Director of Human Resources

Job Description
We are a seeking a full-time, year-round Director of Human Resources to join the Near North Montessori team here in Chicago.
Schedule: 40 hours per week, typically Monday through Friday, with shifts falling between 8:00 am and 6:00 pm, with adjustments or additional time as needed. This is a year-round, 12-month role.
Position Overview:
The Director of Human Resources (HR) works in collaboration with school leaders and employees, utilizing a solid business acumen and HR expertise to support the school’s operations consistent with its mission and values. Create and maintain HR related systems and structures for compensation and benefits, employee lifecycle management, compliance, and policy administration. Provide thoughtful support and service to employees.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities:
Strategic and Operational:
Actively participates on NNM Strategic initiatives and plans.  Contribute as a strategic partner in the accomplishment of departmental business strategies and plans through initiatives that attract and retain talent, develop employees and leaders and align organizational goals and objectives
Participate in weekly operational leadership meetings by supplying updated HR information (i.e.: attrition, staffing, etc.)
Administers various Human Resources plans and procedures for all staff; assists in development and implementation of personnel policies and procedures including preparation and maintenance of employee handbook
Manages and responsible for overall human resources functions including compensation and benefits, payroll, performance evaluations, training and development, recruitment, new hire orientation, employee discipline, termination, safety, and relevant policies and procedures
Support the committee work conducted annually by the Board of Directors, specifically: lead the work of the investment committee for the retirement plan, participate in audit and finance committees
Support the annual budgeting process working closely with the Finance and Operations Director, running reports and providing analytical information on staffing related expense and HR related expense projections for the school
Work collaboratively with general counsel to ensure compliance with employment laws and regulations
Provide advice on HR related organizational policy matters; recommend and implement needed changes
Support various school projects and processes including accreditation by ISBE, ISACS and other organizations
Benefits, HRIS and Payroll:
Oversee and approve the school's payroll process with other HR and finance staff members
Manage the HR systems including the applicant tracking system and the HRIS which includes payroll, HR, onboarding, benefits, time and attendance modules
Provide information and support for the school's audits - both full school audit and the retirement plan audit and related annual filings  
Manage and create meaningful employee benefits packages, leading the annual renewal process for all benefit plans in coordination with the school's benefits broker; create benefits material 
Oversee and handle payroll, employee records, unemployment and compensation matters, ensuring accuracy across all systems and providing updates to partners involved in the work
Maintain records and compile reports concerning personnel-related data such as hires, performance appraisals, and absenteeism
Participate in salary, benefit and other surveys through school, HR and other associations
Recruiting and Onboarding:
Create and maintain systems and training for effective recruitment, interviewing, hiring practices across the organization
Discuss hiring activities and recommendations with the Head of School, extending employment offers on their behalf as approved 
Plan and conduct new employee orientation to ensure understanding of organizational culture, policies, process and objectives
Employee Engagement and General HR Responsibilities:
Maintain a friendly, confidential, and helpful atmosphere for faculty and staff, acting as the go-to resource for all HR matters
Promote a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion in employment practices
Handle complex and sensitive employee relations and human resources issues that have organizational impact or legal ramifications
Serve as a link between management and employees by handling questions, interpreting and administering policies and programs, and helping resolve work-related HR problems
Motivate and support current staff, ensuring engagement and retention are a high priority
Lead internal communication initiatives directed to employees on HR matters, support and inform other communication for the community from other departments - both internal and external 
Acquire professional training in the educational field by attending educational conferences, training workshops and other related activities
Perform other duties and responsibilities as required, assigned, or requested
Supervisory Responsibility -- Staff Development:
Meets regularly with staff 
Manage, support and develop all human resources staff members - provide them with helpful feedback and direction to effectively carry out their responsibilities
Informs and supports professional development based on the interests and needs of the staff