Director of Human Resources

Dawson, a K-12 independent school of 520 students located east of Boulder on a beautiful 112-acre campus, seeks a Director of Human Resources. The school community is engaged, collaborative, and committed to the healthy development and education of all its students. The Director of Human Resources is responsible for the operation of human resource functions and for collaborating with the leadership team to develop a culture that enables employees to perform according to the School's mission, values, and objectives. Reporting to the Chief Financial and Operations Officer, this person sets clear goals and works to enhance the school's culture, staffing initiatives, and ensure compliance with state and federal guidelines. This position oversees hiring, employee relations, benefits, leaves of absence while ensuring compliance with state and federal guidelines. An integral part of this role is the ability to build relationships with faculty, staff, members of the board, and others within the community. A successful candidate will have experience as an HR Director with generalist expertise in a small/medium-sized company or a one-person HR department.

Dawson Mission Statement

Dawson School is dedicated to excellence of mind, body, and character. We prepare students, through challenging and relevant learning, to become creative, resilient problem-solvers who bring their best to the world.

Education and Experience

-Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field.

-At least 7+ years Human Resource Management experience is required.

-SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, SPHR, or PHR certification preferred.

-In-depth knowledge of employment-related laws and regulations.

-Hands-on experience administering benefit programs and complying with applicable laws and regulations.

-Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and Google Suite.

Professional and Personal Qualifications

-Proficiency with or the ability to quickly learn the organization's HRIS and talent management systems (Paycom).

-Leadership style that reflects teamwork and personal responsibility.

-Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate.

-Outstanding organization, communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.

-Excellent written and verbal communication skills with all constituent groups.

-Absolute integrity, discretion, and confidentiality.

-Strong work ethic.

-Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

-Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.

-Strong supervisory and leadership skills.

-Ability to adapt to the needs of the organization and employees.

-Passion and skill to contribute positively to an educational environment that supports a lifelong love of learning.

Duties/Responsibilities

-Oversee the administration of human resource programs including, but not limited to, compensation, benefits, leaves of absence, disciplinary matters, investigations, performance management, recognition, and training and development.

-Collaborate with senior leadership to understand the organization's goals and strategy related to staffing, recruiting, and retention. Develop and coordinate recruitment and retention activities and execute best hiring and talent management practices.

-Determine training and development needs and develop programs to meet those needs.

-Conduct research and analysis of organizational trends including review of reports and metrics from the organization's human resource information system (HRIS).

-Investigate and follow through on formal complaints.

-Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.

-Experience administering COBRA, ACA, EEO, Flexible Spending, 401(k), and other benefit programs in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

-Oversee new hire, termination, exit interviews, and benefits paperwork.

-Monitor unemployment claims and appeal when necessary.

-Manage worker's compensation claims to minimize losses.

-Update Dawson Employee Handbook yearly.

-Maintain job descriptions, performance evaluations, and compensation programs.

-Determine and recommend employee relations practices necessary to establish a positive employment relationship and promote high employee morale.

-Supervise one part-time team member and ensure the department’s work is professional and consistent with the school’s mission and virtues.

-Participate in Dawson community events and support faculty, staff, students, and families.

-Seek out and participate in professional growth opportunities in independent school development.

The salary range for this position is $75,000-$100,000 and commensurate with experience. Benefits include medical, dental, 401(k), and generous time off. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume on the Dawson website (www.dawsonschool.org). Click on ABOUT at the top of the page, click on Careers, scroll to the middle of the page, click the link View Current Job Openings, and select the Director of Human Resources posting to apply for this position. Only online applications will be accepted. No phone calls please. This year-round position is available April 1, 2024, and is 100% in the office.

Dawson School Diversity Statement

Dawson is united in nurturing a culture of belonging that embraces diversity of thought, experience, identity, and passion.

Dawson actively promotes and embraces the exchange of diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds through curricular design, community involvement, and the integration of our four virtues - respect, compassion, courage, and integrity - into every aspect of our community life. It is our responsibility to provide a safe and inclusive learning environment for all members of our community, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, age, ability, or religion, as well as to cultivate in each student the ability to make empathetic, socially responsible decisions.