Director of Human Resources - SC Division & Benefits Administration

Make a Difference Every Day – Join the Charles Lea Center as Director Human Resources - SC Division & Benefits Administration 

Are you a strategic HR leader passionate about supporting employees and ensuring organizational excellence? The Charles Lea Center is seeking a Director, Human Resources - SC Division & Benefits Administration to lead HR operations across our South Carolina Division. This role provides oversight of employee relations, compliance, workforce planning, benefits administration, retirement programs, and HR strategy while partnering with leadership to foster a positive, mission-driven workplace culture that supports both employee success and organizational goals.

What We Offer:

• Competitive Pay 
• Paid Training: We’ll equip you with everything you need to succeed
• Outstanding Benefits:
  • Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
  • 401(k) retirement plan
  • Paid time off (PTO)
  • Sick Leave
  • Tuition reimbursement

Basic Purpose

The Director of Human Resources, SC Division & Benefits Administration provides strategic and operational leadership for all human resources functions within The Charles Lea Center's South Carolina Division. This position ensures compliance with federal and state employment laws while overseeing talent acquisition, employee relations, workforce planning, performance management, training compliance, HR operations, compensation, benefits, retirement programs, and regulatory reporting. The Director partners with executive and operational leaders to foster a positive workplace culture, support organizational goals, minimize risk, and ensure ethical, person-centered employment practices.

Essential Duties

HR Leadership & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, including FLSA, FMLA, ADA, EEOC, OSHA, HIPAA, ACA, ERISA, COBRA, and USERRA.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory changes and implement necessary updates.
• Serve as the primary contact for HR-related audits, investigations, and regulatory reviews.
• Maintain audit-ready HR records, documentation, and compliance practices.

HR Operations & Workforce Strategy

• Lead day-to-day HR operations for the South Carolina Division.
• Ensure consistent application of HR policies and employment practices.
• Partner with leadership on workforce planning, succession planning, employee engagement, and retention initiatives.
• Promote a positive and inclusive workplace culture aligned with organizational values.

Employee Relations & Investigations

• Oversee employee relations matters, including complaints, disciplinary actions, and performance management.
• Lead or support workplace investigations and ensure fair, consistent, and legally compliant employment decisions.
• Advise leadership on complex employee relations and termination matters.

HR Systems, Reporting & Training

• Maintain HRIS data integrity and oversee compliance-related documentation, onboarding, I-9s, background screenings, licensure, and training records.
• Develop HR metrics and reports to support leadership decision-making.
• Deliver compliance-focused training and serve as a trusted advisor on HR best practices.

Benefits & Retirement Administration

• Oversee employee benefits and retirement programs, ensuring compliance with ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, and related regulations.
• Manage vendor relationships, plan administration, employee communications, and regulatory filings.
• Coordinate benefits and retirement audits, corrective action plans, and compliance reporting.
• Partner with senior leadership to identify risks, strengthen internal controls, and ensure program effectiveness.

Audit & Regulatory Oversight

• Lead preparation and response efforts for administrative, regulatory, and compliance audits.
• Coordinate with auditors, regulators, and internal stakeholders to ensure timely and accurate responses.
• Monitor corrective actions, track remediation efforts, and report compliance status to executive leadership.
• Maintain audit readiness through strong documentation, policy management, and continuous process improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or a related field required.
• Minimum three years of progressive HR experience, preferably in healthcare, nonprofit, or government settings.
• Strong knowledge of ADA, FMLA, EEOC regulations, and employment law compliance.
• Knowledge of South Carolina employment law preferred.
• Experience with HRIS platforms and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Professional HR certification (SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR) preferred.

Supervisory Responsibility: This position supervises the SC HR Generalist, HR Support Specialist and the HR & Finance Liaison 

Work Environment: Professional office environment within the Charles lea Center. Standard work schedule of Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. (40 hours per week). All programs have frequent use of computers and/or laptop, household appliances, Center-owned vehicles, Center-owned cell phone, assigned adaptive equipment that supports the person. 

Physical Demands: This role involves regular standing, walking, lifting (up to 15 lbs), and hands-on support. Reasonable accommodations are available.

Travel: Travel within South Carolina as necessary to support HR operations, employee services, training, and organizational initiatives. 

Ready to Apply?

If you're ready to make a difference and grow in a meaningful career, we’d love to meet you! Fill out our quick, mobile-friendly application today and take the first step toward joining a team that’s changing lives.

Charles Lea Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Reasonable accommodations are available for qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application process.