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KIPP Public Schools Northern California · 1 hour ago

Director of Human Resources - Employee Relations

Oakland, CA

Full-time

Hybrid

Director/Executive

$136K/yr - $164K/yr

10+ years exp

KIPP Public Schools Northern California is a nonprofit network of 23 free, public charter schools. The Director of HR Employee Relations will lead the design and execution of the employee relations strategy, ensuring a positive and compliant work environment while providing expert guidance on conflict resolution and employee counseling.

AssociationEducationNon ProfitPrimary EducationSecondary Education

Hiring Manager

Annie Weaver

Responsibilities

Own and lead the overall employee relations strategy for KIPP NorCal, including systems, standards, and escalation protocols

Serve as the final point of escalation for complex, sensitive, or high-visibility employee relations matters

Determine and own the approach to complex personnel issues, informed by legal guidance and organizational values

Collect, analyze, and interpret employee relations data to identify trends and inform recommendations to the Chief People Officer and senior leadership

Ensure consistent, legally sound, and values-aligned ER practices across school sites and the Regional Support Office (RSO)

Serve as the primary decision-maker and advisor to managers, school leaders, and executives on employee relations matters

Provide expert guidance on performance management, disciplinary action, and corrective processes

Design and deliver training for managers and employees on employee relations topics, including workplace behavior, conflict resolution, and policy implementation

Develop manager capability through coaching and targeted professional learning

Maintain and continuously improve KIPP NorCal’s escalation and investigation protocols

Lead and oversee thorough investigations into allegations of harassment, discrimination, retaliation, or other workplace misconduct, including:

Interviewing involved parties

Reviewing documentation and evidence

Drafting clear, well-supported investigation reports

Maintain strict confidentiality and professionalism throughout all investigations

Develop, recommend, and oversee execution of resolutions in partnership with the Chief People Officer

Facilitate mediations and restorative conversations as appropriate

Serve as KIPP NorCal’s Title IX Coordinator and lead all related processes

Develop and maintain ER tools, protocols, and templates (e.g., investigations, interviews, performance improvement plans)

Lead annual updates to the Staff Handbook and ensure policies remain current, compliant, and accessible

Partner with the TEX team and organizational leaders to update and implement policies as needed

Design and facilitate workshops related to performance cycles, policy updates, promotions, and other key people processes

Lead TEX team projects as assigned

Ensure ongoing compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations

Stay current on legal changes and proactively update ER practices as needed

Lead and represent the organization in arbitration proceedings and other formal employment-related processes, as required

Directly manage three Associate Directors of Employee Relations

Set clear expectations for direct reports aligned to Professional Development Plans and TEX team goals

Coach and develop team members to ensure strong performance, consistency, and professional growth

Contribute to setting TEX team goals and aligning departmental priorities with organizational strategy

Support TEX team budget management and participate in hiring for TEX team roles

Model and reinforce a positive, inclusive, and high-performing team culture

Serve as an external representative of KIPP Northern California, as needed

Share employee relations and talent best practices across the national KIPP network

Perform other related duties and special projects as assigned

Qualification

Employee Relations StrategyCalifornia Employment LawConflict ResolutionPeople ManagementInvestigationsDiversityInclusionCoachingData AnalysisCommunicationTeam Leadership

Required

Mission Oriented - Holds a deep belief in the brilliance of our students and their potential; and in the transformative power of education for liberation. Demonstrates our Regional Support Office values of excellence, equity, courage and compassion

Minimum of 10 years of progressive HR or Employee Relations experience, including significant ownership of complex, high-risk employee relations matters (e.g., investigations, discipline, terminations, performance management, and compliance)

Demonstrated experience leading employee relations at scale, supporting large, distributed organizations (1,000+ employees strongly preferred)

Proven people management experience, including direct management of senior HR or Employee Relations leaders

Deep working knowledge of California employment law, including investigations, leaves, performance management, discipline, and compliance requirements

Demonstrated ability to exercise independent judgment on sensitive matters and serve as a trusted advisor to senior leaders

Strong commitment to advancing racial equity and embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion principles into employee relations practice

Bachelor's degree required