Director of Human Resources

Job Title:          Director of Human Resources

Department:   Finance and Administration

Office:               New York Office, Hybrid         

Reports To:     Chief Operating Officer

Who We Are:

The Drug Policy Alliance (DPA) addresses the harms of drug use and drug criminalization through policy solutions, organizing, and public education. We advocate for a holistic approach to drugs that prioritizes health, social supports, and community wellbeing. DPA opposes punitive approaches that destabilize people, block access to care, and drain communities of resources. We believe that the regulation of drugs should be grounded in evidence, health, equity, and human rights. In collaboration with other movements, we change laws, advance justice, and save lives.

DPA has 40 staff across the U.S. an annual operating budget of approximately $12 million, and 200,000 members, activists, and supporters. The organization has a solid track record of success at the local, state, and federal levels and consistent visibility in prominent media and policy circles.

Recognizing the broad reach of the drug war, DPA works across issue areas to engage more deeply with organizations and leaders in immigration, family policing, education, reproductive justice, housing, and other aligned spaces. This commitment to building power across movements and building a base contributes to and works in tandem with DPA’s work on policy and legislative change.

Learn more about working at the Drug Policy Alliance here and learn about our work to end the drug war here.  

The Role:

The Director of Human Resources will lead the organization’s people operations with a focus on mission alignment, compliance, and staff development. This position is responsible for building and maintaining a workplace culture grounded in equity, transparency, and care, while ensuring effective management of payroll, benefits, compliance, and HR systems. The Director will also oversee professional development opportunities, support staff growth, and manage the organization’s intern program.

The successful candidate must be a self-starter and a risk taker, with a high degree of confidence and energy.  Excellent interpersonal skills and a passion for racial and social justice are essentials for success.

Key Responsibilities:

People & Culture Leadership

• Develop and implement HR strategies and policies that align with the organization’s mission, values, and social justice principles.
• Partner with leadership to foster an inclusive and supportive workplace culture.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to managers and staff on employee relations, performance, and workplace practices.

HR Operations & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local labor laws as well as nonprofit regulations.
• Manage and oversee accurate payroll administration and HRIS systems.
• Maintain employee records, policies, and procedures with an emphasis on clarity and accessibility.

Compensation & Benefits

• Oversee employee benefits administration, including health, retirement, and leave programs.
• Ensure staff understand and can access benefits that support their well-being.
• Lead annual benefits review and renewal processes.

Talent Development & Performance

• Design and implement equitable professional development opportunities for staff.
• Support performance management processes, coaching managers to set goals and provide constructive feedback.
• Develop pathways for staff growth within organizational capacity.

Internship Program

• Manage the recruitment, onboarding, and supervision of interns.
• Ensure intern experiences are meaningful, educational, and aligned with organizational values.

Skills and Experience:

To fulfill the responsibilities of the role, we are seeking candidates with the following qualifications and characteristics:

• Demonstrated commitment to social justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Strong knowledge of HR best practices, employment law, payroll, and benefits administration.
• Experience developing and leading professional development initiatives.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on implementation.
• Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive HR experience, including leadership roles (nonprofit or mission-driven environment strongly preferred).

Compensation:

This is a full-time, exempt position. The salary range for this position is $100,000-$130,000 depending on experience. Benefits for DPA staff include comprehensive health insurance and coverage (including dental and vision), 403b retirement plan with 10% employer matching contribution after completion of one-year, paid time off including 20 days of vacation, plus national holidays, sick days, organizational closure at the end of December, and year-round early dismissal on Fridays.

Location

Applicants must be able to report to the NYC office a minimum of twice a week.  This position is hybrid. Some travel is required.

Hours:

Full-time and hybrid schedule.

How to Apply:

To apply, please submit the following: 

1. Your resume.

1.  A cover letter

Equal Opportunity

Drug Policy Alliance (DPA) is an equal opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. DPA encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, ethnicity, personal appearance, political affiliation, family responsibility, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status and record of arrest or conviction.  Drug Policy Alliance is particularly interested in hiring people who have been adversely affected by the war on drugs.

Salary : $100,000 - $130,000