Who We Are

KIPP SoCal Public Schools is a network of 20 high-performing, college-preparatory public charter schools. We educate more than 9,000 students in grades pre-K through eighth in the greater Los Angeles area and San Diego. Additionally, we support approximately 5,100 alumni on their journey to and through high school and college.  

What We Believe

KIPP SoCal believes that the purpose of education is for liberation. This means that we see, develop, and inspire the limitless potential in each and all of our KIPPsters. 

What We Do

At KIPP SoCal we build trusting relationships that are strengthened by high expectations and collaboration alongside laughter and joy. We set ambitious goals and hold each other accountable for students achieving their greatest potential. We work together with each other and in partnership with families and communities in the active pursuit of a more equitable world. We do the right thing, even when it’s not convenient or comfortable standing up and speaking out against anti-blackness, racism, oppression, and injustice. We persevere through obstacles and treat failure as an opportunity to learn and grow. 

You Should Apply If 

You understand the value of people and embrace continuous improvement and innovation. You are agile and able to shift between competing priorities as well as flexing between hands-on work and getting results through others when suited to best support the organization. The ideal candidate will have expertise in Human Resources with a proven track record of effective operations in people management and team leadership, risk assessment and management, compliance and employee relations, HR systems implementation, and data-driven decision-making. Additionally, they will be comfortable with direction setting and navigating ambiguity. 

The Director of Human Resources will join KIPP SoCal Public Schools’ leadership team during an exciting phase of growth. This role is primarily responsible for developing and managing a high performing Human Resources function to serve the needs of a 1,000+ person growing organization. The Director of Human Resources is a key business partner for all KIPP SoCal operations and will provide strong visionary and collaborative leadership with a proactive approach to developing best practices, establishing clear expectations, and promoting exemplary team member support. This role reports to the Chief Financial Officer and manages three direct reports overseeing an overall team of approximately six. They will also work closely and collaboratively with school leadership and cross-functional departments including the Academics, Operations, Finance & Accounting, and Talent Acquisition teams. 

Team Leadership

• Leads the HR team in continuously carrying out the team vision to be “Resourceful Humans who take care of business, while taking care of hearts.”  
• Serves as an inclusive culture builder and carrier; helping KIPP SoCal to define and realize a positive culture tied to a commitment to equity, excellence, diversity, and inclusivity
• Is an active participant of the regional leadership team which includes collaborating with other team members and providing feedback as needed
• Continue to develop and implement our HR Partner model, including partnering with the Associate Director of Human Resources in leading our HR Partners to proactively support and engage with our school-based team members
• Hold high standards for project management while empowering others to proactively and creatively problem-solve
• With great empathy, is a consistent champion and proud member of their team. Encourages participation from all members of the team and seeks feedback and ideas from team members at all levels in operating as a leader
• Recruits, mentors and supports a diverse and exceptional team of professionals
• Diligently seeks opportunities for professional development, acting as a coach and thought partner, and serves as an organizational role model in cultivating a culture of high expectations and support

New Hires & Onboarding

• Oversee annual regional instructional and non-instructional onboarding processes (100+ teachers; 100+ non-instructional team members) in collaboration with members of the talent acquisition and credentialing teams
• Oversee ongoing onboarding process for new School Success Team (regional office) team members

Employee Relations

• Oversee the overall process for investigations and ongoing employee relations issues, anticipate problems whenever possible, and work with the Associate Director of HR and HR Partners to develop, recommend, and initiate appropriate steps for resolution.
• Provide advice and guidance to senior leaders, managers and school leaders on team member issues. Work with managers to develop and implement improvement plans when needed.
• Respond with empathy and timeliness to managers when they need guidance on how best to navigate sensitive and at times complex employment situations – after hours phone calls (evenings and early mornings) are expected.  
• Balance knowledge of HR compliance with unique circumstances of KIPP SoCal’s culture and pragmatism, and the needs of the organization with team member advocacy
• Support managers through separations of employment

Benefits, Leaves of Absence, Unemployment Insurance & Workers' Compensation Administration

• Oversee benefits package: Recommend benefits package, negotiate contracts with carriers and vendors, oversee all wellness initiatives, and manage collaborative, productive relationship(s) with benefits brokers
• Create and implement team member engagement strategy and communications
• Provide guidance, thought partnership and oversight to the Human Resources Team, in providing outstanding, timely day-to-day support for team members with inquiries regarding benefits, pay and employment questions
• Ensure the proper administration of all leaves of absence including: FMLA, maternity, disability, and unpaid leave
• Oversee management of unemployment insurance and workers compensation policies and claims

Compliance

• Ensure that KIPP SoCal is in compliance as it relates to federal, state and local labor laws. Annually update KIPP SoCal’s team member handbook, including working with internal and outside counsel as needed and making recommendations to senior leadership for policy changes
• Ensure 100% compliance with new hire and ongoing HR safety training, certification, and health clearances required for employment with KIPP SoCal
• Maintain and expand knowledge and understanding of existing and proposed federal, state and Department of Education laws/regulations affecting human resources management. Interpret laws and policies and advise leadership teams and team members accordingly
• Work with the HR Manager and Sr. Controller to provide information for the annual 401k audit and ensure all ACA and ERISA reporting requirements are met

You'll Be Qualified If You Have

• Minimum of 10 years of related work experience, preferably in a growing and dynamic multi-site organization with at least 500+ team members
• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Master’s Degree or equivalent in a related field or equivalent professional certification (PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP) highly preferred
• Demonstrated ability to lead multiple high-profile and complex projects simultaneously
• Collaborative team player; comfortable leading and executing projects as required
• Demonstrated ability to leverage HRIS to gather team member data that will help inform KIPP SoCal policies, processes and decision making to support a diverse, equitable, and inclusive working environment
• Track record of identifiable and measurable successes in managing a complex organization and implementing operational change
• Outstanding organizational skills and high attention to detail
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced, high energy environment with a proven ability to meet and complete multiple deadlines and tasks

Joining KIPP SoCal Means the Following

• Working at an organization committed to the hard work necessary to ensure education is for liberation 
• Spending time with students and families in the best communities of LA, Compton, and San Diego
• Support and care from fellow regional team members
• Ongoing professional development and coaching from manager 

Working with Us Means the Following Perks 

• Competitive compensation package inclusive of a generous benefits package
• 100% of healthcare premium costs covered by employer, dependents added at 50% of the cost
• Employer-paid KIPP SoCal life insurance
• 401(k) plan with up to 6% match by KIPP SoCal
• Voluntary Benefits (Pet Insurance, Supplemental Life, Accident, Short Term Disability, etc.)
• Generous time off program includes 22 holidays, sick leave and vacation
• Other great benefits (Flexible spending account, EAP, tuition reimbursement for dependents, etc.)

KIPP SoCal Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation/gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

KIPP SoCal strives to ensure that our careers website is accessible to all, including individuals with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process due to a disability, please contact us. You can find our contact information on our website, http://www.kippsocal.org/. Information will be sent to a talent acquisition representative who will provide assistance to ensure appropriate consideration in the hiring process.