Director of People and Culture

About Us:

i.c.stars is a 25-year-old nonprofit workforce development organization dedicated to preparing individuals from underserved communities for rewarding careers in technology. With a passionate team of 35 professionals, we’re committed to bridging the gap between diverse talent and the tech industry. We find talent, train talent and place talent in rewarding careers that end cycles of generational poverty and yield long-term success.  At our core, we believe that innovation thrives when people are empowered, supported, and allowed to grow.

If you’re someone who is energized by people-first leadership and is passionate about making a lasting impact, we want you to be a part of our journey as we continue to shape the future of tech professionals.

Role Overview:

As the Director of People and Culture, you will be the heart of our organization’s HR practices, and staff culture, driving our efforts to foster a dynamic, inclusive, and thriving workplace. You’ll have the unique opportunity to shape the employee experience, foster a culture of belonging, and lead organizational development initiatives that empower our team to reach new heights.

This role is new for our organization and is ideal for an HR professional who brings experience in organizational development and a genuine desire to enhance the human side of our growing team. This role is both strategic and tactical in that you’ll assist in policy-setting and implementation, traditional HR oversight, and organizational development.  You’ll work closely with our leadership and staff guiding our HR practices, leading on performance management and professional development while assisting us in cultivating a culture that is both steeped in best practices and innovations. 

Key Responsibilities:

1. HR Core Functions:

   • Oversee all HR processes including:  job description development, talent acquisition strategies from candidate recruitment, interviewing, and hiring to onboarding. 

   • Liaise with PEO to manage compensation, benefits, and ensure compliance with legal requirements and best practices.

   • Develop and maintain systems for performance reviews, feedback, and continuous improvement. Assist staff in identifying development opportunities.

   • Manage employee relations issues, including conflict resolution, performance concerns and disciplinary actions. Conduct investigations and provide guidance to managers on employee matters where needed. 

   • Manage and improve the employee lifecycle from recruitment through to exit interviews.

2. Organizational Development:

   • Lead talent management strategies including performance management, leadership development, and succession planning.

   • Create, implement, and refine  onboarding practices and policies in collaboration with managers to ensure: 

     1. consistent and comprehensive orientation for all staff

     2. universal understanding of organizational policies and procedures

     3. identification of performance goals, and utilization of resources and platforms

   • Maintain and ensure organization-wide utilization of performance management systems.

   • Collaborate with senior leadership to implement professional learning and development efforts.

   • Drive the ongoing assessment and evolution of organizational structure to meet the needs of our growing team and mission.

3. Culture Stewardship/Employee Well-being:

   • Cultivate a positive, inclusive, and collaborative workplace culture that aligns with our values and mission.

   • Lead initiatives that enhance employee engagement, job satisfaction, and retention across diverse teams.

   • Serve as a trusted advisor and confidant to staff at all levels, offering guidance on professional development, conflict resolution, and organizational growth.

   • Promote employee well-being through wellness initiatives, benefits offerings, and employee engagement programs.

   • Advocate for a healthy work environment, offering creative solutions for team-building, and mental health support.

4. Change Management:

   • Partner with leadership to support organizational change initiatives, guiding employees through transitions while maintaining morale and productivity.

   • Foster a growth mindset and champion innovation, helping teams adapt to new tools, systems, and ways of working.

What You Bring:

• A Bachelor’s degree in HR management, business administration, industrial/organizational psychology, employment relations, sociology or related field, OR equivalent experience.

• Professional certifications such as SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP or PHR/SPHR preferred

• A minimum of 5 to 7 years of experience in human resources, with at least 3 years focused on organizational development or a similar area.

• Proven expertise in creating, implementing, and refining HR processes that support organizational growth, employee engagement, and a positive workplace culture.

• Strong understanding of and experience with change management principles and leading teams through transformation with clarity and empathy.

• Commitment to helping people grow in their knowledge and understanding of management and leadership. 

• A passion for creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment.

• Excellent written and verbal communication.

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships with employees across disciplines.

• Demonstrated knowledge of labor laws, compliance requirements and best practices in HR and performance management.

• Demonstrated experience in working with small to mid-sized teams in non-profit organizations.

• Significant experience using HR technology and systems; experience with HR tools and platforms such as Lattice and Trainual is vital.

• A collaborative spirit and ability to work with senior leadership to realize staff potential.

Why Join Us?

• Make an Impact: Help us shape the team that develops and prepares individuals for careers in tech. Be a part of an organization that’s making a meaningful difference in the lives of our participants, and the communities and businesses we serve.

• Growth Opportunities: We’re a dynamic, growing organization that’s committed to developing both our staff and the people we serve. You’ll have the chance to shape your role and grow professionally.

• Collaborative Environment: We pride ourselves on being a supportive, team-oriented organization where everyone’s voice is heard.

• Work-Life Balance: We value our people’s well-being, offering flexible work arrangements and a comprehensive benefits package.

• A Culture of Learning: As a team, we believe in continual growth—personally and professionally. There’s always room to learn, share ideas, and try something new.

If you meet the minimum qualifications described above and are excited about creating a people-centric culture and driving the development of our talented team, we welcome your application. 

Location: Chicago office. Hybrid/Remote environment
Reports to: Chief Operating Officer, serves on the National Team