Job Details
About Achievement First
Achievement First exists to address the legacy of racism in education in America. We know that all children-regardless of race, zip code, or economic status-need and deserve access to a great education. At the core of our approach is the shared journey by our students and staff to fulfill our incredible potential of closing the achievement gap.
Since opening our first school in 1999, we have grown to 41 schools across New York, Connecticut and Rhode Island, serving over 15,000 students. As one of the top rated charter school networks in the country, our mission is to deliver on the promise of equal educational opportunity for all children.
We are looking for a strategic and dynamic Director, Employee Relations to join our Talent Operations team.
Your Impact
Achievement First's Talent Operations team ensures strong talent practices are effectively and consistently implemented across the Achievement First network as the organization adapts to scale. The team also seeks to create a world-class employee experience such that all employees feel valued and want to stay at Achievement First to relentlessly support student success.
We believe that compassionate, consistent and fairly implemented talent practices are critical to our success at building a network of high performing schools that can close the achievement gap at scale. Reporting to the Director, Employee Relations & HR Policy, the Employee Relations Partner will play a critical role in helping to promote our positive workplace. The team accomplishes this by:
- Overseeing comprehensive performance evaluation systems
- Offering competitive total rewards package
- Fueling people leadership practices with strong talent data, clear guidance, and efficient processes
- Creating avenues for employee input and feedback through various talent management surveys
Reporting directly to the Senior Director, Employee Relations & HR Policy, you will be responsible for:
- Providing expert knowledge and guidance on employment relations functions for your portfolio of schools, executing on investigations, facilitating staff trainings, and other talent management issues as needed
- Advising schools in leading conflict resolution, mediation facilitation, and overall performance management support including but not limited to warnings, performance improvement plans, and other employee communication
- Building capacity for the Talent Operations team through ongoing employee relations data review and continuous improvement of all HR functional areas
- Managing HR administration, including but not limited to employment verifications, vaccination tracking, case management and accommodation requests
- Overseeing cyclical talent activities including our renewal process, open enrollment, and other special assignments as needed
Skills You'll Have All candidates for this position will foster a culture of entrepreneurialism, innovation, and project management to ensure our Talent Operations team, like our schools, are setting a high bar in all areas and pursuing it relentlessly. All candidates will have a Bachelor's degree and at least 3 years of experience in employee relations and/or human resources. Prior experience facilitating training and conducting HR investigations as well as a Master's degree is preferred.
An ideal candidate will demonstrate skills in the following areas:
- Excellent interpersonal skills with demonstrated social intelligence, tact, empathy, respect, and patience
- Confident in interacting with and influencing individuals at all levels within the organization
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment; flexible, able to work autonomously as well as take direction as needed
- Ability to multitask, exceptional detail and follow up skills, and is organized
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills with a proactive communication style
- Belief in the Achievement First mission and educational model
In addition, the following experience is required to be successful on this team:
- Knowledge of applicable law (state/federal), regulations, rules, procedures, HR best practice and administration
- Experience working with HRIS systems, especially ADP Workforce Now is a plus
- Ability to resolve conflicts and diffuse employee relations related concerns, issues, and situations
- Ability to work in and travel to schools in either New York or Connecticut a minimum of four days a week, depending on candidate location
Compensation Achievement First sets salaries are set through a lens of equity, and based on the requisite skills, education, and experience relevant to the role. The salary for this position is $117,754, with no flexibility. Additionally, Achievement First offers to all regular, full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package that includes paid time off, medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, a 403(b) retirement benefit package with match, and paid Family Leave.
Achievement First is an equal opportunity employer and an organization that values diversity. People from all diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. Spanish language proficiency is a plus. You can learn more about diversity at Achievement First here: