Director of Human Resources

About Fortune School

Fortune School of Education (FSE), established in 1989, provides preparation programs to fill the "pipeline" of educators needed in today's schools. It was the brainchild of Dr. Rex Fortune, who saw an opportunity to bring more diverse teaching candidates into public schools, especially in the shortage areas of science and mathematics instruction.  

Training teachers and school administrators is only part of the story. In 2008, Dr. Margaret Fortune joined Fortune School of Education as its President and CEO. Under her leadership, Fortune School of Education has expanded to include a network of tuition-free, college preparatory, and public charter schools. Located in San Bernardino and Sacramento, which boast the second and third highest Black student populations in California, the schools focus on closing the African American achievement gap.

To learn more about Fortune School, please visit the https://www.fortuneschool.us/.

The Opportunity

Renowned for its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, Fortune School of Education seeks an experienced, team-oriented, and compassionate Director of Human Resources who will manage all HR functions of the organization. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, this adaptable leader will be responsible for recruitment, employee relations, performance management, talent development, conflict resolution, and policy development and implementation. Managing a team of four, this leader will collaborate closely with other managers to ensure organization-wide progress towards objectives and goals. This is a unique opportunity for a dedicated Human Resources professional to create a world-class people function at FSE.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Employee Relations

• Provide excellent customer service to all internal and external customers.

HR Policies and Procedures

• Review personnel policies and procedures.

• Analyze data and trends and refine policies and procedures to attract, retain, and motivate talent.

• Oversee credential processing and ensure NCLB compliance for all educators.

• Oversee compliance of human resources policies to meet organizational needs and comply with federal and state laws.

• Oversee the analysis, maintenance, and communication of records required by law or local governing bodies.

• Oversee benefits and workers compensation.

Performance Management and Compensation

• Oversee performance reviews to ensure effectiveness, compliance, and equity within the organization.

• Coach management team and site principals in preparation for annual performance reviews, corrective reviews, and performance management conversations.

• Maintain wage and salary guidelines; assist in setting annual wage and salary guidelines pertinent to company standards and market feasibility; review and update job descriptions.

Recruiting

• Develop and implement a well-coordinated and effective approach for recruiting talent.

• Identify staffing needs and develop staffing strategies for all positions across the organization.

• Manage and oversee the recruiting process, including talent managers, administration of online applicant tracking system, conducting on-campus recruiting, cultivating candidates, training hiring committees, supporting school principals and supervisors in screening and interviewing. Refine recruiting processes as needed.

• Track and report data on recruiting and hiring.

Organization and People Development

• Assist management team and supervisors to ensure all employees have clear objectives and individual development plans.

• Work closely with management team to execute organizational objectives.

• Assist site principals and supervisors in identifying and maximizing retention of high-performing employees.

• Recruit and build a high-performing Human Resources team: hire, train, develop and appraise staff effectively. Take corrective action as necessary on a timely basis and in accordance with company policy.

Candidate Profile

Dedicated to the mission, the ideal candidate will bring a best-in-class understanding of Human Resources practices and all its functional areas, preferably with experience in a Nonprofit or Education organization. A hands-on leader with the vision, commitment, and ability to deliver effective and efficient HR services in a mission-driven institution, this leader will ensure an energizing and supportive environment for all its employees.

Human Resource Expertise with a Solutions Mindset

The Director will possess comprehensive Human Resource knowledge including expertise in the areas of compliance, employee relations, compensation, talent acquisition/recruitment, and HR information systems; and will have a strong working knowledge of applicable state and federal laws. With the drive and the will to succeed, this individual will face challenges head on, bringing creative solutions to challenges affecting the organization, including recruitment and retention of high performing staff. Willing to roll up their sleeves and get the job done, the Director will meet the needs of school leaders, staff, and community, while holding them accountable with compassion and understanding.

Organizational Development and Operations Excellence

Working closely with management and supervisors, the Director will ensure all employees have clear objectives and individual development plans, identifying opportunities for training and professional development across all levels. A skilled project manager with great attention to detail, this individual will manage multiple projects simultaneously and follow through in a timely manner. Bringing an understanding of budget management best practices, the Director will be able to apply solutions to improve efficiency of HR processes, implementing various technologies and applications with a simultaneous ability to learn new and evolving systems and products. 

Relationship Builder and Effective Communicator

Responsive, high touch, and supportive, the Director will bring deep experience creating warm and trusting working relationships marked by humor, empathy, extraordinary interpersonal skills, and collaboration. Modeling the highest standards of professionalism, the Director will work effectively with staff at all levels of the organization and will have the ability to handle confidential and sensitive issues with diplomacy and care. This individual will forge a culture of teamwork, gracious understanding, and trust where faculty, staff, and the administration work in partnership towards a common goal. This individual will possess excellent communication skills with a demonstrated ability to speak, write, and present in a clear and persuasive manner.

Strategic & Solutions Oriented Thought Partner

The Director will be adept at identifying problems, able to conduct appropriate analysis, and reach effective solutions. This individual will be proactive in implementing new processes and procedures that will enhance the team’s ability and increase knowledge across all functions. Honing their intuition with the ability to pivot in a fast-paced environment, this leader will be someone that staff can call upon to solve problems, providing constructive criticism with a coach-like mentality.

Passion for the Mission

With patience and confidence in their ability to lead by example, the Director will have a passion for FSE’s mission “To graduate high achieving students of good character prepared for college and citizenship in a democratic society.” Developing and implementing a coordinated and effective approach for recruiting education-related talent, this individual will demonstrate integrity, initiative, and self-awareness in service of FSE’s students, faculty, staff, and community.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. The salary range for this role is $120,000 - $135,000 with a generous benefits package.

Contact

Koya Partners, the executive search firm that specializes in mission-driven search, has been exclusively retained for this engagement. Michelle Bonoan and Jennifer Smith of Koya Partners have been exclusively retained for this search. Express interest in this role by https://talent-profile.diversifiedsearchgroup.com/search/v2/19517, or email Jennifer directly at https://tinyurl.com/42fc533j. All inquiries and discussions will be considered strictly confidential.

Koya Partners is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals living with disabilities. If you are a qualified individual living with a disability and need assistance expressing interest online, please email https://tinyurl.com/4s3eh7j9. If you are selected for an interview, you will receive additional information regarding how to request an accommodation for the interview process.

Fortune School is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from people of color, persons with disabilities, women, and LGBTQ+ applicants.

About Koya Partners

Koya Partners, a part of Diversified Search Group, is a leading executive search and strategic advising firm dedicated to connecting exceptionally talented people with mission-driven clients. Our founding philosophy—The Right Person in the Right Place Can Change the World—guides our work as we partner with nonprofits & NGOs, institutions of higher education, responsible businesses, and social enterprises in local communities and around the world.

Learn more about how we can help you with your search on the https://diversifiedsearchgroup.com/koya-partners/.