Senior Vice President of Human Resources

Meet Joni & Friends

Joni and Friends is committed to glorifying God in all we do. Employment here is more than a job; it’s a divine calling to serve and share the Gospel with individuals living with disabilities. We aspire to see local churches become welcoming communities for all families impacted by disability. Our goal is to empower every employee to excel in their relationship with Christ and their professional responsibilities. To foster spiritual growth and professional development, we prioritize ministry-wide prayer, leadership training, and opportunities to apply Christ-centered principles in the workplace.

About the Senior Vice President of Human Resources 

The Senior Vice President of Human Resources (SVP of HR) will serve as a key member of the executive leadership team, responsible for providing strategic direction and oversight of the human resources function. As a member of the executive leadership team, the SVP offers visionary leadership that helps shape the ministry’s culture, workforce strategy, and organizational direction, fostering unity, spiritual vitality, and long-term mission effectiveness. He/she collaborates cross-functionally to cultivate a healthy, trust-filled environment where innovation, authentic relationships, and biblical values guide all aspects of ministry life.

The Senior Vice President of Human Resources’ responsibilities include: 

Cultural & Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement HR strategies and initiatives aligned with the overall mission and strategic goals of the ministry
•  Promote ministry integration by aligning HR strategies with cross-departmental collaboration, unity in mission, and a shared purpose—encouraging this same integration across the organization
•  Model and encourage excellence within all areas of responsibility, demonstrating stewardship and a commitment to honoring God through high-quality work
• Serve as a strategic advisor to the President and executive leadership team on all HR matters
• Serve as a thought leader and key spokesperson in human resources development, internally and externally; lead efforts to capture and diffuse innovations, best practices and lessons learned, and create opportunities and incentives for knowledge-sharing across the company in HR
• Drive biblical diversity and belonging that reflects the ministry’s commitment to Christian values and principles
• Play a strategic role in supporting a ministry culture that values servant leadership, trust, open feedback, innovation, authentic connection, and strong communication, in collaboration with other leaders, to ensure staff are engaged, spiritually encouraged, and equipped to serve with unity, purpose and excellence

Employee Relations

• Foster a positive, supportive work environment that enhances employee engagement and satisfaction
• Travel to offer strategic guidance and develop direct connections with field employees
• Address and resolve employee relations issues in a manner that promotes harmony and reflects Christian compassion and fairness
• Ensure compliance with all relevant employment laws and regulations
• Oversee Employee Relations and approve recommendations for terminations, improvement plans, and other disciplinary actions
• Review all HR related legal matters that may arise and determine a recommended course of action to be reviewed with the President and legal counsel (as required)

Compensation & Benefits

• Provide strategic oversight of competitive compensation and benefits programs that attract and retain talent while being fiscally responsible
• Serve as consultant to the International Board’s Compensation Committee
• Regularly review and assess compensation structures to ensure market competitiveness and internal equity
• Oversee benefits administration and ensure effective communication of benefits to employees

Talent Management

• Oversee the recruitment, selection, and onboarding processes to attract and retain top talent committed to the ministry’s mission
• Oversee the development and implementation of a comprehensive talent management program, including performance management, leadership development, and succession planning
• Oversee the development and implementation of employee training and development programs that support professional growth and alignment with the ministry’s values
• Lead the employee engagement survey process from design to implementation and follow-up, ensuring alignment with ministry values and a culture of open communication. Analyze results with insight and discernment, then collaborate with leadership to develop and implement strategic, Christ-honoring initiatives that address key findings. Monitor progress over time to ensure sustained improvement in employee experience, spiritual health, and organizational effectiveness

HR Operations

• Oversee the efficient and effective delivery of HR services, including HRIS management, payroll, and HR policy development
• Ensure accurate and compliant HR record-keeping and reporting
• Identify legal requirements and government reporting regulations affecting Human Resources functions (OSHA, EEO, Wage & Hour, etc). Monitor exposure and identify legal liabilities. Direct preparation of information requested or required for compliance
• Manage the HR budget and ensure alignment with ministry priorities
• Analyze and evaluate the effectiveness of HR operations, programs, and policies

Ministry Advisory Group (MAG)

1. Provide strategic oversight and direction to the MAG, ensuring alignment with the ministry’s overall mission and objectives
2. Provide intentional mentoring and leadership development for the Ministry Advisory Group (MAG), offering focused guidance for the Chair and Vice-Chair to strengthen their leadership capacity, ministry insight, and decision-making skills. Facilitate group mentoring for all MAG members to support their development in leadership, ministry understanding, and professional growth
3. Support the MAG in establishing a consistent dialogue between the workforce and ELT by offering advice on challenges, opportunities, and proposed solutions. Encourage candid, solution-oriented discussions that reflect the ministry’s mission and values. Ensure MAG initiatives are actionable and lead to measurable improvements in workforce morale and ministry operations

Global HR Strategy

• Develop and execute a comprehensive global HR strategy that supports the ministry’s international operations and growth
• Ensure alignment of global HR practices with the ministries mission, values, and strategic objectives
• Oversee the development and implementation of global HR policies and programs that address the unique needs of diverse regions and cultures
• Monitor global HR trends and best practices to ensure the ministry remains competitive and compliant with international labor laws and regulations

Team Leadership, Development, and Guidance

• Lead and manage direct reports providing guidance, training, and timely support
• Schedule regular 1:1s with direct reports to review projects, goals, expectations, and overall performance
• Continuously develop the skills and knowledge of direct reports to enhance their capabilities and identify skills gaps and work with staff to close the gaps
• Work with staff to create, track, and complete their goals
• Conduct performance evaluations and foster a positive and collaborative work environment

• Other duties and projects as assigned by supervisor to support department and ministry needs
  

What you bring: 

• Must possess a vibrant personal relationship with Jesus Christ and agree with the Joni & Friends statement of faith
• Desire to serve in a growing and dynamic Christian service ministry
• Minimum 12 years of project and staff management experience within the field of employee development required; foundational HR knowledge preferred in nonprofit sector
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required; Master’s degree preferred
• Certification in Human Resources (e.g., SPHR, SHRM-SCP) preferred
• Demonstrated ability to solve all facets of extensive complex, multi-faceted managerial and operational issues which require extensive knowledge, varied experiences, access to multiple talent/resources and independent judgment
• Demonstrated ability to provide leadership, vision, and management of assigned division, manage annual budgets, resources and deliver quality results, contribute to new ministry efforts and contribute to the success of the ministry
• Possesses high emotional intelligence, with the ability to lead with empathy, self-awareness, and discernment. Skilled in navigating complex interpersonal dynamics, offering wise counsel, and building trust across all levels of the organization. Able to handle sensitive situations with grace, humility, and clarity, fostering healthy communication and Christ-honoring relationships in a diverse ministry environment
• Knowledge of state and federal HR laws and regulations
• Strong understanding and commitment to Evangelical Christian values and the mission of the ministry
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills
• Demonstrated ability to manage and supervise staff assigned and provide oversight of multiple project teams
• Ability to travel as needed
• Demonstrated ability to influence and build relationships at all levels of the ministry
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make data-driven decisions
• Understanding of Christian ministry and specifically Joni and Friends is desirable.

Benefits

Joni and Friends, an equal opportunity employer, has been named a Best Christian Workplace every year since 2006. We prioritize the health and well-being of every team member. Employees receive:

• Health, dental, and optional vision care
• Employer-paid life insurance
• 401K matching
• Paid time off
• Paid volunteer time
• Set hybrid work schedule
• HSA/FSA

Compensation: $150,000-$170,000 annually

What it’s like to live in Agoura Hills, CA

Agoura Hills, California, offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and suburban tranquility. Nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains, residents enjoy stunning views, hiking trails, and a close-knit community.  The city’s excellent schools, low crime rate, and family-friendly atmosphere make it an ideal place to raise children.

For professionals, Agoura Hills provides a convenient commute to Los Angeles while offering a peaceful retreat from the urban bustle. With a thriving business community and a focus on sustainability, Agoura Hills is a wonderful place to live, work, and play.