Director of People and Culture

CASA & CASA IN ACTION SYNOPSIS:

CASA’s mission is to create a more just society by building power and improving the quality of life in working-class, Black, Latino/a/e, Afro-descendent, Indigenous, and Immigrant communities. Our vision is rooted in the collective power of our community; our inclusive, permanent, member-led movement radically transforms communities and systems to ensure the needs, dreams, and aspirations of members are fully met as we strive for justice and full liberation at home and in solidarity with others across the world. CASA has a sister organization, CASA in Action, a separate, but related, nonprofit organization that is exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code. Although CASA and CASA in Action share a common mission and vision in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Georgia, they are separate organizations with their own board of directors. A set of employees at the two organizations, including the person filling this position, shares their time between the two organizations. This has no effect on salary or benefits.

PEOPLE AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT:

Typically referred to as the Human Resources (HR) department, the People and Culture department is a strategic and operational department within CASA. They play a critical role in shaping a workplace culture that embraces diversity, promotes equity, and fosters inclusion, resulting in an environment where all employees can thrive and contribute their unique perspectives and talents. Their primary objective is to create an environment where employees from all backgrounds, cultures, and identities feel valued, respected, like they belong, and they have equal opportunities for growth and success at CASA.

POSITION SUMMARY:

We are looking for a Director of People and Culture (DPC) who will be responsible for transforming our Human Resources department into the People and Culture department, to enhance employee engagement, promote inclusivity, and strengthen our organizational resilience.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in developing progressive human resource strategies in fast-growing environments; and can combine strategic planning with strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to social justice.

In this key role, the DPC will work closely with the team to build a united and empowered workforce that aligns with CASA's mission. They will ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards through effective HR policies. The DPC will oversee talent acquisition, employee development, conflict resolution, Racial Justice, Equity, and Inclusion (RJEI) initiatives, and cultural programs to support our staff.

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer (COO), the DPC will support talent management, organizational development, and ensure that all efforts are aligned with CASA’s mission and vision. They will advise senior leadership on workforce planning strategies, performance management, and fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment, ensuring the well- being and growth of our organization.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES, COMPETENCIES, AND QUALIFICATIONS:

Strategic Vision and Leadership:

• Direct all aspects of a typical human resources department with a focus on people.
• Lead and monitor ongoing progress of Objective Key Results (OKRs), at all levels, aligning with organizational strategies.
• Align people and culture strategies with organizational goals and anticipate future talent needs.
• Manage organizational change and drive cultural transformation in alignment with strategic objectives.
• Collaborate across teams, and with the leadership team to align people and cultural strategies with broader organizational goals and objectives.
• Leverage data analytics to inform decision-making, measure the effectiveness of initiatives with the ability to provide insightful recommendations to the leadership team to support decision-making at the highest level.

Commitment to Racial Justice, Equity, and Inclusion

• A passion for CASA's mission and values, with a demonstrated commitment to advancing social justice through organizing, advocacy, and programs & services.
• Commitment to Racial Justice, Equity, and Inclusion (RJEI): A deep commitment to advancing racial justice, equity, and inclusion in all facets of our work. Collaborating with our leadership team to ensure that our human resource practices and strategies align with our RJEI values. This includes advocating for equitable resource allocation, fostering a culture of belonging, mitigating bias, and implementing policies that promote fairness and transparency. The DPC’s dedication to advancing racial justice, equity, and inclusion will be integral to CASA’s mission and impact.
• Collaborate with leaders, RJEI team of staff, and the HR team to develop, align, and implement overall RJEI strategy with CASA’s mission, vision, and values.
• Collaborate with leaders, RJEI team of staff, and the HR team to create and assess policies, practices, programs, and services that enhance RJEI at CASA.
• Provide guidance and support to management and employees on matters related to RJEI.

Operational Management and Employee Development

• Design and deliver training programs, orientations, and workshops to promote awareness, understanding, and competencies.
• Develop and implement human resource policies and procedures tailored to the needs of the organization.
• Manage employee benefits programs, negotiating and attracting high-quality and easily accessible benefits for all staff.
• Develop strategies and provide guidance and support on employee relations issues, including conflict resolution and performance management.
• Monitor and analyze metrics to measure effectiveness of different initiatives and identify areas for improvement.
• Design and implement initiatives to enhance employee satisfaction, motivation, and retention.
• Skilled in attracting, selecting, and onboarding top talent, as well as developing and retaining high-performing employees.
• Design and implement performance evaluation systems, providing constructive feedback, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Utilize extensive knowledge and expertise in employment laws, regulations, and best practices to ensure legal compliance and mitigate risks across multiple states and localities.
• Manage sensitive employee and organizational matters with confidence and professionalism to maintain trust.
• Agile communication and interpersonal skills - written and verbal, with the ability to effectively build relationships, resolve conflicts, and convey policies and initiatives to key stakeholders including but not limited to board members, partners, donors, and staff.
• Other relevant duties as assigned by the supervisor.

EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION/LICENSURE:

• Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent of ten years of progressive leadership within a nonprofit organization’s Human Resources department
• Valid US driver’s license and reliable vehicle.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Bilingual/trilingual preferred (English, Spanish, French)
• Prior experience working in a nonprofit organization, particularly in a leadership role within human resources, is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated leadership and practical understanding of racial justice, gender justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion principles.
• Strong applied computer skills; expert knowledge with Microsoft and Google workspaces (Word, Excel, Google sheets, Doc’s, etc.).
• Lead and mentor, fostering a collaborative, innovative, and results-driven environment. Provide clear direction and goals, inspire, and motivate, adaptable and flexible leadership style and approach based on team needs and situations, continuously seeking feedback and opportunities for improvement.
• Commitment to upholding ethical standards and promoting a culture of integrity, fairness, and transparency within the organization.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, demonstrating flexibility and creativity in addressing challenges and seizing opportunities for growth and innovation.
• Strong work ethic and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated passion for idealism, progressive values, and Black, Latino/a/e, Afro-descendent, Indigenous, and Immigrant communities.
• Consistently exercises sound judgment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit. The employee is occasionally required to stand or walk.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions and outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

ADA: The employer will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

OSHA: This position does not handle any human body fluids, biological agents, laboratory chemicals, or be exposed to hazardous materials such as noise, asbestos, or carcinogens.

CASA and CASA in Action do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, mental or physical disability, ancestry, marital status or national origin.

This job description will be reviewed periodically as duties and responsibilities change with business necessity. Essential and marginal job functions are subject to modification. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

CASA has implemented a mandatory vaccination policy effective 01 February 2022, requiring COVID 19 Booster vaccination(s) for all employees and prospective employees, AmeriCorps members, and paid or non-paid internships. In accordance with CASA's duty to provide and maintain a workplace that is free of known hazards, we are adopting this policy to safeguard the health of our employees, AmeriCorps members and interns, and their families, CASA members and visitors, and the community at large from infectious diseases that may be reduced by vaccinations. In making this decision, the executive leadership team reviewed recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, CASA’s Legal Counsel and local health officials. All prospective employees will be required to provide proof of COVID 19 vaccination or appropriate medical / religious accommodation documentation prior to the first day of employment with CASA. AmeriCorps member candidates will be required to provide proof of COVID 19 vaccination or appropriate medical / religious accommodation documentation at the time of presenting proof of citizenship and SSN eligibility.