Open to opportunities

Jamela Irvin

@jamelairvin

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Strategic HR leader driving people strategy, DEI, and organizational growth.

United States

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What I'm looking for

I seek a leadership HR role where I can align people strategy with organizational growth, drive DEI and engagement, implement HR systems, and develop leaders in a collaborative, impact-focused culture.

I am a strategic human resources leader with 20+ years of progressive experience across nonprofits, healthcare, education, transportation, and operations. I align people strategy with organizational goals, lead multi-state compliance efforts, and design talent programs that support growth.

I have a strong record in talent acquisition, HRIS implementation, change management, and people analytics, including implementing systems that reduced manual work by 40% and supporting workforces of 250–500+ employees. I have led DEI and engagement initiatives that improved culture and retention.

With an MBA in Human Resource Management and SHRBP and PAHR certifications, I serve as a strategic advisor to executive teams, build leadership development and succession programs, and drive performance management and organizational development to create high-performing cultures.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Director of Human Resources

The Opportunity Agenda

Feb 2021 - Feb 2024 (3 years)

Served as strategic HR advisor to the executive team for a fully remote, multi-state workforce; directed compliance across 5+ states and designed leadership development and succession programs to position the organization for growth.

HR strategy Leadership Development Succession Planning HRIS Change Management Employee Engagement

Human Resources Manager

The Opportunity Agenda

Feb 2020 - Feb 2021 (1 year)

Managed HR operations for a distributed workforce, leading recruitment, employee relations, and benefits; implemented a new HRIS that reduced manual work by 40% and enabled workforce analytics.

HR Operations Recruitment Employee Relations HRIS Implementation Benefits Administration HR Analytics Onboarding Performance Management

Senior Human Resources Generalist

Project Renewal

Jan 2017 - Jan 2021 (4 years)

Supervised HR Generalists and supported 500+ employees across program sites; partnered with directors on workforce planning and advanced DEI hiring initiatives to improve representation and retention.

Workforce Planning Employee Relations DEI & Compliance Onboarding Retention HR Leadership Program Support

HR Manager

Heritage Health and Housing

Jan 2015 - Jan 2017 (2 years)

Oversaw HR operations for 250+ employees across healthcare and housing programs; led recruitment, compliance, and workforce development initiatives to improve retention and engagement.

HR Operations Recruitment & Compliance Performance Management Employee Engagement Workforce Development Benefits Administration

HR Specialist

Heritage Health and Housing

Jan 2013 - Jan 2015 (2 years)

Provided full-cycle HR support including recruitment, onboarding, benefits administration, and compliance with labor and healthcare regulations; streamlined onboarding and record-keeping processes.

Onboarding Benefits Administration & Compliance Record keeping HR Processes Employee Support Regulatory Requirements

Financial Technician

UCP of NYC

Jan 2009 - Jan 2013 (4 years)

Supervised clinical staff, maintained financial and program records, acted as Program Director during absences, and supported executive leadership to streamline reporting and operations.

Financial Reporting Staff Supervision Executive Support Cross Functional Collaboration & Compliance

Floor Supervisor

Control Office Services

Jan 2001 - Jan 2009 (8 years)

Supervised office staff, maintained workflow efficiency and scheduling, and trained employees to improve productivity and customer service across operations.