Director of People Operations

Our client, a mission-driven organization offering a comprehensive special needs education program, is hiring a Director of People Operations. Reporting directly to the Executive Director, this position leads all aspects of the employee and volunteer experience, including talent acquisition, employee relations, performance management, culture, compliance, compensation, payroll, and workforce planning. As the leader of a department of one, the Director of People Operations serves as the sole owner of the people function, balancing strategic leadership with hands-on execution. This role partners closely with school leadership to attract, develop, engage, and retain exceptional talent while supporting the operational needs of a growing school community. Responsibilities Lead the full-cycle recruitment and hiring process, including sourcing, interviewing, candidate selection, pre-employment screening, and onboarding. Lead employee recognition, appreciation, and wellness initiatives that support a positive improvement. Partner with leaders to foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Serve as the primary resource for employee relations matters, providing guidance, coaching, conflict resolution, and support. Lead investigations and resolution of employee concerns and workplace issues in accordance with organizational policies and employment laws. Administer compensation programs, maintain accurate job descriptions, and conduct market analyses to ensure competitive pay practices. Manage payroll administration and ensure timely, accurate bi-weekly payroll processing. Advise leadership on workforce trends, organizational effectiveness, culture initiatives, and talent management strategies. Support organizational growth by aligning people strategies with the mission and long-term goals. Qualifications Bachelor's degree required; Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Leadership, or a related field preferred. 7–10 years of progressive experience in human resources, people operations, talent management, organizational development, or related fields. Demonstrated experience developing and implementing workforce strategies, policies, and programs that support organizational growth, employee engagement, and organizational. Experience serving as a strategic advisor to organizational leadership while simultaneously Proven success in recruitment, employee relations, performance management, compliance, compensation administration, and organizational culture initiatives. SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR, or similar professional certification preferred. #J-18808-Ljbffr