Director of Human Resources

Company Description

About KIPP Kansas City Public Schools:

KIPP Kansas City Public Schools is part of a nationwide network of free, open-enrollment, college-preparatory charter schools dedicated to preparing students in educationally underserved communities for success in college and life. Our strength as a region serves as a catalyst for empowerment, change, and hope.

Founded in 2007, KIPP Kansas City Public Schools began with KIPP Endeavor Academy, serving approximately 31 fifth-grade students. Today, we educate approximately 1,000 students from Pre-K through 12th grade, with our community continuing to expand. Together with families and communities, we strive to create joyful, academically excellent schools that equip students with the skills and confidence to pursue their chosen paths—whether college, career, or beyond—so they can lead fulfilling lives and contribute to a more just world.

Job Description

Position Overview

The Director of Human Resources and Talent Acquisition will play a critical role in building and supporting a high-performing team to achieve ambitious goals for our scholars. This position combines strategic leadership in human resources and talent recruitment with hands-on execution to ensure seamless HR operations, a robust talent pipeline, and an engaged and diverse workforce. Reporting to the Executive Director, this leader will oversee talent acquisition, employee relations, HR compliance, and the professional development of HR team members, while partnering with school and regional leaders to drive organizational success.

Key Responsibilities

Talent Acquisition and Recruitment Strategy

• Develop and implement KIPP Kansas City’s talent acquisition vision and strategy to attract top talent across all positions.
• Lead full-cycle recruitment efforts, including sourcing, interviewing, and onboarding high-quality candidates.
• Build and maintain a diverse talent pipeline through creative sourcing strategies and marketing initiatives.
• Partner with school leaders to understand hiring needs, develop staffing plans, and improve hiring outcomes.
• Establish metrics to track and analyze recruitment trends, candidate experience, and manager satisfaction, using data to refine strategies.
  
  

Human Resources Strategy and Compliance

• Partner with leadership to develop and execute KIPP Kansas City’s overall HR strategy, aligning with organizational goals.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local labor laws and regulations, including oversight of the Employee Handbook and HR policies.
• Serve as the point person for HR compliance, credential verification, and accurate maintenance of personnel records.
• Collaborate with the Finance team to optimize payroll processes and ensure timely, accurate wage payments.
  
  

Employee Relations and Retention

• Serve as a trusted advisor to school leaders, providing guidance on employee management, conflict resolution, and performance improvement.
• Lead investigations and resolution processes for employee grievances and case management.
• Conduct exit interviews, identify themes, and recommend corrective actions to improve staff retention and satisfaction.
• Implement high-leverage employee engagement strategies to build a strong and inclusive organizational culture.
  
  

Compensation And Benefits

• Conduct annual reviews of compensation and benefits to ensure market competitiveness and internal equity.
• Manage benefits administration, including annual open enrollment, Affordable Care Act compliance, and workers’ compensation claims.
• Serve as a resource for staff on benefits-related questions and leave requests, including FMLA and other accommodations.
  
  

Performance Management and Leadership Development

• Develop and implement a comprehensive performance management system, including tools, processes, and training for leaders.
• Provide training and professional development for people managers to enhance their leadership and HR capabilities.
• Build capacity within the HR team, coaching direct reports to meet goals and ensuring the team functions at a high level.
  
  

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in HR, talent acquisition, or related fields with increasing responsibility.
• Deep knowledge of federal and state labor laws and HR best practices.
• Proven ability to build and implement HR systems and processes in fast-paced, dynamic environments.
• Exceptional interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to foster an inclusive workplace and attract diverse talent.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree or MBA in Human Resources or a related field.
• SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, or PHR certification.
• Experience in education or nonprofit sectors, especially in urban settings.
• Familiarity with HRIS and applicant tracking systems, as well as proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
  
  

Additional Information

Salary for this position is competitive and commensurate with experience. Additionally, KIPP KC offers a comprehensive benefits package including health coverage and retirement.

KIPP Kansas City offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance with minimal out-of-pocket costs.
• Short-term disability and a 403(b) retirement plan.
• Professional development opportunities and a collaborative work environment.