Strategic HR Director — Education & Culture

Chartwell School; Oceanside (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Chartwell School is seeking a Director of Human Resources to partner with school leadership in shaping and executing the HR strategy that aligns with our educational mission. The role combines strategic planning with hands-on administration of compliance, recruitment, employee relations, and benefits.

You will oversee DEIB-aligned talent processes, credentialing, and performance management, while guiding a lean HR team in a small independent school setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Development, or related field.
• 10–15 years of progressive HR experience with at least 5 years in an HR managerial or directorial role.
• Knowledge of federal and state labor laws (California preferred), including PDL, CFRA, and wage/hour regulations.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills with discretion.
• Proficiency with HRIS platforms, web-based tools, and Microsoft Office / Google Workspace.

Responsibilities

• Provide executive-level HR leadership and strategic planning within a school environment.
• Oversee full-cycle recruitment for instructional, administrative, and support staff; design onboarding and offboarding experiences.
• Manage credential tracking, background clearances, TB clearances, and state education certifications.
• Lead employee relations, performance management, investigations, and growth plans.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal labor laws; manage leave programs and policy updates.

Skills

Communication

Staff development

Stakeholder management

Leadership

HR policy & strategy

Education

Bachelor’s degree in HR/Business

Tools

HRIS platforms

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Job description

Chartwell School is seeking a Director of Human Resources to partner with school leadership in shaping and executing the HR strategy that aligns with our educational mission. The role combines strategic planning with hands-on administration of compliance, recruitment, employee relations, and benefits.

You will oversee DEIB-aligned talent processes, credentialing, and performance management, while guiding a lean HR team in a small independent school setting.