DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES
NYC Outward Bound Schools www.nycoutwardbound.orgis a nonprofit organization that transforms schools and changes lives by bringing out the best in students, teachers and school leaders throughout New York City. We operate a citywide network of public schools, in partnership with the City’s Department of Education, which primarily target students from underserved neighborhoods. Our schools feature rigorous learning experiences, both in and out of the classroom, and are built upon a culture of high achievement and mutual support. And we provide our students with a robust To & Through College program. To further extend our impact, we also offer Adventure & Team Building programs to young people not enrolled in our schools and professional learning services to NYC public schools interested in adopting specific practices from our schools. Over the past 30 years, we have served over 100,000 students.
Summary
The Director of Human Resources will manage the day-to-day operations, administration, and coordination of the human resource function. This person will be responsible for developing and executing high-impact approaches to attract, retain, support and develop a talented and diverse pool of qualified, committed and enthusiastic individuals to work at NYC Outward Bound Schools. The Director of Human Resources will work to establish NYC Outward Bound Schools as an organization of choice among current and prospective staff. This person will have primary responsibility for managing Human Resources services, policies and programs (including a performance management system, benefits administration, compensation, and employee relations). Through individual behaviors as well as organizational policies, programs and practices, this person will model and promote an organizational culture that emphasizes continuous improvement, passionate commitment, teamwork, diversity, high performance and quality. The ideal candidate will be an experienced professional with deep knowledge of all matters concerning human resources. This position is a true generalist role suitable to a confident and self-motivated individual who can work independently and is willing to roll up their sleeves as necessary.
The Director of Human Resources will report to the Chief Operations Officer. This position will be based out of NYC Outward Bound Schools’ headquarters office in Long Island City (Queens), NY.
Essential Functions
Staff Recruitment, Development, and Retention
- Build and maintain a talent pipeline by proactively cultivating relationships with potential sources of talent for positions at NYC Outward Bound Schools; develop and implement strategies for tapping into those talent sources with particular focus on increasing diversity, emphasizing quality and assuring organizational and cultural fit.
- Manage and support the recruitment process for all NYC Outward Bound Schools staff positions; design and coordinate the onboarding process so that all new staff are properly oriented to organizational values, policies, practices, functions and co-workers.
- Develop programs, processes, and models to increase retention and staff engagement.
- Provide individual coaching as appropriate to anticipate and resolve challenges before and after they arise. Support management team and other staff members in learning and implementing sound leadership and management practices.
- Champion an environment of equity, diversity and empowerment. Ensure fair and equitable application of compensation, HR policies and employee relations processes.
Staff Culture
- Monitor organizational "pulse" and create an environment that supports high staff engagement, and attracts and retains a diverse staff of well qualified talent.
- Build a strong and trusted relationship with staff members and managers and serve as a resource to managers and staff on HR related issues. Provide counsel and support in resolving issues, disputes and other sensitive matters.
- Encourage cross-departmental collaboration, personal initiative, accountability, and responsibility at all levels of the organization.
- Develop and support staff recognition programs and other efforts to promote staff morale and well-being; oversee annual staff satisfaction survey; maintain a welcoming and professional office and field environment that enables all staff to do their jobs with quality, pride, and satisfaction.
Benefits Administration
- Manage and administer NYC Outward Bound Schools’ staff benefits package, including but not limited to plan selection, broker and vendor relationships, and cost containment.
- Design, maintain, and administer a system of compensation that is equitable and reflects market realities. Conduct an annual salary review and benchmarking.
- Coordinate with the finance team to ensure that all payroll information is accurate and up-to-date.
- Administer the annual benefits open enrollment process and communicate reliable information about plans and changes to staff.
- Research and resolve staff benefits issues and deliver exceptional customer service to staff.
Organizational Effectiveness
- Ensure that all NYC Outward Bound Schools HR/benefits materials and official communications, including its staff handbook and job descriptions, are clear, up-to-date, and accessible (in staff portal) and that staff are aware of and conversant in all relevant HR/benefits policies and procedures.
- Track, analyze, and report pertinent information on staff demographics and trends; develop and administer surveys and other means of assessing staff needs, engagement, and effectiveness; manage the HR system (TriNet HR Passport).
- Ensure that all HR policies, practices, materials and records are in compliance with federal and state laws and regulations. Maintain a thorough knowledge of and ensure compliance with regulatory environment including EEO, Fair Labor Standards, Wage and Hour, FMLA, etc.
Strategic & Organizational Leadership
- Develop and execute an annual strategic human resources plan aligned with the overall organization strategic plan; develop and utilize metrics that track performance against plan goals; advise the management team on key HR leverage points for achieving NYC Outward Bound Schools’ mission and vision.
- Drive HR programs and solutions that increase performance and staff engagement, create a positive work culture, and improve retention and staff relations.
- Analyze, prepare and present insightful information to the management team in support of strategic planning and decision making.
Knowledge Base
- Has deep knowledge of current best practices and trends in HR and management in nonprofit organizations.
- Adept at managing projects and setting up efficient systems, processes, and procedures.
- Promotes teamwork among staff members, works well as a member of a team and relates well to all types of people.
- Ability to multi-task, establish priorities and work independently. Able and willing to think out of the box and offer new ideas and approaches.
- Demonstrated experience in using HRIS platforms and experience with implementation of new HR technology is a plus.
- Strong skills in building and maintaining relationships with strong influencing skills to provide guidance and advice to a dynamic workforce.
- Able to project a professional, credible image with confident communication and presentation skills (both orally and in writing).
- Strong analytical, problem solving and decision-making skills. Ability to analyze and interpret quantitative and qualitative data.
- Strong project and time management skills.
- Detailed oriented, self-starter who thrives in an environment that privileges action, outcomes and collaboration.
Professional and Personal Characteristics
- Authentic individual with impeccable integrity whose personal and professional values are consistent with NYC Outward Bound Schools’ mission, vision, and values.
- Bright individual with strong ability to combine analytical reasoning, creativity, compassion and judgment; able to deal effectively with strategic issues, as well as tactical operational details.
- Strong results orientation with a focus on outstanding service, sense of urgency, and excellence.
- Strong interpersonal skills. Inspires trust and confidence and is able to serve as trusted adviser and confidante to staff at all levels.
- Consistently produces high quality work and work products; open to constructive critique from colleagues. Strong work ethic.
- Shows care and concern for others; listens well and communicates thoughtfully and sensitively.
- Comfortable working in a variety of different settings and contexts – office, school, field, etc.
- A well-developed sense of humor.
Qualifications
- A Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 10 years total professional experience, at least five years of progressive HR experience in a Manager or Assistant Director role.
- Proficiency in use of Microsoft Office (especially Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and the Google suite of services.
- Experience working in/with schools or the education and/or nonprofit sector preferred.
- PHR/SPHR Certification a plus.
- Prior experience in New York City Public Schools a plus.
- Experience working with a PEO a plus.
Compensation and Benefits
- We offer a competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.
- We offer medical, dental, and vision coverage as well as HRA/FSA/Transit accounts, life insurance, 403(b) with employer match after one year, sick leave, and generous PTO.
NYC Outward Bound Schools is an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination against, andharassment of, any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, gender,pregnancy, genetic information, ethnic or national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, familial status,military or veteran status, qualified individuals with a disability on the basis of the disability, or any other
category which may be protected under applicable state or federal law.
No phone calls please. We appreciate all responses, but due to the high volume of resumes received, wecan only contact those applicants whose qualifications best match the position requirements.