Managing Director of HR & Operations

Job Description: Managing Director of Operations and Human Resources

Reports To: Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Overview

As a leading education management organization, Meridian Charter Schools is committed to transforming the lives of students in culturally and linguistically diverse communities by providing students access to high-quality educational opportunities that elevate their identities as an asset and foster equitable and inclusive learning environments. Meridian Charter Schools is a school management organization (SMO) in Chicago, IL that operates three campuses of Chicago International Charter School: CICS Ralph Ellison High School, CICS Northtown Academy High School, and CICS Wrightwood Elementary School. We believe through collective effort, we will have collective impact. 

Position Summary: 

The Managing Director of Operations and Human Resources serves as a member of the network leadership team, reporting directly to and partnering closely with the Chief Operations Officer. This position plays a pivotal role in supporting the COO and the network leadership team in realizing our Guiding Principles: Continuous Improvement, Effective Leaders, Collaborative Educators, Ambitious Instruction, Supportive Environment, and Involved Families and Community Engagement. 

As a Managing Director of Operations and Human Resources, you will lead the HR function while acting as the COO's primary operational partner, driving the execution of strategic initiatives and special projects across the organization. This role bridges strategy and execution, translating the COO's priorities into action, leading cross-functional projects, and serving as the primary HR and operational liaison to school leaders.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Mission, Vision, Core Values: Partner with the COO and leadership team to formulate, develop, and evaluate continuous improvement in HR, talent management, and operational strategies that achieve the shared vision, mission, and goals of the organization. Translate organizational strategy into implementation plans, leading cross-functional execution across HR and special projects.

Ethics and Professional Norms: Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations across HR and operational functions, including but not limited to payroll, benefits, pension, teacher licensure, Title IX, ADA, FMLA, and FLSA. Stay abreast of changes in laws and regulations and adapt organizational practices accordingly. Ensure compliance and confidentiality for all employee systems and information.

Equity and Cultural Responsiveness:  Embed culture, equity, and inclusion (CEI) into HR practices, policies, and the employee experience. Ensure that each staff member has equitable access to resources and learning opportunities related to onboarding, open enrollment of benefits, position changes, leave administration, pension, teacher licensure, and professional development. Champion equity and social justice principles throughout the organization.

Executive Support & Special Projects: Act as the COO's primary proxy on cross-functional and high-priority initiatives. Lead special projects across operations, including system implementations, organizational restructuring, and vendor changes, managing timelines, stakeholder communications, and deliverables. Prepare reports, dashboards, and analysis for COO review and manage follow-through on strategic initiatives. Coordinate with external vendors, partners, and stakeholders on operational projects as assigned.

Operations Oversight: Coordinate day-to-day operational functions, primarily within HR and COO-assigned special projects, ensuring alignment across departments. Act as the primary operational and HR liaison to school leaders across all campuses. Oversee Epicenter and school-facing operational systems in coordination with the COO.

Human Resources Strategy & Systems: Lead the HR function for the organization; design and implement HR systems, policies, and continuous improvements. Oversee HRIS systems, audits, reporting, and data integrity. Manage a staff-facing policy hub and Leadership Hub to ensure accessible, accurate HR resources for staff and leaders. Oversee and complete all audits of staff records as required by Chicago Public Schools, the Illinois State Board of Education, and other parties. Manage record-keeping in compliance with CPS document retention policies.

Talent Acquisition & Staffing: Oversee recruitment strategy, certification compliance, and hiring alignment with school needs and ISBE licensure requirements. Lead teacher recruitment initiatives. Direct certification processes, including semi-annual notices to employees regarding certification changes or expiration dates. Ensure that certified staff are properly credentialed per Illinois State Board of Education requirements. Review and evaluate all coursework in official transcripts for lane advancement as established by the collective bargaining agreement. Collaborate with school leaders to identify staffing needs and ensure timely, effective recruitment processes.

Employee Relations & Compliance: Serve as a trusted advisor to employees and school leaders on HR policies, procedures, and best practices. Manage employee relations issues, conduct investigations, and recommend solutions in collaboration with supervisors and in compliance with federal, state, and local laws. Manage workers' compensation procedures, ensuring timely reporting and documentation. Enforce staff code of conduct and organizational policies in compliance with SafeSchools, Safety Cares, and related platforms. Oversee FMLA, ADA, and all leave administration processes.

Payroll & Benefits Oversight: Oversee payroll and benefits strategy, vendor relationships, and compliance. Regularly review compensation and benefits, monitor pay procedures, and proactively address and reconcile issues in partnership with the COO and the Payroll & Benefits Specialist. Serve as staff lead for 401(k) and pension (CTPF) administration responsibilities in coordination with third-party administrators. Ensure adherence to collective bargaining agreement provisions related to payroll.

Training & Development: Design and implement professional development, compliance training, and leadership coaching programs. Ensure that personnel practices are in compliance with requirements set forth by ISBE and CPS via the SafeSchools platform, including Safety Cares and teacher licensure training. Provide training to school leaders and senior leaders on state licensure. Develop programs to enhance employee performance and support career advancement opportunities. Maintain the organizational professional development database.

School & Stakeholder Support: Act as the primary operational and HR liaison to school leaders, providing guidance on staffing, HR policy, and operational processes. Manage attendance-related communications and school-facing HR matters. Build and maintain strong working relationships with campus leaders and network staff to ensure consistent, responsive support across all three campuses.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Certification: SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP certification preferred or actively pursuing

• Education Level: Master's degree required, preferably in Human Resources, Organizational Psychology, Education, or a related field

• Experience: Minimum of 6 years of progressive HR and/or operations experience, with at least 3 years in a leadership role, preferably in the education sector or a similar mission-driven organization

• Knowledge of HR Laws: Strong knowledge of HR laws, regulations, and best practices, including Title IX, ADA, FMLA, FLSA, and ISBE requirements

• Strategic Vision: Proven track record of designing and implementing successful HR policies and procedures and effectively communicating them to staff; demonstrated experience leading cross-functional projects and strategic initiatives

• Communication and Collaboration: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with various senior leaders

• Talent Management: Demonstrated experience in talent management, employee relations, performance management, payroll and benefits oversight, and compliance

• Organizational Change: Strategic thinker with the ability to drive organizational change, manage multiple priorities, and deliver results in a fast-paced environment

• Educational Ethics: Passion for education and a commitment to promoting equity, inclusivity, and social justice for staff in education

• Travel: Ability to travel within the city of Chicago to area schools and the network office

Physical Job Requirements: 

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; some kneeling, crouching, and significant finger dexterity. Generally, the job requires 80% sitting, 10% walking, and 10% standing. This job is performed in a generally clean and climate-controlled environment.

Note: This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the responsibilities and qualifications. Specific duties and responsibilities may evolve as per the organization's needs and growth. Duties and responsibilities are drawn from the research on Professional Standards for Educational Leaders established by the National Policy Board for Educational Administration (NPBEA). This job description will aid in the reviewing of key performance indicators alongside individual feedback cycles. 

Join Meridian Charter Schools and contribute to our mission of providing exceptional education and support to all students. This position is an opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of students and their families. You are a dedicated and visionary leader with a passion for inclusive education. 

Meridian Charter Schools is an equal opportunity employer, committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce. We encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply for this pivotal leadership role.

Compensation: Meridian Charter Schools provides a competitive salary and benefits package. We are also committed to supporting professional growth/membership educational organizations that align with our work and demonstrate a transformative impact on participants.