Career Center

Title:  Human Resources Director                                                            

Classification:  Exempt

Department:  Finance and Operations                                                  

Status:  Full-Time 

Reports to:  Chief Financial Officer                                                          

Hired by:  Head of Schools         

School Description

Founded in Chicago in 1876, Sacred Heart Schools at Sheridan Road (Hardey Preparatory for Boys and Academy of the Sacred Heart for Girls are independent, Catholic, single-sex, elementary schools committed to academic excellence within the context of a Christian, faith-based community.  The educational mission is deeply rooted in the 200-year tradition of the Society of the Sacred Heart and shared with the Network of Sacred Heart Schools located in 30 countries; including 25 schools in the United States and Canada.  The essence of this tradition is the total development of each child: spiritual, intellectual, social, emotional, and physical. Our girls and boys are taught in single-gender classrooms but follow a similar curriculum and share in many activities.  With a total enrollment of approximately 600 students, the Schools are organized into three academic divisions, each led by a division head.

Position Description

The Human Resources Director commits to the Sacred Heart Schools’ (SHS) mission, as expressed in the Goals and Criteria, to guide, manage, and create an excellent workplace experience, including servicing policies, procedures, and programs.  The role is responsible for leading and implementing human resources initiatives, supporting education objectives, and driving a diverse range of strategic HR efforts including recruitment, employee relations, compensation, benefits, performance management, workforce planning, training and development, talent management and retention, employee engagement, and leadership initiative alignment.

Essential Job Functions

Recruitment

• Lead and execute on recruitment strategies and the selection of qualified and talented faculty and staff
• Manage/refine/facilitate new hire orientation/onboarding for all new employees to ensure mission-driven employee engagement
• Support all diversity initiatives

Employment

• Oversee maintenance and updates of job descriptions
• Create offer letters and employment agreements for all positions
• Oversee the maintenance of employee information in HRIS system and hard-copy files as well as employee portal (intranet) resources
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulatory requirements related to full-cycle employment, staying abreast of regulatory changes and practices
• Fulfill compliance reporting and disclosure distribution requirements

Employee Relations

• Facilitate employee relations matters, including coaching and problem solving; provide guidance and recommendations on conflict resolution strategies   
• Liaise with supervisors to counsel and ensure employee understanding of employee policies and employment best practices; advise and align with Leadership Team development

• Consult with legal counsel as appropriate, or as directed by Chief Financial Officer (CFO)/Head of Schools (HOS) on specific employee challenges regarding policies and procedures
• Conduct all separating employee termination processes, including exit interviews and trend analysis/reflection for ongoing improvements in employment practices and retention strategies

Compensation and Benefits

• Review, analyze, and update compensation budget/finance models, aligning with CFO budget processes
• Benchmark and analyze employee compensation for market competitiveness and monitor status/progress over time
• Spearhead and manage the design and implementation of SHS employee benefits plans and administer and communicate to staff accordingly during the employee life cycle, including new hire education and annual open enrollment period
• Review and evaluate employee benefit options and alternatives annually
• Manage 403(b) retirement plan
• Oversee statutory benefits (Family Medical Leave Act, Short Term Disability and Workers Compensation)
• Support bi-monthly payroll, oversee training on time entry and payroll portal, and audit/prepare year-end tax forms

Performance Management

• Shepherd Leadership and their teams in the preparation and administration of the annual performance review process
• Partner on (or lead) development and implementation of performance management and provide training and guidance on managing ongoing performance, conducting and participating in effective evaluations, and providing fruitful feedback
• Update and liaise with Leadership to create and facilitate performance evaluation ratings alignment among divisions and foster employee growth, professional development, productivity, and engagement

Training and Development

• Identify and recommend training and professional development opportunities; develop, implement, and conduct trainings and/or partner with outside trainers as needed
• Ensure that employees are current on all required and desired trainings
• Review/refine trainings as needed

Policies and Procedures

• Develop/train/oversee/refine SHS policies, procedures, and practices on employment matters, consulting with leadership team when needed
• Communicate changes and ensure proper compliance; maintain current employee handbook
• Oversee ISBE employment requirements and Archdiocese of Chicago’s Protecting Children Program, ensuring all employee and volunteer compliance

Other

• Oversee all day-to-day operations within the HR Office
• Complete administrative tasks
• Manage HR support resources
• Attend all-school required events and fulfill weekly school support duties, as assigned
• Execute other duties as assigned by the CFO

Qualities and Requirements

• Five+ years of experience in human resources management supporting at least 60-200 employees; experience working in an educational environment preferred
• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree in human resources preferred
• Superior organizational skills and the ability to anticipate needs and be proactive, demonstrating composure and professional judgment in complex, sensitive situations in a dynamic environment
• Ability to think strategically and execute with high degree of accuracy, attention to detail, discretion, ethics, and confidentiality
• Demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive work environment
• Ability to establish and nurture collaborative relationships at all levels, and identify needs and deliver solutions that achieve employee, team, and school goals and satisfaction
• Superior verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate intricate concepts and topics clearly, thoroughly, and succinctly
• Ability to work effectively and efficiently as well as anticipate in an environment with changing priorities under tight deadlines
• Solid computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office and G Suite (Google); experience with payroll/HRIS system(s) (ADP preferred) and comfort in learning and leveraging new software and technology.

To Apply

Apply directly at the Schools’ website (www.shschicago.org) in the Career Opportunities section, submitting a cover letter and resume.

Sacred Heart Schools is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate.

See Description