Human Resources and Operations Director

Human Resources and Operations Director

ACLU of Arizona

Location: Phoenix, AZ
Type: Full Time, Exempt
Salary: $95,000 to $115,000
Sector: Civil Rights and Civil Liberties
Website: acluaz.org
Reports To: Executive Director

Priority Deadline: October 12, 2026; applications reviewed on a rolling basis

 

About the Organization

 

The ACLU of Arizona works to advance equity and dismantle systemic injustice through legal action, policy advocacy, and community mobilization to protect the civil rights, liberties, and dignity of all Arizonans. Its work spans abortion rights, voting rights and democracy, LGBTQ+ rights, criminal legal reform, immigrants' rights, border justice, and racial justice. Staff are part of a national ACLU network across all 50 states, DC, and Puerto Rico.

 

Position Summary

 

The Human Resources and Operations Director develops and manages core human resources and business operations while advancing a workplace culture grounded in equity, accountability, and care. The Director serves as a trusted partner to staff and leadership and supports labor relations, serving as liaison to the staff union and overseeing implementation of the collective bargaining agreement.

 

The ideal candidate brings technical expertise in HR, operations, or business administration, a track record of managing multiple projects, and sound judgment, strategic thinking, and emotional intelligence. The Director supervises the Office Manager, along with interns and volunteers as assigned.

 

Key Responsibilities

 

Human Resources and Staff Support

 

• Design and oversee full-cycle recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and performance management processes that are equitable, consistent, and effective

• Oversee benefits administration, including contracts with insurance and benefits providers

• Maintain and develop HR policies, procedures, and initiatives that support staff wellness, professional development, and an inclusive culture

• Serve as liaison with the staff union, sit on the management bargaining team, and oversee implementation of the collective bargaining agreement

• Maintain HR records and ensure consistent record retention, confidentiality, and compliance

• Mitigate organizational risk by ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws

• Monitor HR best practices and metrics to inform decision-making

• Collaborate with the Finance Director and serve as backup for some finance functions, including payroll processing

• Serve as a thought partner to the Executive Director on staffing, culture, and organizational development

 

Operations Management

 

• Oversee efficient operations, including IT systems, facilities, in-person and virtual office management, compliance, safety and security protocols, and record-keeping

• Coordinate vendor relationships for technology, insurance, payroll, and benefits administration

• Oversee contracts, risk management, and organizational policies with the Executive Director

 

Organizational Leadership and Management

 

• Supervise the day-to-day work and professional development of the Office Manager

• Champion strategies that foster an equitable, inclusive, and belonging-centered workplace

• Lead planning for organization-wide events such as retreats and trainings

• Support the Executive Director with board of directors meetings

• Track operations data and provide clear, timely reports to the board and staff

• Serve as a thought leader and partner with peers across the national ACLU network

 

Qualifications

 

• Demonstrated commitment to the ACLU of Arizona's values, mission, and vision

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree in Finance, Business Administration, Nonprofit Management, or a related field a plus

• Minimum of seven years of experience in HR, nonprofit management, operations, or a related area, preferably in a nonprofit and unionized workplace

• Experience managing HR functions, including the employee life cycle, payroll, benefits administration, and compliance

• High technological proficiency, including QuickBooks, Google Suite, Microsoft Office, and database management

• Experience supervising administrative or operations staff and managing external vendors and consultants

• Strong leadership skills across teams, vendors, and cross-departmental projects

• Sound judgment, compassion, patience, and discretion with confidential matters

• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills with diverse groups of people

• Experience in coaching, facilitation, and conflict resolution

• Strong project management skills: organized, detail and solutions oriented, and consistent in meeting deadlines

• Commitment to a healthy, collective work environment that values diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging

• Cultural responsibility, including a complex understanding of racial justice and a track record of working across lines of race, immigration status, ethnicity, language, class, gender, and other identities and experiences, including record of arrest or conviction

 

Working Conditions

 

• Office hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Extended computer work

• Periodic extended hours, including some evenings, weekends, and holidays

• Regular local and in-state travel, with some out-of-state travel as needed

 

Benefits

 

• 15 vacation days in the first three years, 20 days after four years

• 16 holidays, one personal day per month, alternating Fridays off in summer, and an extended winter break

• 100% of employee health, vision, and dental premiums covered, and 50% for dependents

• Life and disability insurance and reimbursement for some out-of-pocket healthcare expenses

• Cell phone and home internet reimbursement

• 401(k) match of 100% of the first 1% deferred plus 50% of the next 5%, with an additional 2% employer contribution each pay period

• Investment in professional development and opportunities for advancement

 

How to Apply

 

Email a resume, cover letter, and three professional references to jobs@acluaz.org with "HR & Operations Director" in the subject line. In your cover letter, share how you learned about the job, how your qualifications fit the role, and your interest and experience in civil rights, civil liberties, and social justice. Attachments should be in Word or PDF format. No phone calls or walk-ins.

 

Applicants with disabilities who need accommodation in the application process can contact jobs@acluaz.org.

 

Equal Opportunity

 

The ACLU of Arizona is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, or record of arrest or conviction.