Human Resources Director - Kettering Foundation

Organization Overview: Charles F. Kettering Foundation

The Charles F. Kettering Foundation is a nonpartisan, research and operating foundation dedicated to advancing inclusive democracy in the United States and around the world. Through research, convenings, partnerships, and public engagement, the Foundation works to strengthen civic participation, promote government accountability, and counter rising authoritarianism.

Unlike traditional grantmaking foundations, Kettering operates its own programs - bringing together scholars, practitioners, community leaders, and institutions to explore how democracy functions in practice and how it can better serve all people. Its work spans key areas including defending inclusive democracy, strengthening community-based civic engagement, advancing research and public understanding, elevating the role of arts in democracy, and fostering a global community of partners who are promoting and defending democracies around the world.

At a time of increasing polarization and democratic strain, the Foundation has taken a more visible and active role in the public sphere- engaging diverse voices, translating complex issues, and creating space for dialogue across differences. While firmly nonpartisan, the Foundation is not neutral in its commitment to democratic principles - approaching its work with clarity, conviction, and a willingness to engage meaningfully in the most pressing challenges facing democracy today. Headquartered in Dayton, Ohio, with a growing presence in Washington, DC, Kettering operates with an annual budget of approximately $25 million, supported by a $520M endowment, and a team of roughly 50 staff. As the Foundation continues to expand its reach and deepen its impact, it remains grounded in a simple but powerful belief: that a stronger, more inclusive democracy is possible - and that thoughtful leadership, rigorous inquiry, and collective action can help shape what comes next.

For more information, please visit https://www.kettering.org.

Position Summary

The Charles F. Kettering Foundation is seeking a Director of Human Resources to support a growing, mission-driven organization at a pivotal stage. Reporting to the Vice President of People & Culture, this role has been created in response to the Foundation’s continued growth - now approaching 50 staff, with plans to expand further. The Vice President of People & Culture has independently led the organization’s HR function over the last several years, and this role is intended to serve as a close, collaborative partner to her as the Foundation continues to grow and evolve.

This is a hands-on, generalist HR role with responsibility for the core functions that support the employee experience day to day. The Director will lead benefits administration, compliance, onboarding and offboarding, and performance management, while completing the transition to fully digital personnel records. In close partnership with the Vice President of People & Culture, this individual will help ensure HR processes are responsive to the needs of the organization - identifying and building systems that support a people-centered approach to the human resource function.

The Foundation operates in the pro-democracy space, where the work can carry both meaning and weight. This leader will approach HR with care, discretion, and compassion- supporting individuals who are deeply committed to the mission while helping create an environment where they can sustain that commitment over time.

Key Responsibilities

HR Operations & Employee Lifecycle Management

• Lead the day-to-day execution of core HR functions, including onboarding, offboarding, performance management, and employee records.
• Complete the transition to fully digital personnel files and ensure accurate, organized, and compliant record keeping.
• Support recruiting efforts, including candidate screening, scheduling, and onboarding coordination.

Benefits Administration & Employee Support

• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee benefits, including education, enrollment, and ongoing support.
• Partner with the Benefits Committee to support administration and continuous evaluation of offerings.
• Help employees navigate benefits with clarity and confidence, improving overall understanding and utilization.

Compliance, Policy & Compensation Support

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• Maintain and update HR policies, procedures, and the employee handbook.
• Monitor regulatory changes and apply best practices to strengthen HR operations.
• Support compensation processes, including benchmarking, internal equity, and alignment with market data.

Employee Relations, Performance & Development

• Serve as a trusted resource to staff and managers on employee relations matters, providing guidance, coaching, and support.
• Support performance management processes and help strengthen consistency and accountability across teams.
• Assist in addressing workplace concerns, conducting or supporting investigations, and promoting a respectful, inclusive environment.
• Support learning and development efforts, including training, manager guidance, and employee engagement initiatives.

HR Systems, Process Improvement & Organizational Support

• Partner with the VP of People & Culture to ensure HR processes effectively support the needs of a growing organization.
• Identify opportunities to streamline workflows, improve systems, and increase efficiency.
• Research, evaluate, and implement tools and technologies that strengthen HR operations and employee experience.
• Utilize HR systems and data to support reporting, identify trends, and inform decision-making.

Leadership & Competency Expectations

The ideal candidate will bring a combination of HR operational rigor and genuine connection to the Foundation’s mission. They will be energized by the opportunity to support a growing organization while building the infrastructure needed to sustain that growth.

While no single candidate will bring every qualification, strong candidates will offer many of the following:

Mission Alignment and Purpose-Driven

Demonstrates a genuine belief in the importance of inclusive democracy and the role institutions like the Kettering Foundation play in strengthening civic life. Brings empathy, authenticity, and emotional intelligence, along with an appreciation for the human side of mission-driven work. Approaches HR as a function that enables and sustains the people carrying out the work.

Strong HR Execution and Operational Discipline

Brings hands-on experience across the “nuts and bolts” of HR functions, including benefits administration, compliance, onboarding and offboarding, and performance management. Comfortable owning the day-to-day work with a high level of accuracy and follow-through. Values structure, consistency, and attention to detail, and understands the importance of reliable HR operations in supporting the broader organization.

Growth-Oriented and Systems

BuilderHas experience supporting an organization through growth, particularly as teams approach and move beyond ~50 employees. Understands how HR needs evolve at this stage, including increased compliance requirements, reporting, and benefits complexity. Brings the ability to assess current processes, research and implement tools, and build systems that improve efficiency and support a more scalable HR Function.

Collaborative Partner and Relations

hip Oriented Builds trust thoughtfully and works effectively within a deeply collaborative, mission-driven environment shaped by long-tenured staff and strong institutional knowledge. Understands and values the Foundation’s culture, where respect across roles and perspectives is deeply embedded in how work gets done. Approaches change with patience and good judgment - taking time to understand the organization and introduce new ideas in ways that strengthen relationships, preserve trust, and support the mission.

Location, Compensation, and Benefits

This role is based in Dayton, Ohio, with a hybrid work model. The Director of Human Resources is expected to be in the office three days per week, with flexibility for remote work on other days.

The salary range for this position is $120,000 to $140,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

The Charles F. Kettering Foundation offers a comprehensive and thoughtfully designed benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage; life and disability insurance; and a 403(b) retirement plan with employer contributions. Additional benefits include generous paid time off, a full holiday schedule including a year-end closure, paid parental leave, and other supportive policies that reflect the Foundation’s commitment to employee well-being and work-life balance.

The Foundation fosters a collaborative, mission-driven culture that values both the work and the people behind it - creating an environment where employees are supported in bringing their full selves to the organization's mission.

Interest in the Role?

To express your interest and explore this opportunity, please submit your resume and cover letter via the Maneva website. All inquiries and discussions will be handled with the utmost confidentiality. This position is available immediately, and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the role is filled.

We look forward to connecting with you!

About Maneva Group

Maneva Group is a leading woman and minority-owned executive search firm dedicated to connecting exceptional talent with organizations committed to making a meaningful impact. Through a consultative and client-focused approach, Maneva Group partners with mission-driven organizations to build transformative leadership teams.Our name, Maneva, comes from the combination of two Sanskrit words: “Mānav” meaning mankind & “Sevā” meaning service. We are driven by the ideal of our name - service to humanity.