Position PurposeThe Director of Human Resources provides vision, leadership, planning, and strategic guidance to the HR function. This role ensures a cost-effective HR department while facilitating efficient, compliant operations aligned with the school's mission and values. The Director serves as a key member of the school's leadership team and creates and maintains a high-touch, deeply engaging employment experience for all employees. This position starts January 4, 2027.
Essential Functions I. Strategic Leadership & Compliance- Maintains in-depth knowledge of legal requirements, HR trends, and Pennsylvania labor laws to ensure school compliance and mitigate legal/financial risks.
- Collaborates with senior leadership on workforce planning, succession planning, and organizational development.
- Uses data and analytics to measure HR effectiveness, inform strategic decisions, and generate reports for the CFO and Head of School (HOS).
- Consults with the school's legal counsel as needed on complex employment matters.
- Promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives to foster an equitable culture.
II. Employee Relations & Performance Management- Advises all managers on personnel matters, including providing day-to-day performance management guidance, coaching, counseling, career development, disciplinary actions, and investigations
- Oversees the performance management process, ensuring employees receive constructive feedback and recognition.
- Oversees the annual update of the Employee Handbook, including writing and making new policy recommendations.
III. Talent Acquisition, Onboarding & Operations- Writes all offers of employment, including leading salary negotiations.
- Writes annual employment memos for all returning faculty and staff.
- Administers and uses the Predictive Index software for recruitment and employee relations.
- Oversees new-hire orientation and administrative onboarding alongside the HR team to ensure a smooth transition for new employees.
- Collaborates on the maintenance of multiple tracking Google Docs (e.g., new hires, attrits, stipends, PTO).
- Writes and revises accurate job descriptions across the School.
- Oversees all immigration documentation for H1B visa-holding and non-citizen employees.
IV. Benefits, Compensation, and Payroll Administration- Ensures all benefit plans follow federal and state laws, such as the Affordable Care Act (ACA), ERISA, and COBRA.
- Works with the HR team to lead the annual open enrollment process, including employee communication and system updates.
- Guides employees through benefit questions, claims issues, and life-event changes.
- Works with the HOS and CFO on the School's salary structure for all employees.
- Reviews and approves the bi-weekly payroll.
- Completes annual industry surveys including PAISBOA, NAIS, and NBOA.
- Oversees the school-wide administration of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
- Leads and mentors the HR staff.
- Manages unemployment compensation - paying monthly invoices, responding to questionnaires, and providing information as requested by Pennsylvania Unemployment Compensation.
Performs other related duties as assigned by the Head of School and/or the CFO.
Qualifications - Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field. (Required)
- Master's degree in Human Resources Management or a related field. (Preferred)
- 8-10 years of progressive HR experience, including time spent in a senior HR leadership role.
- Relevant HR Certification, e.g., SHRM-CP/SCP, PHR/SPHR. (Preferred)
- Deep, demonstrated knowledge of federal and state employment regulations, specifically FMLA, ADA, EEOC, and related labor standards.
- Experience in independent schools or non-profit organizations is highly preferred, but not required.
- Strong, up-to-date knowledge of HR principles and practices.
- Deep understanding of organizational development, employee engagement, and change management.
- Proficiency with HR software and systems (e.g., HRIS, Applicant Tracking Systems).
- Demonstrated knowledge of employee benefits and compensation structures.
- Communication: Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust and drive change across all organizational levels.
- Analytical Thinking: Strong problem-solving abilities with a data-driven approach to decision-making.
- Leadership: Proven ability to motivate, lead, and develop a team in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
- Discretion: Absolute commitment to handling confidential and sensitive information with total discretion.
- DEI: Demonstrated sensitivity, knowledge, and understanding of the diverse backgrounds of community members with a continuous focus on healthy relationship building; demonstrated deep understanding of cultural competency skills and enthusiasm for issues of diversity, inclusivity, and multiculturalism.
Physical Requirements and Work Environment- Able to move around all school environments.
- Regularly use close and distant vision.
Application Procedures To be considered, candidates must upload a cover letter, resume, and information for three professional references through our online platform.
