Jacqueline R.
Employee Relations/Human Resource Manager
Profile
Mission-driven Human Resources leader with 15+ years of progressive experience across nonprofit, education, and business sectors, overseeing HR strategy and supporting organizations with 700+ employees. Adept across the full employee lifecycle, with expertise in leadership coaching, employee relations, performance development, compliance, and workforce planning. Known for navigating complex HR challenges through a conscious leadership lens that fosters inclusive, high-trust cultures. A recognized speaker and SHRM member, honored to recently present at the 2025 Tri-State SHRM Conference and the upcoming DisruptHR Rhode Island event.
Key Skills & Competencies
Hard Skills (Technical & Professional Expertise)
• Employee Relations & HR Leadership
o Workplace investigations (complex, high-risk cases)
o Performance management systems and feedback frameworks
o Policy development and handbook creation
o Employment law & compliance (multi-state, U.S. focus)
o Conflict resolution and mediation
o Absence and accommodation management (including reasonable adjustments)
• Leadership Development & Training
o Designing and facilitating workshops (in-person & virtual)
o Leadership coaching for executives, managers, and teams
o Organizational culture transformation
o DEI&B initiatives and cultural competency training
• Coaching & Consulting
o Career development coaching for individuals and teams
o Positive Intelligence (PQ) mental fitness coaching
o Everything DiSC Certified facilitation for team and leadership development
o Strategic career planning and goal setting
• Communication & Facilitation
o Public speaking (keynotes, panels, conferences)
o Presentation design and delivery (engaging, high-impact style)
o 360° feedback facilitation and reporting
• Strategic & Organizational Development
o Vision, mission, and values development
o Change management and workforce planning
o Employee engagement strategy
o Data-informed decision-making in HR and leadership
• Event Leadership
o Designing and hosting retreats, summits, and professional meetups
o Creating community-based networking and learning experiences
• Industry & Sector Knowledge
o Nonprofit, education, behavioral health, and mission-driven organizations
o Corporate and entrepreneurial settings
Professional Experience
Jacqueline C. Ross, LLC
HR Consultant & Leadership Coach | 2013 – Present
• Provides HR consulting services to small and mid-sized organizations including recruitment support, onboarding design, employee relations guidance, and policy development.
• Conducts leadership training and executive coaching sessions to improve team performance, retention, and engagement.
• Delivers keynote talks and facilitated HR workshops for SHRM and DisruptHR, specializing in managing up, conscious leadership, and workplace communication.
• Supports HR audits and provided strategic recommendations to strengthen compliance and operational excellence.
NFI Massachusetts, Inc.
Director of Human Resources | 2012 – 2019
• Led all HR operations for a behavioral health organization, supporting over 700 employees across multiple programs and locations.
• Oversaw full-cycle HR functions, including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, benefits administration, and employee relations.
• Conducted and supervised over 100 internal investigations, including complex employee relations cases; trained and built the capacity of investigators across departments.
• Served as a trusted advisor to executive leadership, offering guidance on compliance, labor law, and organizational development.
• Implemented and optimized HRIS systems, improving data accuracy, reporting, and HR process efficiency.
• Championed diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, embedding cultural competence into HR policies and training programs.
• Designed and delivered leadership development and coaching programs to strengthen managerial effectiveness and staff engagement.
• Ensured compliance with federal and state employment laws, developed HR policies and procedures, and supported strategic workforce planning.
Director of Staff Development | 2001 – 2012
• Managed agency-wide training and professional development strategy aligned with organizational priorities.
• Facilitated onboarding, leadership training, and compliance workshops.
• Designed and delivered more than 50 custom curricula to meet program needs and regulatory requirements.
• Promoted a learning culture and supported retention through continuous development programs.
Community Experience
Community & Volunteer Experience
AIM – Aid to Incarcerated Mothers (Framingham, MA)
Transported infants, children, and youth to visit their mothers at Framingham Prison. Ensured safety and emotional support during travel, providing comfort and guidance before and after visits during emotionally challenging times.
LGBTQ+ Hiking & Social Group Organizer (Connecticut)
Founded and facilitate an inclusive hiking and social group for LGBTQ+ community members. Plan and lead outdoor activities and social events to foster connection, community, and belonging.
Education
• Master’s Degree in Management & Organizational Development – Cambridge College
• Bachelor of Science in Human Services & Counseling – Lesley College
Other Experience/Awards/Publications