. The Director brings a collaborative, solutions-oriented approach to help leaders make informed people decisions that strengthen the entire organization.
How You Will Contribute:
§ Provide leadership and day-to-day management of the P&C department and staff, overseeing key functions including employee relations, performance management, compliance, training and development, payroll, benefits, recruitment, and HR systems.
§ Act as a trusted advisor to executive leadership on HR strategy, organizational design, compliance risks, and workforce planning to support the organization's mission and sustainability.
§ Own and manage the full recruitment process—from sourcing and screening to onboarding—ensuring an equitable, timely, and mission-aligned hiring experience for all candidates.
§ Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local employment laws, as well as nonprofit-specific regulations and requirements.
§ Lead employee relations matters with care and integrity—conducting investigations, interviews, and guiding leadership through conflict resolution and disciplinary processes in line with policy and legal guidelines.
§ Manage the performance review process, supporting managers in setting goals, providing constructive feedback, and fostering employee growth and accountability.
§ Leads culture-building strategies and workforce development initiatives that strengthen employee engagement and support operational excellence.
§ Champion workforce development by identifying skill gaps, supporting internal mobility, succession planning, and long-term career growth.
§ Develop and implement training initiatives that promote a culture of learning and leadership across all levels of the organization.
§ Support additional organizational needs as they arise, contributing to the overall health and success of the nonprofit.
Requirements
Qualifications:
§ At least seven years of broad human resources experience, with a strong emphasis on employee relations; at least five years of that experience must include supervisory or management responsibilities
§ Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
§ Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive information with a high level of confidentiality and discretion
§ Strong active listening skills and the ability to approach situations objectively and thoughtfully
§ Effective communicator (written and verbal) with the ability to interact professionally with individuals at all levels of the organization
§ Self-motivated with the ability to work independently while also thriving in a collaborative team environment
§ Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
§ Solid knowledge of federal and state employment laws and HR compliance standards
§ Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business, Psychology, or a related field required
§ Professional certification such as PHR (Professional in Human Resources) and/or SHRM-CP (SHRM Certified Professional) highly preferred
Physical Requirements:
§ Annual TB Test is required
§ Ability to sit or stand for long periods
§ Ability to lift items weighing 10-20 pounds
Benefits
Benefits:
§ Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
§ 401K contributions with a 4% employer match
§ 13 Paid Holidays, 2 Floating Holidays and the opportunity to take your Birthday Off
§ Two Semi-Annual Team Building Events
Equal Employment Opportunity:
Shelter House is committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants. All employment-related decisions will be made and carried out without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age (over 40), sex, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability unrelated to the individual's ability to perform his or her job or any other legally protected status. Shelter House will also provide reasonable accommodations to pregnant and qualified employees with disabilities to enable them to perform the essential functions of their job, and to employees with respect to their observance of their religious beliefs, in accordance with applicable law. Any job applicant or employee who would like or needs an accommodation may request an accommodation by contacting the Human Resources department.
Drug and Alcohol-Free Workplace Policy:
Drug-Free Workplace: Shelter House is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace. Employment is contingent upon compliance with our Drug-Free Workplace Policy, which prohibits the unlawful manufacture, sale, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of controlled substances or marijuana in the workplace. Additionally, all subcontracts and purchase orders over $10,000 must include provisions ensuring a drug-free workplace.
