Human Resources Partner

Aspire Living & Learning is a mission-driven, non-profit organization dedicated to empowering neurodiverse individuals across New England and Maryland. Through innovative programs and compassionate services, we support people to live, learn, and work as independently as possible. Join a collaborative, values-based organization where your work directly impacts the lives of others.

The HR Partner at Aspire Living & Learning serves as a strategic partner for managers, ensuring they have the tools, training, and support to lead engaged, inclusive, and effective teams. This role helps strengthen Aspire’s workplace culture through thoughtful HR practices that balance relationship-building with operational consistency in a human services environment.

Working in close collaboration with the broader People & Culture team—including Recruiting, People Operations, and Workplace Learning—the HR Partner supports the full employee experience, from onboarding through growth and development. This role brings a strong understanding of HR best practices to help identify opportunities for system improvements, support employee development, and build leadership capacity. A key part of this work is helping managers understand their responsibilities and confidently navigate challenges in a way that reflects Aspire’s mission, values, and goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as a strategic HR partner to designated managers, providing guidance on performance management, talent development, and employee relations to foster an effective and inclusive workplace.
• Collaborate with leadership to ensure managers have the resources and training necessary to identify and develop high-potential employees.
• Work closely with the Recruiting, People and Culture Operations, and Workplace Learning teams to create a seamless and positive employee experience from recruitment to development.
• Participate in workforce planning, succession planning, and organizational changes, with a focus on aligning talent strategies with organizational goals and values.
• Provide expertise on employee relations matters, ensuring fairness and transparency, and working with managers to resolve complex issues.
• Use data and HR metrics to recommend strategies that enhance employee engagement, retention, and culture alignment.
• Provide clear interpretation and guidance on HR policies, emphasizing their role in shaping our organizational culture. 
• Maintain awareness of employment laws and funding source regulations that impact hiring, training, and overall employee management; provide guidance to Talent Acquisition and Operations teams to ensure compliant and effective practices.
• Facilitate the development and delivery of training programs to address identified employee development needs and promote a positive organizational culture.
• Collaborate with leadership and managers to identify areas for improvement in employee performance and provide tailored coaching and development support.
• Interpret and communicate HR policies and practices, ensuring managers understand their impact on organizational culture and goals.
• Effectively manage and resolve complex employee relations issues, ensuring fairness and transparency in all investigations. 
• Contribute to the design and implementation of employee recognition programs that enhance employee morale and retention.
• Assist in the evaluation and continuous improvement of training programs, ensuring they meet the needs of the workforce and foster cultural growth.
• Promote a positive and collaborative work environment, supporting efforts to boost team morale, productivity, and retention.
• Complete any additional responsibilities or projects as assigned to support the effective operation of the People & Culture team and the organization.
  
  

Qualifications

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively engage with managers, employees, and other teams.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a customer service orientation, with a focus on building positive relationships across the organization.
• Proficiency in HR best practices, including performance management, employee development, and talent management.
• Ability to understand and interpret organizational structures and HR policies, applying them to enhance cultural alignment.
• Strong analytical skills and experience using data to drive decisions and recommendations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite or similar software to support HR initiatives and communication.
• At least 3-5 years of experience in HR, with a strong understanding of employee relations, performance management, and talent development.
• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP certification preferred, or the ability to obtain certification within one year of employment.
• Must pass a background check.
• Valid driver’s license and safe driving record preferred.
  
  

Employees at Aspire enjoy working with a collaborative and dedicated team that values a culture of belonging and care. We take pride in offering a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees, including:

• Comprehensive Health, Dental, & Vision Insurance - Choose from multiple medical plans, with vision coverage included at no extra cost.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Saving Account (HSA) options - Use pre-tax dollars for medical and dependent care expenses.
• Lifestyle Spending Accounts with JOON - Monthly funds for wellness, fitness, commuting, childcare, pet care, and more.
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with Employer Match - A 100% match on contributions up to 2% of your salary.
• Generous Paid Time Off - Paid sick, personal, and vacation days, plus holidays.
• Professional Growth Opportunities - Access to training, leadership and management courses, mentorship, and career advancement.
• Employer-Paid Life & Disability Insurance, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Telehealth Services and more!
  
  

If you want to join us in making a difference and positively impact the lives of others while charting your own path of development, then we at the Aspire team would love to hear from you.

Aspire Living & Learning believes it must play an active role in creating a community of employees that is diverse, inclusive and equitable. Our work benefits greatly from the contributions of people of color, people from working class backgrounds, women, LGBTQ people, and individuals with disabilities. Hence, we strongly encourage applications from people with these identities or who are members of other marginalized communities.