HR Manager, Compensation & Compliance

JOB / POSITION TITLE: HR MANAGER, COMPENSATION & COMPLIANCE

STATUS: Exempt

SALARY RANGE: $65,000 to $90,000

PRIMARY PURPOSE: The “Total” Compensation and Compliance Manager serves as the operational backbone of HR, designing and administering compensation programs, benefits, payroll, and compliance functions to ensure fair pay, attractive benefits, and full legal compliance in a nonprofit environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES / FUNCTIONS:

• Designs and administers total compensation structures (base pay, incentives, and non-monetary rewards) to ensure competitive and equitable pay.
• Manages the full suite of benefits programs, including health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and unique mission-related perks.
• Oversees payroll processing in partnership with Finance, ensuring compliance with all Hawai‘i state and federal laws.
• Develops, updates, and maintains HR policies and the Employee Handbook to reflect current laws and best practices.
• Conducts regular compliance audits (I-9s, worker classification, workplace safety, etc.) and mitigates identified risks.
• Handles benefits enrollment, changes, and vendor relations; provides counseling to employees to maximize value within budget constraints.
• Performs compensation analyses and equity reviews; identifies and corrects pay disparities based on role, tenure, or demographics.
• Administers PTO, leave programs (FMLA, workers’ compensation, ADA accommodations) with special attention to the demanding nature of shelter and field roles.
• Prepares HR reports and documentation for grant applications, audits, and funding requests.
• Leads organization-wide training on compliance topics (anti-harassment, diversity, ethics, etc.) tailored to the Hawaiian Humane Society’s mission and values.
• Performs other duties as assigned to support the mission and operations of the organization.

JOB CONDITIONS

• Working Conditions: Primarily indoors in an office setting; occasional outdoor or shelter-floor work for events and candidate tours.
• Equipment Use: PC, HRIS, Microsoft Office Suite, telephone, occasional use of Society vehicles.
• Work Hours: Standard 40-hour week, Monday–Friday, with flexibility for evening / weekend recruiting events and shelter needs.

MENTAL, PHYSICAL & COMMUNICATION DEMANDS:

• Excellent verbal and written communication; ability to present to all levels of the organization.
• Strong interpersonal skills and patience when dealing with emotional or difficult situations.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
• Ability to handle people and animals in a courteous, professional manner.
• Prolonged periods of computer work; occasional lifting up to 30 lbs. and driving.

PASSION / KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS:

• Deep passion for the mission of the Hawaiian Humane Society: promoting the human-animal bond and the humane treatment of all animals.
• Deep expertise in compensation design, benefits administration, payroll, and employment law compliance.
• Strong analytical skills and experience with compensation surveys / tools.
• Proficiency with HRIS, payroll systems, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Thorough knowledge of Hawai‘i and federal employment regulations (especially nonprofit considerations).
• Excellent attention to detail, confidentiality, and ability to explain complex topics clearly.

Education and Work Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, or related field required.
• Minimum of three (3) years of progressive experience in compensation, benefits, and / or HR compliance, preferably in a nonprofit.
• PHR, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, or CEBS certification preferred.
• Experience with Hawai‘i-specific payroll and leave laws is highly desirable.
• General understanding of the animal welfare or veterinary industry is a plus.