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Merit America is a non-profit that has been named by the New York Times as “a glimpse of the hybrid future of training programs for the disadvantaged.” Our fast and flexible programs are designed to work for underemployed and unemployed adults – who can learn while they balance work and family. We combine on-demand online learning with coaching and peer support (delivered in-person or virtually) to create the most effective, scalable model in the field. Our goal is to build the most effective, large-scale education-to-employment program in the country, and we have the ambitious goal of reaching 10,000 learners annually and driving $1B in aggregate wage gains by 2024.
In the past several months, more than 40 million Americans have filed for unemployment benefits. Today’s challenge is about more than getting Americans back to work: it is about creating pathways to higher-paying, more resilient careers in order to build a more equitable future as the economy recovers. Now, more than ever, we must rally behind the tens of millions of American adults who are unemployed or stuck in low-wage jobs in pursuit of family-sustaining, recession-resilient careers.
At Merit America, we believe that a strong people operations team is core to providing our team members with the best employee experience possible, one that allows them to be their best, pursue their ambitions and contribute to our mission.
To that end, Merit America is looking for a Lead People Operations Partner
The Opportunity
The Lead People Operations Partner will ensure that best-in-class people practices are implemented to support our growing team. The Lead People Operations Partner will lend expertise to support the administration of Merit’s people policies, practices and programs. Day to day operations including workforce planning, policy implementation, employee relations and compensation management. The Lead People Operations Partner will report to our Director of People Operations, Tonya Logan.. This role will sit on the People team which is led by Crystal Barcelo.
Job Responsibilities
The responsibilities of the Lead People Operations Partner will include, but are not limited to, the following:
Workforce Planning and Compensation
Partner with the Director of People Operations and People team leaders with the development of workforce planning processes that will support Merit’s growth by assessing and planning for future talent needs.
Collaborate with VP and Director of eople on the execution of Merit’s compensation strategy, policies and programs.
Manage the ongoing maintenance of compensation structures, ensuring compliance with state and federal laws and regulations. Responsible for data collection and analysis for market, pay equity and other compensation studies.
Lead in the development of promotion and career path strategies aligned to Merit’s people vision.
Talent Acquisition
Oversee the completion of the Greenhouse applicant tracking system implementation that is currently 70% to completion; analyze process flows, testing, assign roles, and partner with tech lead to finalize integration.
Coordinate with Talent Acquisition team to deliver training on updated recruiting process and system.
Employee Relations
Respond to employee relations issues and concerns promptly and effectively. Lead resolution process in compliance with state/federal guidelines.
Advise and help train people managers on key employee relations topics (e.g., effective coaching, documentation, performance management, etc.)
Policy Implementation and Compliance
Communicate and document policies and programs clearly and consistently to staff and managers.
Implement HR policies, programs and processes. Ensures org-wide adoption of policies and programs by responding to feedback.
Identify opportunities to improve policies and propose solutions to correct inconsistent policies and gaps.
Monitor adherence to regulatory compliance requirements to achieve operational excellence.
Serve as interim Director of People Operations when needed
Skills and Competencies
At Merit America, we believe that if you can excel in the job, you should get the job – so we hire for skills, instead of specific years of experience or higher education requirements. Below are the skills that are relevant for thriving in this role:
Required
Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion
6 + years’ experience in HR scaling operations in a start-up or high-growth organization
Deep experience in employee relations, compensation and workforce planning
In-depth knowledge of labor law and HR best practices
Excellent organizational, time management, and follow-up skills; ability to prioritize and demonstrate an appropriate sense of urgency
Thrives in evolving and high-change dynamic organizations
Outstanding judgment, sensitivity and high discretion
Excellent active listening, negotiation and presentation skills
Is energized by our organizational mission, impact and values
Preferred
Experience with Greenhouse applicant tracking system
Adult training development and delivery
We know that women and people of color are less likely to apply to a position if they don’t match 100% of the job qualifications? Don’t let that be the reason you miss out on this opportunity! We encourage you to apply anyway.
Compensation, Benefits and Start Date
This position is full time
Salary: $111,300
Location: Remote
Career Development Opportunities: You’ll have an annual personal development stipend and education reimbursement plan to use towards workshops, books, or traditional classes.
Benefits: You’ll enjoy best-in-class benefits.
4-day work week
Unlimited vacation time
Flexible remote work policy
Office closure during 10 federally recognized holidays
Two-week office closure at the end of the year / start of the new year, inclusive of the Christmas and New Year’s holidays
Health, dental, vision, life, short-term and long-term disability
4 months paid parental leave
401(k) retirement plan
Flexible Spending Account – pre-tax health & dependent care
Health Reimbursement Account employer-funded Benefit Card
Start Date: 7/1/2022
To apply
To learn more and apply, visit our careers page. Include a thoughtful cover letter with your application. Candidates must be fully authorized to work in the US. Merit America does not offer employment visa sponsorship. Due to the high volume of candidates for every role, we unfortunately can only respond to candidates who move onto the next steps in the process.
What to expect in our process
Submit cover letter and resume for the role
Phone Screen
Performance Task (1.5 hours)
(Virtual) Interview Day
Reference checks (we will not check references until we are ready to move forward)
Offer
Building for Equity
Building an inclusive, high-performing team that is diverse across lines of personal identity is integral to our success and we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.
This means we do not discriminate against any job applicant or employee because of their race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This applies to all terms and conditions of employment.
We actively strive and evolve to develop and maintain workspaces that are fully inclusive. We encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply.
Still excited about our work? You can learn more about our work in this video we made with our founding partner, Google.
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