Position Overview

The Diocese of Fall River seeks an experienced, dynamic, and highly credible HR leader to serve as Director of Human Resources, reporting to the Chancellor. The Diocese serves over 240,000 Catholics across 64 parishes, 12 mission churches, 17 schools, and diocesan ministries in southeastern Massachusetts, Cape Cod, and the Islands.

The Director of Human Resources is centrally responsible for resolving complex employee relations issues, advising pastors, principals, and diocesan leaders, and ensuring consistent, lawful, and pastoral employment practices across a decentralized organization.

Additionally, as the head of HR, this senior-level role will be responsible for leading the strategic direction, development, and execution of all HR and payroll functions including talent acquisition, employee relations, compensation and benefits, organizational development, performance management, compliance, and payroll operations. The Director serves as a trusted advisor to senior leadership and local ministry leaders.

Key Responsibilities

Employee Relations & Advisory Leadership (Core Focus)

  • Serve as the Diocese’s principal advisor on employee relations matters across parishes, schools, and diocesan offices.
  • Mediate and resolve complex and sensitive employment issues involving parish, school, and other diocesan staff.
  • Provide practical, timely guidance to pastors and principals who have limited HR experience.
  • Conduct or oversee workplace investigations in collaboration with General Counsel and the Office of Safe Environment, where appropriate.
  • Ensure fair, consistent, and pastoral application of employment policies.

Human Resources Leadership

  • Oversee full‑cycle HR functions including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, employee engagement, and succession planning.
  • Develop, implement, and maintain HR policies and procedures compliant with federal, state, and local laws.
  • Build confidence and consistency in employment practices across a decentralized diocesan structure.
  • Lead and develop the HR, benefits administration, and payroll team through coaching, mentoring, and accountability.

Payroll Operations

  • Oversee payroll operations through direct management of the Payroll Manager.
  • Ensure accurate, timely payroll processing and compliance with wage, tax, and reporting requirements.
  • In collaboration with the Payroll Manager, evaluate and implement payroll technologies and processes to increase accuracy and efficiency.
  • Collaborate with Finance to support budgeting, forecasting, and compensation planning.

Compensation, Benefits & Risk Management

  • Develop and maintain competitive and equitable compensation structures.
  • Oversee employee benefits programs with attention to cost containment, sustainability, and employee wellbeing.
  • Conduct market analyses and lead the annual compensation review process including performance and salary reviews.
  • Support organizational risk management initiatives related to employment practices.

Culture & Organizational Effectiveness

  • Promote a professional, respectful, and mission‑aligned workplace culture.
  • Coach leaders on effective people and change management, and conflict resolution.
  • Support initiatives that improve employee morale, engagement, retention, and leadership effectiveness.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field preferred, or equivalent experience.
  • 10+ years of progressive HR experience, including significant employee relations leadership with at least 5 years in a senior management role.
  • Demonstrated experience operating in decentralized, and mission‑driven organizations.  Nonprofit organization experience a plus.
  • Professional certification (SHRM‑SCP, SPHR, CPP, or similar) strongly preferred.

Skills & Competencies

  • Exceptional judgment, discretion, and emotional intelligence.
  • Strong command of employee relations, employment law, and conflict resolution.
  • Ability to advise and influence without formal authority.
  • Comfortable working with clergy, educators, and lay leaders in varied settings.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and lead complex initiatives.
  • Clear communicator who can translate HR principles into practical guidance.
  • High integrity, respect for confidentiality, and discretion when handling sensitive matters.
  • Experience with HRIS and payroll systems (Paylocity, Employee Navigator a plus).
  • Commitment to supporting the mission and tenets of the Catholic Church.

Working Conditions

  • Full‑time senior management position; may require local travel within the Diocese.
  • Hybrid or onsite work, based on organizational needs.

Compensation & Benefits

The Diocese of Fall River offers competitive compensation (commensurate with experience) and a comprehensive benefits package including:

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance.
  • 403(b) with employer match.
  • Life, Disability and AD&D Insurance.
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA).
  • Health Savings Account (HSA).
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
  • Voluntary benefits .
  • Discount program for personal lines insurance, travel, entertainment, services, etc.
  • Generous paid time off including vacation, personal, sick and holiday time.

Please consider joining our team and performing Christ’s work on earth by submitting your cover letter and resume to: Peter Powers, SHRM-SCP, Executive Director of Human Resources and Administration. E-mail: ppowers@dioc-fr.org ; The Diocese of Fall River, 450 Highland Avenue, Fall River, MA 02720.

Equal Opportunity Employer