Matthew Pealer
South San Francisco
Summary
HR director with extensive experience in employee relations, union negotiations, and compliance. Successfully developed and implemented HR policies that improved workplace culture and aligned with strategic workforce planning objectives.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Director, Human Resources
Project Open Hand
12.2025 - Current
- Managed recruitment processes to attract diverse talent for community support roles.
- Oversaw employee relations initiatives to foster a positive workplace culture.
- Collaborated with leadership on strategic planning for workforce development.
- Administered benefits programs ensuring compliance with organizational policies.
- Facilitated performance reviews and feedback sessions for team members.
- Maintained HR databases and records for accurate personnel information.
- Conducted exit interviews to gather insights and improve retention strategies.
- Counseled managers on disciplinary actions when necessary.
- Investigated incidents of workplace harassment or discrimination complaints.
- Developed and implemented human resources policies, procedures, and best practices.
- Ensured compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws by monitoring changes in regulations related to human resources management.
- Managed employee benefits programs, such as health insurance, retirement plans, and vacation time.
- Drafted job descriptions and prepared job postings for open positions.
- Monitored employee attendance records to ensure adherence to company policies.
- Organized onboarding processes for new hires, including orientation sessions and paperwork completion.
- Conducted performance reviews for employees in all departments.
- Assisted in the preparation of annual budgets related to staffing needs.
- Maintained confidential records related to personnel files and other sensitive documents.
- Collaborated with HR department to devise and update policies for corporate accountability and workplace health.
- Collaborated with department heads to develop strategies that would increase employee engagement levels.
- Created a positive work environment by promoting team building initiatives and resolving conflicts between employees.
- Provided guidance on labor relations issues, including collective bargaining agreements.
- Supported top talent identification processes by interviewing candidates and executing onboarding, orientation, and benefits processes.
- Developed hiring and recruitment policies to drive transparent and fair hiring process for selecting candidates on the basis of merit and relevance with the job.
- Handled sensitive employee and company information with highest level of confidentiality and discretion.
- Held exit interviews and documented information discussed with employees.
- Directed HR programs, policies and processes to improve operational efficiency.
- Encouraged open communications, promoting positive and pro-employee work environment.
- Delivered HR consultation services to leadership on workforce management strategies. to leadership and department heads.
- Compiled reports to provide management with accurate information and comply with policies and procedures.
- Identified operational weaknesses to improve or innovate people, programs and processes.
- Achieved desired work environment and performance by proactively advising and guiding employees on best practices and overseeing HR training.
- Investigated workplace issues with professionalism and sensitivity and detailed incidents in reports to senior executives.
- Advised leadership on vacation and sick time, benefits, job services and employment discrepancies.
- Advised leadership and personnel on driving HR policies, union negotiations, and business strategy implementation.
- Used HR website and other media to communicate HR processes, increasing understanding and consistent use.
- Managed compensation, insurance and vacation days within employee benefits programs.
- Researched industry trends to inform compensation and performance strategies.
- Scheduled meetings with employees to address concerns and grievances.
- Aligned HR policies with federal and local regulations.
- Handled employee discipline and termination to address policy infractions.
- Launched wellness plans to reduce stress, boost morale and increase productivity.
- Attended conferences, workshops and special events to recruit qualified candidates for company.
- Acted as a liaison between management and employees to communicate workplace policies. by relaying work information, adjustments and grievances.
- Helped with employee transfers and referrals.
- Prepared presentations to company executives regarding employee performance and retention trends.
- Organized employee directories and updated individual contact information.
- Negotiated collective bargaining agreements with labor unions by highlighting company profit and operational outcomes.
- Reported on workplace health and safety compliance to superiors.
- Coordinated employee benefits programs, including health insurance and retirement plans.
Human Resources Benefits Manager
Project Open Hand
04.2015 - 12.2025
- Managed employee benefits programs and ensured compliance with regulations.
- Collaborated with external vendors to enhance benefit offerings and services.
- Audited benefit plans to verify accuracy and identify efficiency improvements.
- Assessed compliance with plan frameworks, company standards and legal statutes.
- Conducted scheduled audits of benefit plans and SLAs in order to identify areas in need of improvement.
- Conducted periodic audits of employee benefit records to ensure accuracy.
- Facilitated employee workshops to communicate benefits information effectively.
- Provided guidance and support to employees regarding their benefits packages.
- Reviewed and updated benefits policies to align with organizational goals.
- Developed training materials for staff on benefits enrollment processes.
- Led classes for new and existing employees to outline benefits choices.
- Participated in multiple salary surveys to ensure alignment with market trends.
- Completed yearly evaluations of providers to check service options and coverage plans against competitors.
- Analyzed data from surveys and focus groups to evaluate current programs and inform decisions about future changes or updates.
- Assisted employees with inquiries regarding benefits options and eligibility.
- Assisted with the development of annual budgets for all benefit programs.
- Developed newsletters, brochures, and presentations to effectively educate employees on available benefits.
- Developed procedures for tracking enrollment in various benefit plans.
- Investigated discrepancies between reported information received from vendors and internal records.
- Participated in collective bargaining discussions to advocate for employee benefits.
- Cultivated strong partnerships with third-party providers to ensure seamless benefits services. with third-party providers of benefits services.
Manager, Client Services
TechSoup Global
San Francisco
07.2009 - 07.2011
Director, Client Services
Planet Out
05.2000 - 06.2010
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Movement Therapy
The Ohio State University
Columbus, OH06-1995
Skills
- HR management
- Benefits management
- Performance evaluation
- Labor relations
- Dispute resolution
- Negotiation skills
- Workplace relations
- Team leadership
- Communication skills
Timeline
Director, Human Resources
Project Open Hand
12.2025 - Current
Human Resources Benefits Manager
Project Open Hand
04.2015 - 12.2025
Manager, Client Services
TechSoup Global
07.2009 - 07.2011
Director, Client Services
Planet Out
05.2000 - 06.2010
Bachelor of Arts - Movement Therapy
The Ohio State University