Lowell School, a progressive school of approximately 335 students in Northwest Washington, DC, is currently seeking applications for the position of Director of Human Resources to begin immediately. Reporting to the Director of Finance and Operations, the successful candidate will advise the senior leadership team concerning all aspects of human resources at the School. They will be responsible for the administration and management of all areas of human resources operational activities, providing support across the full employee life cycle including supporting recruiting/hiring, managing on-boarding, pay and benefits, performance management, compliance with federal and state statutes/laws, open enrollment, workers’ compensation, unemployment claims and filings, and off-boarding. This position is also responsible for managing human resources policies, and procedures, communication with employees, maintenance of employee files, managing annual trainings, and, at the same time, balancing employee advocacy with the needs of the school. Due to the nature of work in this role, they will partner with both the Director of Finance and Operations and the Head of School on a regular basis.

Lowell School’s mission is to create an inclusive community of lifelong learners in which each individual is valued and respected. Lowell welcomes candidates who will add to the diversity of our community and who have a demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in their own lives.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree, with an advanced degree or professional certification (SHRM-SCP or SPHR) preferred.
• Human resources generalist experience with at least five years at senior management level

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Maintain confidentiality of all school information
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, verbally and in writing
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail and time management skills
• Ability to handle difficult and stressful situations with critical thinking and professional composure
• Ability to implement policy and procedures
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to analyze, organize, and prioritize work accurately while meeting multiple deadlines

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Formulates policies and procedures for recruiting, employment testing and clearances, placement and benefits
• Plans, directs, and coordinates work activities with colleagues who handle payroll and compensation
• Evaluates and recommends modifications of retirement and benefits plans and policies to establish competitive programs and compliance with legal requirements
• Assists in preparation of school’s overall budget
• Analyzes and documents business processes and problems. Develops solutions to enhance efficiencies.
• Writes directives and trains supervisors, administrators, and managers on the school’s obligation regarding leave law compliance, hiring, performance evaluations, and employee discipline.
• Creates and maintains appropriate structure for ensuring compliance with leave law obligations, including appropriate and confidential documentation of all issues.
• Creates and administers annual training programs for employees on required and important topics such as sexual harassment prevention, bloodborne pathogens, and first aid/CPR/AED.
• Maintains an open-door atmosphere to encourage employees to report and address concerns in the workplace with a goal toward building and maintaining a positive, effective, safe, and trusting workforce.
• Creates a positive, visible presence to encourage all employees to address human resources and employee concerns.
• Assesses all positions to ensure compliance with wage-hour classifications, minimum wage, overtime, and recordkeeping compliance.
• Manages all investigations and provides resolution of all employee concerns utilizing appropriate management staff and ensuring appropriate confidential documentation of all issues.
• Maintains records and compiles statistical reports concerning personnel hires and usage of employee benefits.
• Works with outside counsel on all investigation of external employee complaints.
• Acts as a liaison with workers’ compensation adjusters and outside counsel on all workplace injuries. Represents the organization at workers’ compensation mediations.
• Assists and provides guidance on all major employment actions and initiatives, including separations of employment and reductions in force.
• Collaborates with the emergency team to develop appropriate contingency plans for emergency conditions which involve the engagement of human resources.
• Attends and participates in school activities to show positive support for employees and the School, and supports campus programs and events.

Applicants should send a cover letter, resume, and professional references to Chris Ginter at employment@lowellschool.org.

Lowell School requires vaccination against COVID-19 but will accept legitimate medical and religious exemptions.

Lowell School has a longstanding institutional commitment to the principles of diversity and inclusivity. Lowell prohibits any discrimination of harassment based on a person’s race, color, gender, national origin, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, personal appearance, past or present military service or any other ground prohibited by federal, District of Columbia, or other applicable law. This policy covers all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotions, termination, pay, and the work environment.