Director of Human Resources

SCH; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Springside Chestnut Hill Academy seeks a Director of Human Resources to provide strategic leadership for the HR function. The role focuses on compliance, DEI, workforce planning, and a high-touch employment experience for all staff.

The position starts January 4, 2027, and reports to the senior leadership with responsibilities in talent acquisition, onboarding, compensation, benefits, and payroll administration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in HR or related field is required.
• 8–10 years of progressive HR experience, including senior leadership.
• Experience in independent schools or non-profit organizations preferred.
• Strong knowledge of FMLA, ADA, EEOC and related labor standards.
• Proficiency with HR software and applicant tracking systems.

Responsibilities

• Provides vision, leadership, planning, and strategic guidance to the HR function.
• Ensures compliant operations and interacts with the leadership team on workforce planning.
• Writes offers, memos, and employment policies; oversees onboarding and immigration matters.
• Manages HR benefits, compensation, payroll, and open enrollment in collaboration with CFO and HOS.
• Oversees talent onboarding, performance processes, and DEI initiatives.
• Leads HR staff and manages unemployment processes.

Skills

Strategic HR leadership

Employee relations

Talent acquisition

DEI initiatives

Policy and compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR or related field

Master's degree in HR Management

Tools

HRIS

Applicant Tracking Systems

Job description

The Director of Human Resources provides vision, leadership, planning, and strategic guidance to the HR function. This role ensures a cost-effective HR department while facilitating efficient, compliant operations aligned with the school's mission and values. The Director serves as a key member of the school's leadership team and creates and maintains a high-touch, deeply engaging employment experience for all employees. This position starts January 4, 2027.

Essential Functions

I. Strategic Leadership & Compliance

• Maintains in-depth knowledge of legal requirements, HR trends, and Pennsylvania labor laws to ensure school compliance and mitigate legal/financial risks.
• Collaborates with senior leadership on workforce planning, succession planning, and organizational development.
• Uses data and analytics to measure HR effectiveness, inform strategic decisions, and generate reports for the CFO and Head of School (HOS).
• Consults with the school's legal counsel as needed on complex employment matters.
• Promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives to foster an equitable culture.

II. Employee Relations & Performance Management

• Advises all managers on personnel matters, including providing day-to-day performance management guidance, coaching, counseling, career development, disciplinary actions, and investigations
• Oversees the performance management process, ensuring employees receive constructive feedback and recognition.
• Oversees the annual update of the Employee Handbook, including writing and making new policy recommendations.

III. Talent Acquisition, Onboarding & Operations

• Writes all offers of employment, including leading salary negotiations.
• Writes annual employment memos for all returning faculty and staff.
• Administers and uses the Predictive Index software for recruitment and employee relations.
• Oversees new-hire orientation and administrative onboarding alongside the HR team to ensure a smooth transition for new employees.
• Collaborates on the maintenance of multiple tracking Google Docs (e.g., new hires, attrits, stipends, PTO).
• Writes and revises accurate job descriptions across the School.
• Oversees all immigration documentation for H1B visa-holding and non-citizen employees.

IV. Benefits, Compensation, and Payroll Administration

• Ensures all benefit plans follow federal and state laws such as the Affordable Care Act (ACA), ERISA, and COBRA.
• Works with the HR team to lead the annual open enrollment process, including employee communication and system updates.
• Guides employees through benefit questions, claims issues, and life-event changes.
• Works with the HOS and CFO on the School's salary structure for all employees.
• Reviews and approves the bi-weekly payroll.
• Completes annual industry surveys including PAISBOA, NAIS, and NBOA.
• Oversees the school-wide administration of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
• Leads and mentors the HR staff.
• Manages unemployment compensation - paying monthly invoices, responding to questionnaires, and providing information as requested by Pennsylvania Unemployment Compensation.

Performs other related duties as assigned by the Head of School and/or the CFO.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field. (Required)
• Master's degree in Human Resources Management or a related field. (Preferred)
• 8–10 years of progressive HR experience, including time spent in a senior HR leadership role.
• Deep, demonstrated knowledge of federal and state employment regulations, specifically FMLA, ADA, EEOC, and related labor standards.
• Experience in independent schools or non-profit organizations is highly preferred, but not required.
• Strong, up-to-date knowledge of HR principles and practices.
• Deep understanding of organizational development, employee engagement, and change management.
• Proficiency with HR software and systems (e.g., HRIS, Applicant Tracking Systems).
• Demonstrated knowledge of employee benefits and compensation structures.
• Communication: Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust and drive change across all organizational levels.
• Analytical Thinking: Strong problem-solving abilities with a data-driven approach to decision-making.
• Leadership: Proven ability to motivate, lead, and develop a team in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Discretion: Absolute commitment to handling confidential and sensitive information with total discretion.
• DEI: Demonstrated sensitivity, knowledge, and understanding of the diverse backgrounds of community members with a continuous focus on healthy relationship building; demonstrated deep understanding of cultural competency skills and enthusiasm for issues of diversity, inclusivity, and multiculturalism.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

• Able to move around all school environments.
• Regularly use close and distant vision.

Springside Chestnut Hill Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The School is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities during the application process and in employment as required by law.