National Education Association (NEA) - Senior Director of Human Resources

National Education Association

Senior Director of Human Resources

Salary Range: $225,000 to $255,575

Organization Overview: The National Education Association (NEA) is America’s oldest and largest organization committed to advancing excellence in public education.  NEA’s three million members work at every level of education and believe in the power of public education to transform lives and create a more just and inclusive society.  NEA believes education is the cornerstone of democracy and advocates for equal opportunity for every student, every educator, every family.

Headquartered in Washington, DC, NEA has affiliate organizations in every state and in more than 14,000 communities across the country.  The nation’s largest professional employee organization, NEA is committed to fulfilling its vision to provide a great public school for every student.  NEA advocates for education professionals and unites members and the nation to fulfill the promise of public education to prepare every student to succeed.  NEA focuses on improving the quality of teaching, increasing student achievement, and making schools safer, better places to learn.    

Position Summary: The position leads our Human Resources (HR) department and contributes to smooth and efficient business operations across NEA. The ideal candidate will be an effective member of the Senior Staff Leadership Team and will lead and support the HR team in the functional areas of labor and employee relations, compliance, benefits administration, HR information system (HRIS) management, recruitment, and employee development and engagement. A commitment to deep listening and learning, team building, collaboration and expertise in managing in a unionized environment and building and maintaining a collaborative relationship with our staff unions will be essential to the role. Under the direction of the Executive Director, the successful Sr. Director of Human Resources will be a change agent, lead change management, and create partnerships across NEA and its affiliates to deliver value-added services to a diverse staff, management, and governance that reflects the values of the organization.

This position provides expertise in the development, alignment, and execution of human resources programs and initiatives in support of organizational goals. The incumbent will demonstrate the ability to successfully manage the day-to-day tactical requirements of a service-oriented HR team in a rapidly changing environment while building and supporting an inclusive, high-functioning team of Human Resource Professionals. The Sr. Director of Human Resources will lead HR operations and take direction from the Executive Director while partnering with NEA’s General Counsel, Chief Financial Officer, Chief of Operations, and senior leadership, and staff leaders. The incumbent is responsible for acting as a liaison to various NEA departments on human resource issues, effective staff supervision, and the management and execution of the HR budget. Knowledge of human resource laws, regulations, and best practices and demonstrated level of expertise required. This position requires the competency to create, write, edit, and present a variety of materials for a diverse set of audiences related to HR programs and benefits, career development, diversity and inclusion, compliance and labor and employee relations.  In addition, the incumbent provides leadership and guidance for HR initiatives across the NEA enterprise (meaning both to NEA and its affiliates) through engagement, training, and risk assessment, as well as coordination with other subject matter experts within and external to NEA. Other essential functions include maintaining and evaluating NEA employee benefit programs, developing training and staff engagement plans, and executing a cohesive workforce planning strategy. This position requires strong, management, coaching, facilitation, leadership skills, and interpersonal skills including empathy, having difficult conversations, and conflict resolution. To carry out responsibilities, the incumbent needs strong written and verbal skills, use a computer and/or laptop, associated software, and other office technology, including Microsoft Teams or other videoconferencing applications.

Minimum Education Requirement:  A degree or advanced degree (Bachelors, Master or Doctorate) in Human Resources, Law, Labor Relations or an equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and skills may be obtained.  Minimum Qualifications: At least 10 years of previous experience as Director of Human Resources or an equivalent senior-level position with progressively responsible professional experience in human resources and labor and employee relations in a non-profit environment with strong references.  Experience and understanding of Human Resources best practices, labor and employee relations, payroll practices, and employee benefit programs in a union that employs union employees. Other Requirements:  Must be able to work extended hours on evenings and weekends. Some travel required.

Selection Criteria: Tier 1 (Essential):  Experience working in a union environment, including negotiation and administration of multiple collective bargaining agreements. Ability to recommend new approaches and improvements to HR programs and policies. Commitment to NEA’s mission and the ability to act as a strategic partner to senior leadership. In-depth knowledge of and ability to maintain compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws/regulations and best practices; ability to analyze policies and practices to ensure adherence to requirements; and recommend changes as needed. Demonstrated experience developing and integrating the HR function within the broader enterprise. Experience in managing and evaluating employee benefit programs. Demonstrated ability in managing a team of employees, including hiring and orientation, training and development, workflow and performance management, and the promotion of an inclusive, collaborative, and innovative team environment. Demonstrated high-level interpersonal skills and ability to work independently and collaboratively on cross-functional and diverse teams (internal and external) on complex staffing, compensation, benefits, and labor issues. Demonstrated ability to employ an effective consultative approach to build awareness on key organizational issues and consensus for relevant solutions. Experience leading in the development of organization-wide policies and procedures. Ability to manage confidential investigations and direct the investigations performed by others. Experience coaching leaders on HR policies and processes, including talent planning, learning and development, and performance management to promote engagement and a culture of continuous growth and development. Ability to establish relationships among a diverse group of stakeholders, including bargaining unit and non-bargaining unit staff, managers, senior leaders, and NEA Governance. Demonstrated ability to present and/or coordinate special presentations, compliance/training programs and/or events related to human resources best practices, labor relations, and compliance topics. Strong references.  Tier 2 (Significant):  Demonstrated familiarity with employee benefits programs, including compensation analysis, medical insurance issues and programs, defined benefit pension and defined contribution plans, and retiree programs. Proven flexibility and effectiveness in handling multiple and complex projects simultaneously under stringent timeframes and changing priorities/conditions. Demonstrated effective written and oral communication. Ability to develop and/or maintain data in order to analyze and make recommendations on organization-wide staffing, programs, compensation, benefits, and initiatives.   Tier 3 (Desirable):  Experience with Workday or comparable HRIS systems.  

To Apply: The NEA is conducting this search in partnership with Grossman Solutions. Candidates can apply at https://grossmansolutions.applytojob.com/apply/

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the following is provided:  The position involves skill in using a computer and/or laptop; oral and written communication skills; skills in proofreading and editing; use of clear and articulate speech; interpersonal relations skills; reasoning and problem solving skills; ability to work in a fast-paced environment; ability to sit for long periods, stoop, bend, reach and carry light materials (up to 10 lbs.); and ability to travel by various methods of transportation, e.g., airplane, car.

NEA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER AND ENCOURAGES WOMEN, MINORITIES AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES TO APPLY.

NEA Participates in E-Verify. Read more here E-Verify Participation & Right to Work.

NEA complies with the DC Wage Transparency Act of 2023.