We are an independent, Montessori school in Chicago serving 560+ students and their families, starting at a parent-infant class and up to 8th grade. We are a community of shared values working to fulfill a meaningful mission. NNM faculty, staff and parents strive for an equitable and inclusive school culture through intentional, reflective practice. We work together to challenge all students to think for themselves, pursue their ideas and become real learners for the real world. 

Learn more about us on our website: www.nnms.org

We are a seeking a full-time, year-round Director of Human Resources to join the Near North Montessori team here in Chicago.

Schedule: 40 hours per week, typically Monday through Friday, with shifts falling between 8:00 am and 6:00 pm, with adjustments or additional time as needed. This is a year-round, 12-month role.

Position Overview:
The Director of Human Resources (HR) works in collaboration with school leaders and employees, utilizing a solid business acumen and HR expertise to support the school’s operations consistent with its mission and values. Create and maintain HR related systems and structures for compensation and benefits, employee lifecycle management, compliance, and policy administration. Provide thoughtful support and service to employees.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

Strategic and Operational:

• Actively participates on NNM Strategic initiatives and plans.  Contribute as a strategic partner in the accomplishment of departmental business strategies and plans through initiatives that attract and retain talent, develop employees and leaders and align organizational goals and objectives

• Participate in weekly operational leadership meetings by supplying updated HR information (i.e.: attrition, staffing, etc.)

• Administers various Human Resources plans and procedures for all staff; assists in development and implementation of personnel policies and procedures including preparation and maintenance of employee handbook

• Manages and responsible for overall human resources functions including compensation and benefits, payroll, performance evaluations, training and development, recruitment, new hire orientation, employee discipline, termination, safety, and relevant policies and procedures

• Support the committee work conducted annually by the Board of Directors, specifically: lead the work of the investment committee for the retirement plan, participate in audit and finance committees

• Support the annual budgeting process working closely with the Finance and Operations Director, running reports and providing analytical information on staffing related expense and HR related expense projections for the school

• Work collaboratively with general counsel to ensure compliance with employment laws and regulations

• Provide advice on HR related organizational policy matters; recommend and implement needed changes

• Support various school projects and processes including accreditation by ISBE, ISACS and other organizations

Benefits, HRIS and Payroll:

• Oversee and approve the school's payroll process with other HR and finance staff members

• Manage the HR systems including the applicant tracking system and the HRIS which includes payroll, HR, onboarding, benefits, time and attendance modules

• Provide information and support for the school's audits - both full school audit and the retirement plan audit and related annual filings  

• Manage and create meaningful employee benefits packages, leading the annual renewal process for all benefit plans in coordination with the school's benefits broker; create benefits material 

• Oversee and handle payroll, employee records, unemployment and compensation matters, ensuring accuracy across all systems and providing updates to partners involved in the work

• Maintain records and compile reports concerning personnel-related data such as hires, performance appraisals, and absenteeism

• Participate in salary, benefit and other surveys through school, HR and other associations

Recruiting and Onboarding:

• Create and maintain systems and training for effective recruitment, interviewing, hiring practices across the organization

• Discuss hiring activities and recommendations with the Head of School, extending employment offers on their behalf as approved 

• Plan and conduct new employee orientation to ensure understanding of organizational culture, policies, process and objectives

Employee Engagement and General HR Responsibilities:

• Maintain a friendly, confidential, and helpful atmosphere for faculty and staff, acting as the go-to resource for all HR matters

• Promote a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion in employment practices

• Handle complex and sensitive employee relations and human resources issues that have organizational impact or legal ramifications

• Serve as a link between management and employees by handling questions, interpreting and administering policies and programs, and helping resolve work-related HR problems

• Motivate and support current staff, ensuring engagement and retention are a high priority

• Lead internal communication initiatives directed to employees on HR matters, support and inform other communication for the community from other departments - both internal and external 

• Acquire professional training in the educational field by attending educational conferences, training workshops and other related activities

• Perform other duties and responsibilities as required, assigned, or requested

Supervisory Responsibility -- Staff Development:

• Meets regularly with staff 

• Manage, support and develop all human resources staff members - provide them with helpful feedback and direction to effectively carry out their responsibilities

• Informs and supports professional development based on the interests and needs of the staff

• Bachelor’s Degree required, Master’s degree preferred
• 5+ years progressive HR experience with strong managerial experience; prior work in an educational setting or a non-profit organization is preferred
• HR certification, SHRM, HRCI, World at Work strongly preferred
• Broad general knowledge of all aspects of human resources with deep knowledge of compensation and employee relations
• Strong analytical skills and business acumen
• Ability to commit to equitable education and employment practices, anti-bias, anti-racist work and learning
• Ability to work effectively both independently and with others
• Highly organized and very adept at database management
• Strong communication skills both written and verbal targeting the needs of the audience; experience in benefits communication as well as the ability to craft and communicate broad organizational messages
• Solid negotiation skills and the ability to sustain a positive work environment
• Capable of strong, active listening with the ability to give full attention to what others are saying, taking time to understand the points being made and asking questions as appropriate
• Ability to maintain high levels of confidentiality
• Proficiency in Google Suites

• Pay Information: Eligible for an exempt salary, starting at $100,000 per year.
• Benefits Information:
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision packages available for both you and your dependents. HSA (health savings account) available as a tie-in to one level of medical plan.
  • Both individual and dependent FSA (flexible spending accounts) available.
  • Fully-funded short term disability and individual life insurance available, with option to upgrade to long term disability and group life insurance for an additional cost.
  • Robust paid time off policy that includes at least 10 paid days off per school year.
  • Paid school holidays can add up to 25 extra paid days off per year.
  • 403b retirement planning available, with a company match of 100% up to 6%.
  • Access to an EAP (employee assistance program) that provides up to 6 free consultations per year on a variety of life concerns.
  • Suite of voluntary benefits available, such as pre-tax transit deductions, pet insurance, accident & critical illness insurance, and more.