Catherine Hershey Schools Hiring for Human Resources Director at Hershey, Pennsylvania Full Time

For more than 110 years, Milton Hershey School (MHS) has helped children realize their full potential by offering a top-notch private, cost-free education to students in pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade from income-eligible families. To expand and enhance the impact of Milton and Catherine Hershey’s vision, the Boards and management of Milton Hershey School and the Hershey Trust Company are launching the Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning (CHS), a cost-free, non-residential early childhood education program.

CHS plans to open six early childhood education schools by 2027. The schools are designed for children from birth to age 5 from economically disadvantaged and at-risk backgrounds with the goal of encouraging the development of a child’s educational, cognitive, social, emotional, and physical well-being. The CHS Initiative will provide a focus on core early learning programs through a rigorous and relevant curriculum that is aligned with a mission to nurture and educate enrolled children. Children will also receive supports such as nutritious meals and provisions of supplies, among other early learning enhancements. Finally, CHS will offer integrated support services for families of children enrolled in the schools. These programs are designed to equip students with the skills and abilities to learn and succeed in early care programs and in their studies beyond CHS.

CHS is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes diversity.

Role Description:

The Human Resources Director (HRD) will act as the visionary for all staff talent acquisition and talent development programming. The HRD will lead the launch of CHS’s HR strategies, programming, policies and procedures, and it’s HR Department. This includes the strategic direction of CHS in recruitment, training, talent management, and retention. The HRD will create CHS policies and programming. This individual is responsible for hiring and leading the CHS HR team. The HRD is part of the CHS Central Office team and reports to the CHS Executive Director. Responsibilities include:

• Create and implement a recruitment and selection plan to staff 6 centers with 80 employees in each center over the next 6 years.
• In collaboration with the CHS Central Office Team, develop a best-in-class onboarding program for all new hires.
• Leverage knowledge of best employment practices, regulations, and strategies in the development of CHS’s HR Department.
• Develop policies and regulations for the Employee Handbook.
• Oversee the administration of compensation, benefits, leave plans, performance management, workforce planning, employee relations, etc.
• Oversee policies for PTO and flexible scheduling and other related subjects for employees.
• Create a model and pathways for staff learning and advancement for higher degrees and additional education.
• Lead and plan career development workshops and training days, programming for monthly leadership meetings, and other professional development experiences.
• Monitor the budget related to human resource activities.
• In collaboration with other CHS staff, support the development and maintenance of talent pipelines and apprenticeships.
• Create metrics to understand hiring and retention, and present the data to senior leadership.
• Provide reports to monitor progress for the CHS Executive Director.
• Incorporate market research to understand how to improve hiring practices and policies.
• Ensure DEI practices are integrated in HR practices.
• Conduct surveys to understand and address organizational wellness & improvement opportunities.
• Foster employee engagement through various events, programs, etc.
• Lead meetings to solicit new ideas and areas of improvement from CHS staff.
• Attend relevant ECE and HR conferences.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with all staff and encourage center growth and performance.

Who We Are and What We’re Looking For:

At CHS, we are leaders passionate about early childhood education and community betterment. Our work is driven by the desire to endow children with the resources for educational and physical well-being, while supporting and empowering their families. We listen to the needs of our diverse community and adapt to give everyone a voice. We hold each-other accountable for bringing our best and most authentic selves to school every day, creating an environment of mutual respect.

We strive to build a team of individuals that is passionate about our mission, brings in new creative ideas, and loves their work. If this sounds like you, we look forward to seeing your application.

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, or related field (Master’s degree preferred)
• 5+ years of experience in a similar role
• Experience in a start-up is a plus
• Experience in education or ECE related markets is preferred
• Expertise in recruitment, selection and onboarding is required
• Human resource management and employment law proficiency is required
• Demonstrated success overseeing a department and ensuring legal compliance & adherence to HR policy organizationally
• Skilled in managing others, resolving conflict and holding others accountable
• Skilled in negotiating, influencing, leading and educating
• Demonstrated ability to quickly cultivate collaborative working relationships with a variety of stakeholders
• Exceptional interpersonal skills – written, verbal and platform
• Skilled in time management and organization including multi-tasking capabilities and efficient streamlining of operations
• Willing to be held accountable and receive feedback. Highly ethical & professional
• Proficient in using technology, including MS Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint), social media (LinkedIn). Experience with HRIS systems and ATS’s desired. Peoplesoft/Tam experience a plus
• Commitment to the mission and values of CHS and MHS and demonstrated high degree of integrity as all MHS and CHS staff are considered to be role models for students
• U.S. work authorized required