Director of Human Resources

Job Title : Director of Human Resources

FLSA Classification:         Supervisory, Full-time 12-month position, Exempt 

Calendar Type:        12-month 

Schedule and Hours: Directors are expected to maintain a full-time schedule with flexibility in their daily start and end times, while also being available to work additional hours as needed.

Reports To:           CEO/Executive Director

The Overbrook School for the Blind is seeking a highly qualified human resources professional who exudes a passion for the school, its students, its employees, and its mission to serve as its Director of Human Resources.

The Mission of Overbrook School for the Blind (OSB) is to develop and deliver education that enhances the options available for persons with visual impairments, including those with additional challenges so that they have the greatest opportunity to experience active and fulfilling lives.

Organizational Description: Overbrook School for the Blind serves students who are blind or visually impaired with or without additional disabilities (such as intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, hearing impairment, sensory issues, and including those who require specialized medical care) receive a customized, individualized education based on state educational standards. OSB is more than a school, it is a community where students, families, and staff support one another and come together to build a bright future. 

Job Functions:  The Director of Human Resources reports directly to the CEO/Executive Director and participates in quarterly meetings of the School’s Board of Trustees. This position serves as the primary administrative leader responsible for all human resources matters, including, but not limited to: recruitment, hiring, onboarding, compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations impacting employment, securing contracts with various staffing agencies, oversight of employee investigations and coordination of staff development functions, including annual employee evaluations.  The Director of Human Resources has substantial influence in effectuating continual departmental improvement, consistent with the efforts of other administrative colleagues affecting school-wide improvement.

Strategic:

• Partners with the CEO/Executive Director, Chief Financial Officer, Superintendent, and Director of Development on operational and strategic plans, providing recommendations based on sound human resources practices
• Oversees activities and initiatives to satisfy goals for recruitment and retention objectives critical to the effective delivery of instruction for the School’s students
• Participates actively in quarterly Board of Trustees meetings, reporting on strategic objectives focused on the School’s human resources needs

Employee Support and Departmental Supervision:

• Manages and leads the Human Resources department, including the supervision of HR staff, which reflects a service orientation that engenders trust
• Takes a leadership role in implementing initiatives supporting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
• Develops effective, broad-based recruitment strategies to employ a highly qualified and diverse workforce. Ensures the timely filing of vacant positions, ensuring that position descriptions, postings interviews, and selection processes are consistent with best practices
• Secures qualified substitutes for long- and short-term absences and leaves
• Collaborates with the CFO in effective and efficient payroll processes and the accurate assignment of employee salaries
• Supports the Professional Development Committee organizes required training and ensures that appropriate records are maintained
• Chairs the school-wide Safety Committee and collaborates with Security Managers and Building and Grounds staff to implement recommendations
• Understands and clearly describes employee retirement and other benefits plans to new and existing employees. Provides staff training and presentations
• Ensures efficient staff enrollment in Medical, Dental, Life/disability, and other benefit programs, and appropriate payroll deductions and collection of employee payments while on leave of absence
• Handles the Worker's Compensation program, evaluating injuries, reporting to the benefit carrier, and arranging for employees to return to work with job restrictions, such as light-duty
• Maintains and consistently updates as necessary a comprehensive Employee Handbook and develops strategies to maximize compliance 
• Facilitates small group of staff advisory committee members

Other Tasks and Duties:

• Promotes productive relationships with staffing agencies
• Ensures compliance with all federal, state, and local laws and regulations relating to personnel management, as well as compliance with all Board of Trustees policies and procedures concerning the same
• Completes legal reports and handles government regulations for HR functions such as EEO, ERISA, Wage and Hour, OSHA and COBRA
• Coordinates maintenance of and protects the confidential nature of employee records, including program and department assignments, salary costs, labor distribution, and benefit eligibility
• Oversees employee investigations and application of corrective and disciplinary procedures. Works with outside counsel as appropriate
• Facilitates small group staff meetings serving as a conduit to maximize staff/administration/Board Trustees communication

Minimum Education and Experience Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in the Human Resources or associated field
• At least 5 Years of experience as Director of Human Resources. A combination of training and experience may be substituted
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills and large-group presentation skills
• Highly effective organizational skills and ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Proficient use of Microsoft Office software, Google platforms, and working knowledge of Human Resources systems. Must have the proven ability to access a variety of external databases and search for information pertinent to school operations, policies, and procedures
• Strategic thinking skills and ability to problem-solve and make thoughtful decisions

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in the Human Resources or associated field
• Past experience as a human resources professional in a school environment with working knowledge of PSERS reporting and other education-specific human resources function
• An active member of SHRM

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift 50-lbs minimum, with assistance. Participate in 2-person lifts.

Benefits and Pay:

OSB offers a competitive salary and benefits package reflective of the applicant’s training and experience, including liberal financial support for the pursuit of advanced degrees.  Applications from members of communities traditionally under-represented in school administrative positions are invited.

Overbrook School for the Blind Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Overbrook School for the Blind (OSB) has, and will continue to follow, a policy of recruiting, employing and promoting individuals best qualified for any position by reason of education, training, and experience without regard to race, color, ancestry, genetic information, familial or marital status, domestic or sexual violence victimization, ethnicity, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or a related medical condition), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or non-job-related disability or the use of a guide or support animal because of blindness, deafness or physical disability.  OSB shall not discriminate against an individual who has exercised his/her rights against discrimination in accordance with applicable federal, state, or local laws.