Director of Human Resources

KIPP SoCal is inviting applications for the Director of Human Resources, a role that is critical to the organization s growth and sustainability. The person in this position will lead the development, implementation, and oversight of programs and practices relative to Human Resources throughout the organization. The Director of Human Resources will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day HR operations (benefits, onboarding, employee relations, and compliance). Success in this role requires that the new Director master strategic planning, stakeholder relations, and HR operations and systems in education.

KIPP SoCal Public Schools is a network of 20 high-performing, college-preparatory public charter schools. We educate more than 9,000 students in grades pre-K through eighth in the greater Los Angeles area and San Diego. Additionally, we support approximately 5,100 alumni on their journey to and through high school and college.

KIPP SoCal believes that the purpose of education is for liberation. This means that we see, develop, and inspire the limitless potential in each and all of our KIPPsters.

At KIPP SoCal we build trusting relationships that are strengthened by high expectations and collaboration alongside laughter and joy. We set ambitious goals and hold each other accountable for students achieving their greatest potential. We work together with each other and in partnership with families and communities in the active pursuit of a more equitable world. We do the right thing, even when it s not convenient or comfortable standing up and speaking out against anti-blackness, racism, oppression, and injustice. We persevere through obstacles and treat failure as an opportunity to learn and grow.

The Director of Human Resources (HR) will join KIPP SoCal Schools leadership team during an exciting phase of growth. This role is responsible for developing and managing an exceptional Human Resources function to serve the needs of a 1,200+ person organization across 23 schools and one regional office. Therefore, this individual will embrace continuous improvement and innovation, is able to hold a short-, mid-, and long-term lens as needed, can flex between hands-on work and getting results through others when suited to best support the team and relishes the challenge of finding ways to provide better, more efficient support to our team and family. The Director of HR will report to the Chief Talent and Equity Officer and manage four direct reports overseeing an overall team of approximately 7, providing leadership for the vision, goals, and strategy, while establishing clear expectations, promoting exemplary team member support, and fostering a culture of excellence. They will also work closely and collaboratively with school leadership and cross-functional departments including the Talent Acquisition, Credentialing, Equity, Academics, Finance & Accounting, and Data teams.

The ideal candidate for this position deeply understands the value of people and how to make people feel valued in an entrepreneurial, mission-driven organization. They have expertise in Human Resources, a strong track record of effective people management and team leadership, risk, compliance and employee relations management, systems implementations, and impeccable judgment. This is a unique opportunity for a mission and self-driven individual to enhance and develop HR and tools, systems, and processes to help a vibrant charter management organization develop stronger HR systems for sustainability and growth. The position is based out of KIPP SoCal s Los Angeles office, with telecommuting and local travel in Los Angeles and San Diego counties as needed.

Team Leadership

• Refine and implement the vision for the HR function at KIPP SoCal. Lead the team to ensure a culture of high expectations, excellent customer service, and continual improvement.
• Sets and monitors metrics for quality of HR service delivery, and works with the department to improve over time.
• Continue to develop and implement our HR Partner model, including leading our HR Partners to proactively support and engage with our school-based team members.
• Hold high standards for project management while empowering others to proactively and creatively problem-solve.
• With great empathy, is a consistent champion and proud member of their team. Encourages participation from all members of the team and seeks feedback and ideas from team members at all levels
• Recruits, mentors and supports a diverse and exceptional team of professionals. Diligently seeks opportunities for professional development, acting as a coach and thought partner, and serves as an organizational role model in cultivating a culture of high expectations and support.
• Represents the organization with key vendors, ensuring deliverables are met and recommending modifications to improve performance
• Defines department s approach to data stewardship and data governance, including management and oversight of KIPP SoCal’s data assets to help provide decision-makers with high-quality data that is easily accessible in a consistent manner.
• Prioritizes areas of analysis and reporting, both for external compliance and internal talent strategy development
• Collaborate with the Director of Equity to ensure that HR policies, procedures, and systems promote a culture of equity and equitable results.
• Collaborates with Directors of Equity, Talent Acquisition, Leadership Development, and Credentialing to ensure team members are supported throughout their tenure at KIPP SoCal.

New Hires & Onboarding

• Create a vision for, refine, and oversee the annual regional instructional and non-instructional onboarding process (150+ teachers; 100+ non-instructional team members).
• Create a vision for, refine, and oversee the onboarding process for new School Success Team (regional office) team members.

Employee Relations

• Investigate ongoing employee relations issues, anticipate problems whenever possible, and develop, recommend, and initiate appropriate steps for resolution.
• Provide advice and guidance to senior leaders, managers, and school leaders on employee issues. Work with managers to develop and implement improvement plans when needed.
• Respond with empathy and timeliness to managers when they need guidance on how best to navigate sensitive and at times complex employment situations, including terminations and exits after-hours phone calls (some evenings and early mornings) expected.
• Balance knowledge of HR compliance with unique circumstances of KIPP SoCal s culture and pragmatism, and the needs of the organization with employee advocacy
• Advises team on policy infractions and leads resolution in complex and/or highly visible situations
• Plans approach to complex and/or highly visible personnel issues and workers compensation situations, informed by legal guidance
• Prepares CEO and senior leadership team for negotiation with key employee groups

Compensation, Benefits, and Insurance Administration

• Oversee compensation program: Recommend salary, promotions, COLA, and merit increases.
• Oversee benefits package: Recommend benefits package, negotiate contracts with carriers and vendors, oversee all wellness initiatives, and manage the collaborative, productive relationship(s) with benefits brokers.
• Works with Finance team to ensure benefits and compensation programs are financially viable
• Create and implement employee engagement strategy and communications.
• Provide guidance, thought partnership and oversight to the Human Resources Team, in providing outstanding, timely day-to-day support for employees with inquiries regarding benefits, pay and employment questions
• Design and implement scalable systems to ensure the proper administration of all leaves of absence including FMLA, maternity, disability, and unpaid leave.
• Oversee management of workers’ compensation policy and claims.

Compliance

• Ensure that KIPP SoCal is in compliance with federal and state labor laws. Annually update KIPP SoCal s employee handbook, including working with outside counsel as needed and making recommendations to senior leadership for policy changes.
• Lead the HR team to develop processes and procedures to ensure 100% compliance with training, certification, and health clearances required for employment with KIPP SoCal.
• Maintain and expand knowledge and understanding of existing and proposed federal, state, and Department of Education laws/regulations affecting human resources management. Interpret appropriate laws and policies and advise administration and employees accordingly.
• Identify trends that could impact KIPP SoCal s ability to execute its mission and growth plan. Propose and implement solutions to mitigate potential threats.
• Work with Benefits Manager and Sr. Controller to provide information for the annual 401k audit and ensure all ACA and ERISA reporting requirements are met.
• Manage ESSA and SafeSchools data collection, review, and reporting for the region.

Training

• Lead the HR team to create and deliver a comprehensive and engaging training program and effective reference materials for new and existing managers.

Projects & Systems

• Manage or assist with the development, preparation, and analysis of ongoing and ad-hoc reports pertaining to employee personnel information and data collection.
• Analyze current systems, processes, and workflows and recommend and implement changes.
• Partner with the Systems Analyst to continually refine the HRIS and ensure it is optimized to meet the needs of a growing organization.
• As needed, lead the selection and implementation of new HR systems (i.e. HRIS, leave management, learning management, etc.).

You’ll Be Qualified If You Have

• Minimum of 10 years of related work experience, preferably in a growing and dynamic multi-site organization with at least 300+ team members
• A bachelor s degree from an accredited institution. Master s Degree or equivalent in a related field or equivalent professional certification (PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP) highly preferred
• Expertise in benefits, compensation policies and procedures, HR information and data systems, HR policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Excellent relationship-building skills with team members, vendors, and service providers.
• Demonstrated ability to lead multiple high-profile and complex projects simultaneously
• Collaborative team player; comfortable leading and executing projects as required
• Demonstrated ability to lead system implementations; prefer experience leading an HRIS system implementation
• Track record of identifiable and measurable successes in managing a complex organization and implementing operational change.
• Outstanding organizational skills and high attention to detail
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills.
• Articulate, professional demeanor with strong self-confidence and initiative.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced, high energy environment with a proven ability to meet and complete multiple deadlines and tasks
• Commitment to KIPP SoCal s mission and values

Joining KIPP SoCal Means the Following

• Working at an organization committed to the hard work necessary to ensure education is for liberation
• Spending time with students and families in the best communities of LA, Compton, and San Diego
• Support and care from fellow regional team members
• Ongoing professional development and coaching from manager

Working with Us Means the Following Perks

• Competitive total compensation range of $120,000 – $180,000
• 100% of healthcare premium costs covered by employer, dependents added at 50% of the cost
• Employer-paid KIPP SoCal life insurance
• 401(k) plan with up to 6% match by KIPP SoCal
• Voluntary Benefits (Pet Insurance, Supplemental Life, Accident, Short Term Disability, etc.)
• Generous paid time off program includes 22 holidays, sick leave, and vacation
• Other great benefits (Flexible spending account, EAP, college tuition benefits program through Guardian Dental plan, etc.)

KIPP SoCal Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation/gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

KIPP SoCal strives to ensure that our careers website is accessible to all, including individuals with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process due to a disability, please contact us. You can find our contact information on our website, Information will be sent to a talent acquisition representative who will provide assistance to ensure appropriate consideration in the hiring process.