Human Resources Director

Who We Are: Founded in 1956, the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra (MYSO) is a cornerstone of artistic excellence and youth development in the U.S. We are dedicated to transforming young lives through music, instilling vital 21st-century skills such as teamwork, leadership, discipline, and focus in over 6,000 young people aged 8-18. Our commitment to nurturing talent and enriching the community has made us a nationally recognized leader in youth orchestras.

The Opportunity:  MYSO is seeking a Part-Time Human Resources Director to lead all aspects of our HR function—strategically and operationally—as a department of one. This is a hands-on, leadership-level role that works closely with the CEO and leadership team to shape, enhance, and manage the entire employee lifecycle.

The ideal candidate will be a well-rounded HR professional, equally comfortable with developing strategy and rolling up their sleeves to execute day-to-day HR operations.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement a comprehensive HR strategy aligned with MYSO’s mission and goals
• Serve as a key member of the leadership team and participate in board committee meetings
• Maintain and evolve HR policies, practices, and employee handbook
• Optimize relationships with HR vendors and lead vendor selection when necessary

HR Administration

• Oversee full-cycle recruiting and onboarding processes
• Manage employee benefits and compensation programs, including open enrollment
• Support training and development initiatives to promote employee growth and retention
• Serve as a primary point of contact for all HR-related inquiries and employee relations issues
• Monitor compliance with employment laws and advise on risk management
• Provide accurate payroll data to Finance for processing and support payroll audits

Culture & Compliance

• Foster a supportive, inclusive, and mission-aligned work culture
• Maintain all employee documentation in compliance with legal requirements
• Conduct exit interviews, staffing analyses, and support continuous improvement

Candidate Profile:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field
• 7+ years of progressive HR experience, ideally within a nonprofit organization
• Demonstrated experience managing both HR strategy and hands-on HR administration
• HR certification preferred (SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR)
• Strong knowledge of federal and state employment laws
• Exceptional communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities with high attention to detail
• Commitment to confidentiality, ethics, and professionalism
• Passion for MYSO’s mission and values
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, HRIS, and payroll systems
• Availability for occasional evening/weekend events and meetings

Why Join MYSO:

• Make a meaningful impact in the lives of young musicians.
• Join a close-knit, mission-driven team with a passion for the arts and youth development
• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Collaborative and inspiring work environment.
• Flexible part-time schedule with hybrid work options