Director of Human Resources

Job Description: Director of Human Resources

Reports To: Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Overview

As a leading education management organization, Civitas Education Partners is committed to transforming the lives of students in culturally and linguistically diverse communities by providing students access to high-quality educational opportunities that elevate their identities as an asset and foster equitable and inclusive learning environments. Civitas Education Partners is a school management organization (SMO) in Chicago, IL that operates three campuses of Chicago International Charter School: CICS Ralph Ellison High School, CICS Northtown Academy High School, and CICS Wrightwood Elementary School. At Civitas, we believe through collective effort, we will have collective impact.

Position Summary:

This position will serve as a member of the network team, and will primarily work with the Chief Operating Officer. You will play a pivotal role in supporting the COO and the network leadership team in realizing our core commitments: continuous improvement, academic outcomes, and equity, access & development. Travel to all campuses and the network office is required.

As the Director of Human Resources, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the successful implementation and delivery of human resources management, from talent acquisition, employee relations, payroll and benefits across our organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Mission, Vision, Core Values: Partner with the leadership team to formulate, develop and evaluate continuous improvement in HR and Talent Management strategies to achieve the shared vision, mission and goals of the organization.

Ethics and Professional Norms: Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations for major tasks, including, but not limited to payroll, benefits, pension, and teacher licensure. Stay abreast of changes in laws and regulations and adapt the organization's practices accordingly. Ensure compliance and confidentiality for all employees systems and information.

Equity and Cultural Responsiveness: Ensure that each staff member has equitable access to resources and learning opportunities related to onboarding, open enrollment of benefits, position change, short term disability, pension, teacher licensure, and others. Ensure that each staff member is treated fairly, respectfully, and with an understanding of each staff member's culture and context. Champion equity and social justice principles throughout the organization.

Payroll and Benefits Administration: Follow a strict deadline for all payroll procedures. Regularly review compensation and benefits, monitor pay procedures, and proactively address and reconcile issues in partnership with senior management. Oversee all systems services and information housed in an online payroll system. Direct preparation of timecards in collaboration with school-based staff for the purpose of ensuring payment of accurate wages and hours recorded each pay period. Serve as the staff lead for all 401(k) and pension administration responsibilities in coordination with our third-party administrator and the Chicago Teacher Pension Fund.

Talent Acquisition: Develop systems to attract talent. Lead talent management and recruitment strategies to ensure effective staffing alignment with the licensure requirements of the Illinois State Board of Education. Directs certification processes, including, but not limited to a semi-annual notice to employees with certification changes or expiration dates. Ensure that certified staff are property certified per Illinois State Board of Education. Review and evaluate all course work in official transcripts for lane advancement established by the collective bargaining agreement.

Employee Compliance: Review and update job descriptions, documenting any changes in responsibilities and requirements. Collaborate with school leaders to identify staffing needs and ensure timely, effective recruitment processes. Manage workers' compensation procedures, ensuring timely reporting and documentation of work-related injuries in compliance with federal, state, and local laws and policies. Additionally, provide employees with safety information and guide them through necessary steps, including health insurance inquiries and return-to-work procedures.

Training and Development: Act as an advisor to school leaders, senior leaders, and supervisors on issues related to staff code of conduct and organizational policies. Ensure that personnel practices are in compliance including, but not limited to the requirements set forth by Illinois State Board of Education and Chicago Public Schools via SafeSchools platform. Provides training to school leaders and senior leaders on state licensure. Provides resources and development to teachers and staff on state licensure. Maintains a database of professional development for the organization. Develop and implement training programs to enhance employee performance and support career advancement opportunities.

Employee Relations: Serve as a trusted advisor to employee and school leaders on HR policies, procedures, and best practices. Manage employee relations issues, conduct investigations, and recommend solutions in collaboration with supervisors and in compliance with federal, state, and local laws. Ensure compliance with all relevant employment laws and regulations including, but not limited to Title IX of the Education Amendmendments (Title IX), American Disabilities Act (ADA), Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

Employee and Volunteer Management: Facilitate the onboarding process for staff members, including but not limited to enrollment of benefits and payroll. Direct employee and volunteer background fingerprint process with third-party vendors. Process all leaves, ensure full compliance with benefits offered regarding the leave. Maintain communication with staff members on leave as a resource for HR services. Assist senior leaders and staff in the transfer and position change of internal staff members.

Records Management and Audits: Oversee multiple Human Resource database systems to ensure they are up-to-date, functional, and serving their intended purpose effectively. Ensure proper and secure maintenance of employee files and records at all times. Manage a record management system in compliance with Chicago Public Schools' document retention policies. Oversee and complete all audits of staff records as required by Chicago Public Schools, the Illinois State Board of Education, and other parties.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Certification: SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP certification preferred or actively pursuing
• Education Level: Master's degree required
  • Preferably in a related field such as Human Resources,Organizational Psychology or Education
• Experience: Minimum of 6 years of progressive HR experience, with at least 3 years in a leadership role, preferably in the education sector or similar mission-driven organization
• Knowledge of HR Laws: Strong knowledge of HR laws, regulations, and best practices
• Strategic Vision: Proven track record of designing and implementing successful HR policies and procedures and effectively communicating them to staff
• Communication and Collaboration: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with various senior leaders
• Talent Management: Demonstrated experience in talent management, employee relations, performance management, payroll, benefits administration, and compliance
• Organizational Change: Strategic thinker with the ability to drive organizational change and achieve results.
• Educational Ethics: Passion for education and a commitment to promoting equity and inclusivity for staff in education.

Physical Job Requirements:

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and or pulling; some kneeling, crouching, and significant finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 80% sitting, 10% walking and 10% standing. This job is performed in a generally clean and climate controlled environment.

Note: This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the responsibilities and qualifications for the Director of Human Resources. Specific duties and responsibilities may evolve as per the organization's needs and growth. Duties and responsibilities are drawn from the research on Professional Standards for Educational Leaders established by the National Policy Board for Educational Administration (NPBEA). This job description will aid in the reviewing of key performance indicators alongside individual feedback cycles.

Join Civitas Education Partners and contribute to our mission of providing exceptional education and support to all students. This position is an opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of students and their families. You are a dedicated and visionary leader with a passion for inclusive education.

Civitas Education Partners is an equal opportunity employer, committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce. We encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply for this pivotal leadership role.

Compensation: Civitas Education provides a competitive salary and benefits package. We are also committed to supporting professional growth/membership educational organizations that align with our work and demonstrate a transformative impact on participants.