Human Resources Director

Island Institute
Island Institute

People & HR

Portland, ME, USA

USD 89,116-99,725 / year

Posted on Aug 6, 2026

Based in Portland, Maine, with a satellite office in Lewiston, the Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project (ILAP) is Maine’s only state-wide immigration legal aid organization. ILAP’s mission is to advance justice for Maine’s immigrants through free immigration legal services, community outreach, and advocacy. ILAP’s work includes direct legal services for over 3,000 clients each year; education and outreach to immigrant communities and service providers; and systemic advocacy on local, state, and federal immigration law issues.

ILAP is committed to having a respectful, collaborative, and equitable work environment, with equal opportunity for all employees. We hire candidates based on qualifications and comply with all federal and state equal employment laws. We encourage applications from individuals with lived immigrant experience, as well as those from other underrepresented and historically marginalized groups. We believe in building an organization that is reflective of the communities that we serve and is diverse in work background, experience, education, race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, ancestry, national origin, or sensory, mental, and physical abilities. We believe that having a diverse and equitable organization strengthens our programming and services and advances our organizational values.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Human Resources Director is responsible for the development and smooth functioning of ILAP’s human resources administration. This involves reviewing, developing, and implementing the organization’s policies, procedures, and initiatives, and ensuring that they are equitable, effective, efficient, and in compliance with professional standards and legal requirements. This position is also responsible for supporting ILAP supervisors and staff in building and retaining a resilient and equitable work environment that promotes staff wellbeing and collaboration.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Human resources activities should be grounded in equity and transparency with an opportunity for meaningful staff input when appropriate.

Human Resources Strategy and Administration (75%)

  • Lead and oversee all human resources functions across the employee lifecycle.
  • Develop and implement the organization’s personnel policies and procedures, including review and revision of policies as needed, in consultation with leadership and the Board HR Committee. Ensure policies are consistently administered and aligned with organization goals, mission, and culture, and that they comply with professional standards and legal requirements.
  • Research and monitor benefit plans and policies and work with brokers to secure plans that are optimal for staff and the organization.
  • Oversee the recruitment, onboarding, and offboarding processes for employees, interns, and volunteers.
  • Oversee payroll functions and maintain HR systems, workflows, and documentation to ensure compliance and accuracy.
  • Lead and manage performance management processes, including goal setting, performance evaluations, improvement plans, and career development plans.
  • Provide guidance, training, and support to supervisors and staff navigating workplace issues, including conflict resolution, performance concerns, and career development; deliver tools and resources that foster success and wellbeing.
  • Provide management training and coaching support to supervisors, including leading quarterly supervisors’ team meetings.
  • Lead and manage internal investigations related to workplace complaints, discrimination, harassment, and policy violations; ensure timely, impartial, and well-documented resolution processes.
  • Ensure compliance with all applicable employment laws and regulations and proactively identify and mitigate HR-related risks.

Leadership and Management (15%)

<!· Supervise the Operations and Administrative Assistant and cross train for coverage of administrative HR tasks including payroll and benefits administration.

<!· Serve on ILAP’s Leadership Team to support ILAP’s overall management direction.

<!· Participate on the Board’s HR Committee and provide updates and policy proposals to the committee.

Equity and Organizational Culture (10%)

  • Serve as an HR and leadership liaison on ILAP’s Equity Committee and Fun Committee and help to co-lead meetings. Work to integrate equity into all aspects of our policies, programs, and relationships.
  • Design and facilitate training programs on EEO compliance, anti-discrimination practices, and respectful workplace culture to strengthen organizational awareness and accountability.
  • Proactively assess organizational health, identify emerging patterns in staff experience and workplace dynamics, and partner with the Executive Director and other relevant staff to address emerging needs.
  • Develop and implement strategies to improve staff retention, engagement, and sense of belonging.
  • Perform such other tasks and assume such other responsibilities deemed appropriate by the Executive Director.

QUALIFICATIONS

<· Bachelor’s and advanced degree or certification/credential or training in human resources or equivalent field. Equivalent education and/or experience will be considered.

<!· Preference for 8 years of direct experience in human resources administration, including at least 5 years in a leadership role.

  • Solid knowledge of human resources best practices and procedures, including benefits administration.
  • Knowledge of federal and state employment laws and regulations, equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination statutes, wage and hour laws, health, and safety regulations.
  • Experience supervising staff and supporting supervisors working with diverse teams.
  • Knowledge of trauma informed principles is helpful, as ILAP staff work in a highly stressful environment with clients who have experienced significant violence and persecution.
  • Ability to work collaboratively and with respect, compassion, and understanding of employee needs and perspectives.
  • Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information and exercise discretion with integrity.
  • Excellent interpersonal and conflict resolution skills.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to manage both strategic HR initiatives and day-to-day human resource responsibilities with strong attention to detail and follow-through.
  • Solutions-oriented and creative problem-solving skills.
  • Commitment to ILAP’s mission and respect for the clients we serve and the employees who deliver our services.
  • Personal and professional commitment to racial justice and equity.

COMPENSATION

For 2026, ILAP’s base salary for this position ranges from $89,116 - $99,725. Placement on our salary scale is based on multiple factors including job classification and years of relevant experience. Employees may also receive additional compensation based on language proficiency in one or more relevant client languages.

ILAP offers a generous benefits package. Current benefits include:

<!·ILAP offers a generous benefits package. Current benefits include:

<!· Fully paid individual health and dental insurance coverage and significant coverage for dependents’ health insurance;

<!·Vacation (20 days), Holidays (14.5), Sick Days (12), and Personal Days (4);

<!· Reduced Hours Fridays;

<!· Paid parental leave and a paid family and medical leave policy;

<!· Paid sabbatical after each 5 years of employment;

<!· Employer Retirement Contributions;

<!· Flexible Spending Plan;

<!· Law School Repayment Assistance;

<!· Employer paid premium for long term disability and life insurance;

<!· Individual and staff-wide professional development opportunities; and

<!· Alternative Work Arrangement (eligible after 90-day onboarding).

TO APPLY

Send cover letter and resume by e-mail to hr@ilapmaine.org with the subject line “HR Director.” Review of applications will begin on September 10, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled.

HIRING PROCESS

Qualified candidates invited to participate in the hiring process will begin with a remote panel interview. Finalists will be invited to a second-round, in-person interview. ILAP will check references before extending a written offer to the selected candidate. We are committed to keeping all applicants informed and will notify those not selected in a timely manner throughout the process.


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