Role Overview
This leadership position is responsible for shaping how employees experience the organization, ensuring systems are fair, consistent, and aligned with core values. Reporting to the Managing Director of Talent & Employee Experience, the Director drives strategy across employee relations, performance management, and organizational culture to support a network of public schools.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the development and implementation of employee relations practices, ensuring timely, equitable resolution of concerns across all campuses
- Conduct thorough and confidential investigations in alignment with policy, legal standards, and organizational values
- Refine performance evaluation frameworks to promote clarity, fairness, and accountability
- Design and manage performance intervention strategies, providing consistent guidance and centralized oversight
- Oversee the annual intent-to-return process from planning through execution, aligning outcomes with staffing and performance goals
- Analyze employee data to identify patterns, address root causes, and improve systems proactively
- Support school leaders with tools and coaching to handle performance, attendance, and interpersonal issues constructively
- Strengthen organizational culture by advancing practices that promote belonging, excellence, and equity
- Act as a strategic advisor on complex personnel matters, balancing empathy with operational standards
- Ensure consistent understanding and application of policies across teams and locations
- Manage and develop a team of two, fostering growth through goal-setting, feedback, and coaching
- Streamline workflows and documentation to improve efficiency and scalability of people processes
Qualifications
A bachelor’s degree is required, along with at least seven years of experience in human resources, employee relations, or people operations. Four or more years in a people management role are expected. Candidates must have direct experience leading investigations, managing performance systems, and guiding interventions. Strong judgment, discretion, and communication skills are essential. A commitment to equity and anti-racist practices in organizational systems is required. An advanced degree or background in education or nonprofit work is preferred.
Work Environment
This is a hybrid role with required presence at the Midtown Manhattan office and across school campuses in the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Manhattan. A minimum of three in-person days per week is expected, including regular travel to school sites based on operational needs.
Benefits & Compensation
The salary range is $115,000–$144,000. The organization offers comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage; a 403(b) retirement plan with a 50% match after six months; generous time-off policies; up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave; backup child and elder care support; employer-paid life and disability insurance; a paid sabbatical after ten years; and annual funds for professional development and tuition reimbursement.
Organizational Values
The organization prioritizes equity, inclusion, and anti-racist practices in all aspects of employment. It fosters a culture of excellence, belonging, and accountability, supports leadership growth, and maintains strong partnerships with families and communities. Long-term support for alumni is central to its mission.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The organization is dedicated to building a diverse workforce and ensuring an inclusive workplace. It is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status.
