Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind (CLB) is a mission-driven community resource for the blind and visually impaired community of greater Washington, DC and beyond. CLB is seeking a service-focused HR professional with a heart, a passion for service, and a desire to serve employees who are blind and visually impaired. This position is located in Washington, DC, with occasional visits to the Silver Spring, MD office at their own discretion. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with strong payroll, benefits, and employee relations skills to contribute to a mission-driven organization offering “sky’s the limit” personal and professional growth. CLB offers a comprehensive benefits package, including 16 paid holidays each year, 16 days of paid time off, and a newly renovated office in a secure location, with free parking and metro accessibility at both the DC and Silver Spring locations. This position offers one work-from-home day a week.

Position Summary

The Manager of Human Resources is responsible for supporting key aspects of human resources operations, including recruiting, new employee orientation and onboarding, benefits and compensation, payroll entry, and employee relations. This position coordinates with the organization’s senior management team to ensure effective human resources policies and procedures are adopted and implemented. This position has the opportunity for growth, and the incumbent will have a seat at the table in the creation and implementation of organizational strategy, as it relates to the HR function.

Responsibilities

• Partner with hiring managers to facilitate an effective recruiting process for the organization’s vacancies, including drafting position descriptions and external advertisements, participating in recruitment fairs and events, reviewing resumés, coordinating with outside recruiting firms (if needed), screening candidates and scheduling interviews, performing reference checks, and sending offer letters.
• Coordinate the new hire onboarding process, including pre-hire logistics, onboarding schedule, and new employee orientation, in partnership with the Administrative Manager.
• Conduct check-in meetings with all new hires to assess the effectiveness of recruiting, onboarding, and training processes.
• Administer a comprehensive benefits program, including health, dental, life, disability, flexible spending, and 401(k) plans; coordinate the annual open enrollment process; and provide regular communication to employees regarding benefit changes.
• Process new hire enrollments, employee changes, and terminations.
• Review employee compensation structure regularly and, when needed, work with outside compensation consultants to conduct compensation analysis, suggesting salary adjustments as appropriate.
• Administer and evaluate annual goals and performance appraisal process.
• Coordinate professional development opportunities for employees in conjunction with the senior management team and Administrative Manager; conduct annual professional development analysis and develop an annual professional development plan.
• Communicate regularly with the President/CEO and senior management team regarding staff issues and concerns.
• Assist with employee questions and issues; respond to employee complaints and concerns in a timely manner and consult with outside legal counsel as appropriate regarding personnel issues.
• Develop, recommend, and implement human resources policies and procedures; update and maintain the employee policy manual in coordination with the management team.
• Maintain accurate human resources records and files.
• Stay informed of federal, state, and case law changes that affect the human resources function.

Skills & Abilities

• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with employees at all levels, including vendors and other external stakeholders
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills
• Ability to operate with a high level of discernment and confidentiality

Required Education and Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources or related field
• Minimum of five years of HR experience that includes a focus on employee relations, payroll, and benefits
• General knowledge of the principles and practices of HR management and employment law
• Experience in the administration of benefits and other HR programs
• Strong payroll experience
• Employee relations experience
• Proficiency in Microsoft Suite applications
• Experience in HRIS software applications
• PHR or SHRM-CP certification preferred

How To Apply

If you believe you meet the requirements, please submit a resume, cover letter, and one HR-related writing sample to the Apply button below.

Additional inquiries and questions can be emailed to Beth Cessna at jobs@cessnasearch.com or contact 202-232-1765.

Since 1900, Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind has been dedicated to helping the blind or visually impaired population of the greater Washington, DC region and beyond overcome the challenges of vision loss. CLB's work enables people of all ages who are blind or visually impaired to remain independent, active, and productive in our society. CLB provides programs and services to people of all ages who are blind or visually impaired, regardless of their ability to pay.

CLB is committed to ensuring that all recruiting, hiring, training, promotion, compensation, and other employment-related programs are provided fairly to all persons on an equal opportunity basis without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Employment decisions are based on the principles of equal opportunity and affirmative action.

Cessna & Associates, LLC is a boutique HR consultancy partnering with mission-driven nonprofit organizations. Our goal is to identify the best potential candidates that the market has to offer.

The Power of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Fuels Success

Cessna & Associates embraces and celebrates the strength that diversity brings to our organization. Just as we are deliberate in our own pursuit of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives, our efforts support our clients' DEI success. We drive every search with an unyielding focus to create an even playing field for all candidates and assess their ability to be "culture adds," not merely "fits" for our clients. Our team builds and nurtures this rich tapestry of diversity for ourselves and for our clients.