Deputy Chief of Staff - People

Location: New York, NY

Compensation Range: $110,000 - $125,000

Special consideration will be given to candidates who apply by 01/19/2024

ABOUT THE JOB

Reporting to the Chief of Staff, the Deputy Chief of Staff (DCoS) supports the Chief of Staff (CoS) in driving the strategic initiatives that foster a growth-oriented and high-performance culture within the organization. The DCoS will play a critical role in shaping the future of UA’s workforce by ensuring the development of employees and supervisors, and contributing to the overall success of the Urban Assembly. This includes formulating strategy for the smooth operation of human resources functions, cultivating a positive culture that emphasizes growth, collaboration, leadership, inclusion, and accountability, and supporting effective and compliant responses to employee relations needs.

We are looking for an expert mediator, project manager, and strategic executor who can work with leadership and other internal stakeholders to move work forward. Working with the Chief of Staff, CEO, Directors, and other stakeholders, the DCoS will design and implement policies and procedures that ensure the organization can function safely, fairly, and equitably for all employees.

This position is located at the UA’s central office in New York City’s Financial District and involves a blend of in-person and remote work. Candidates should be available for in-person work at the Urban Assembly office 3-5 days per week.

The key responsibilities of the Deputy Chief of Staff include but are not limited to:

Talent Acquisition and Staff Development:

• Codify and lead talent acquisition strategies, manage recruitment, and ensure effective onboarding

• Work with CoS and Managing Director of Program to design, implement, and evaluate comprehensive learning and development programs that align with organizational goals

• Facilitate and develop related operational systems, processes, and infrastructure with an eye towards continual process improvement

• Develop training and practices that support high-performing teams

Performance Management:

• Facilitate use of organizational standards for employee evaluations, ensuring consistent application of those standards for all employees

• Facilitate company-wide engagement in performance review system and ensure alignment with organizational objectives and employee growth

• Facilitate and develop related operational systems, processes, and infrastructure with an eye towards continual process improvement

Benefits Coordination:

• Alongside the Finance & Administration team, oversee comprehensive employee benefits programs

• Facilitate and develop related operational systems, processes, and infrastructure with an eye towards continual process improvement

Employee Relations, Policy Development, and Compliance:

• Develop and and implement a best-in-class Employee Relations Program, helping to resolve work conflicts and grievances and addressing employee-raised issues

• Draft, modify and implement company policies and procedures, identifying hidden risks or non-conformity issues including managing updates to the Employee Handbook

• Ensure compliance with labor laws, regulations, and ethical standards

• Create and train staff on employee-facing materials that outline processes and procedures in a clear way

• Mitigate HR-related risks by staying abreast of industry trends and best practices

HR Analytics and Reporting:

• Utilize HR metrics to inform decision-making and report on workforce trends

• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) for People Operations and Learning/Development initiatives

• Regularly assess and report on the effectiveness of HR and Learning/Development programs, making data-driven recommendations for improvement

Staff Productivity and Connectedness in Hybrid Context:

• Develop strategies for optimizing productivity and increasing connectedness as a hybrid workplace

-Foster collaboration with other departments to ensure a seamless integration of People -Operations and Learning/Development initiatives with overall business functions

Climate and Culture Maintenance:

• Foster an inclusive, positive workplace culture, especially in a hybrid work setting

• Support CoS in the planning and execution of all-staff meetings, events, retreats, and trainings

• During times of change, work closely with leadership to ensure smooth transitions and effective communication

• Implement employee feedback mechanisms to continuously enhance workplace satisfaction

In addition to:

• Engaging in special projects and other duties as assigned

• Centering principles of equity, inclusion, and belonging in all work, embedding the values in program development, policy application, and organizational practices and processes

• Committing to the mission of the Urban Assembly

• Demonstrating a commitment to diversity within the office using a personal approach that values all individuals and respects differences in regards to race, ethnicity, age, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, religion, disability and socio-economic circumstance

• Working collaboratively and respectfully toward resolving obstacles and/or conflicts

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Proven experience in a senior HR or People Operations role, with a focus on learning and development

• Strong leadership skills, with the ability to influence and drive change at all organizational levels

• Demonstrated success in designing and implementing effective learning and development programs

• Expert conflict resolution skills

• Excellent written and oral communication skills

• Excellent knowledge of reporting procedures and record keeping

• Strong leadership abilities and interpersonal acumen

• Impeccable trustworthiness, discretion, and a problem-solver’s mindset

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Degree or certification(s) in HR, Employee Relations, Law, or Conflict Management

• Project management experience

• Certified compliance professional is a plus

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

The UA values equity, transparency, and clarity in pay. Consistent with the UA’s compensation philosophy, there is a set salary for this role. The annual salary range for this position is $110,000 - $125,000, reflective of a position based in New York, NY. This position is required to be within commuting distance to New York, NY, where UA offices are located. This is a full-time, exempt position.

The UA also offers an excellent benefits package including employer-funded healthcare, transit benefits, financial support for professional development, and generous vacation time. The majority of work for this will be conducted in-person at the UA office or in the field/at school sites with periodic opportunities to work from home.

HOW TO APPLY

Please send a resume and cover letter to jobs-hr@urbanassembly.org. The email subject heading should read “Deputy Chief of Staff - People.” No phone calls please. Due to a non-compete clause, we are unable to hire staff directly out of DOE schools or central offices, but former DOE staff (out of the system for more than 1 year) are encouraged to apply.

OUR INTERVIEW PROCESS

The UA team will review applications on a rolling basis. We use a structured interview process and candidates moving forward in the interview process will be contacted by email regarding a phone screening, performance tasks, and interviews.

The UA makes every effort to assure that its recruitment and employment provide all qualified persons, including persons with disabilities, with full opportunities for employment in all positions.

The UA is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you are a qualified individual with a disability and need assistance applying online, please email our Chief of Staff at hr@urbanassembly.org.

If you are selected for an interview, you will receive additional information regarding how to request an accommodation for the interview process.

The UA is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. The UA encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status and record of arrest or conviction, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Black people, Indigenous people, people of color; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex people; women; people with disabilities, protected veterans, and formerly incarcerated individuals are all strongly encouraged to apply.

ABOUT US

The Urban Assembly (UA) is a non-profit model provider of school support solutions that boost school and student performance. Under the mission of advancing students’ social and economic mobility by improving public education, the UA provides schools and districts with innovative data-driven, student-centered approaches to career and technical education, academics, social-emotional learning, and postsecondary access and success. The UA founded a network of unique, small public secondary schools throughout NYC. UA schools are open to all students, and our goal is to prepare 100% of UA graduates for success in the 21st century economy.

The UA values the uniqueness that each student brings into our schools, and our work honors the various social and cultural contexts from which they come. We acknowledge the historical barriers created by education systems to perpetuate the social inequities that keep students of color from accessing postsecondary and career opportunities - and commit to dismantling these barriers.