HR Manager (Full-Time/Exempt)

AAWL has served the Phoenix community for over 50 years as Arizona’s oldest and largest no-kill shelter. While our roots are in animal rescue and adoptions, we have evolved in recent years to become a community-centered organizations dedicated to keeping pets and families together. Our programs provide affordable veterinary care, resources for families in need, and lifesaving rescue and adoption services for thousands of dogs and cats each year. With an annual budget of $7.7 million and a team of over 100 staff, AAWL is a growing, mission-driven nonprofit shaping the future of animal welfare in Arizona. Learn more about our current strategic priorities here.

The Arizona Animal Welfare League (AAWL) is hiring a Human Resources (HR) Manager to oversee all aspects of our human resources practices and processes. The HR Manager will plan, lead, develop, and coordinate the policies and HR activities across the organization, ensuring legal compliance and alignment with AAWL’s mission, vision, and talent strategy.

Key Responsibilities include managing HR functions such as job design, recruitment, employee relations, performance management, training & development, and overall talent management.

The HR Manager will supervise a full-time HR Specialist, and work with a team of payroll/HR consultants. They will report to the VP of Admininstration and play a key role in fostering a positive, inclusive, and high-performing workplace culture. This individual will ensure AAWL continues to be a collaborative, engaged, and growth-minded workplace where everyone works together to realize our mission and goals.

Promoting AAWL’s core values, shaping a positive organizational culture, and maintaining a strong“customer service” approach toward coworkers are vital aspects of this role. A deep commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) is essential.

This is a full-time position, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. position based in our shelter, which is located in near downtown Phoenix.

Responsibilities

The HR Manager will oversee all aspects of human resources management, ensuring compliance, supporting staff development, and fostering a collaborative and inclusive workplace culture.

• Recruits, helps with interviews, hires qualified candidates, and collaborates with leadership to ensure onboarding and orientation of new staff.

• Provides a framework and tools for constructive and timely performance evaluations.

• Handles disciplinary actions and terminations in accordance with AAWL policies and applicable laws. .

• Works collaboratively to offboard departing employees and conduct exit interviews.

• Collaborates with senior leadership to understand and implement organizational goals related to staffing, recruiting, retention and employee engagement.

• Plans, leads, develops, coordinates, and implements policies, processes, initiatives, and surveys that support AAWL’s human resource strategy and compliance requirements.

• Facilitates professional development, training, and certification activities across departments.

• Oversees the administration of human resource programs including, but not limited to, compensation, benefits, and leave; disciplinary matters. disputes and investigations; performance and talent management; productivity, recognition, and morale; occupational health and safety.

• Bridges management and employee relations by addressing employee concerns, grievances, and engagement opportunities.

• Identifies staffing and recruiting needs; develops and executes best practices for hiring and retention.

• Supports employee development, engagement, retention, and motivation, to promote a positive and inclusive work environment. Maintains up-to-date knowledge of non-profit HR trends, best practices, regulatory changes, and emerging technologies in human resources, talent management, and employment law; communicates updates to leadership and adjusts policies accordingly.

• Ensures organizational compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations;recommends and implements policy improvements as needed.

• Develops and monitors the HR departmental budget.

• Performs other duties as required.

Qualifications

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills.

• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Effective time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Strong supervisory and leadership skills.

• Experience in training, advancing and promoting diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) initiatives.

• Ability to adapt to the evolving needs of the organization and its employees.

• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks efficiently.

• Thorough knowledge of employment-related laws and regulations.

• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and HRIS systems.

• Ability to quickly learn and manage AAWL’s HR software such as TimeCo.

• Demonstrated knowledge of federal and state employment laws, including, but not limited to anti-discrimination laws, ADA, FMLA, FLSA, Paid Sick Leave, EEOC reporting requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s in human resources, Business Administration, or related field required; Master’s preferred.

• At least five years of human resource experience required, including experience supervising staff.

• Professional certifications such as PHR or SPHR and SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP, or other professional certifications, are highly preferred.

• Prior experience in a non-profit organization preferrable.

• Prior experience in animal welfare preferrable.

To Apply for This Position

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references (with contact details) to [email protected] with the subject line HR Manager to Alessandra Navidad, President/CEO. No phone calls or walk-ins, please. AAWL is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals.

Employment Details

• Salary range is $70,700 to $80,800.

• Generous PTO, sick leave, and 12 paid holidays annually.

• 100% employer-paid medical and life insurance; dental, vision, and supplemental options available.

• Employer-supported professional development.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

• Eligible employer under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.

• Salary range is $70,700 to $80,800.

• Generous PTO, sick leave, and 12 paid holidays annually.

• 100% employer-paid medical and life insurance; dental, vision, and supplemental options available.

• Employer-supported professional development.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

• Eligible employer under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.