Chief People Officer

The Chief People Officer (CPO) is HFCA’s executive leader responsible for designing and stewarding a high-performing, values-aligned, and sustainable people system across the organization.

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer and serving as a member of the Executive Leadership Team, the CPO leads all human capital strategy and human resources functions, including talent acquisition, performance management, leadership development, employee relations, compensation, and organizational culture.

The CPO serves as a trusted thought partner to the CEO, EVP, Chiefs, and school leaders—bringing expertise, judgment, and systems thinking to ensure HFCA attracts, develops, and retains exceptional adults who can deliver on our mission at scale.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Human Capital Strategy & Organizational Alignment

• Design and execute a comprehensive human capital strategy aligned to HFCA’s mission, strategic priorities, and growth trajectory.

• Partner with the CEO, EVP, and Executive Leadership Team to ensure people systems support instructional excellence, operational effectiveness, and long-term sustainability.

• Lead succession planning and leadership pipeline development across school-based and central office roles.

• Ensure HFCA’s people strategy reflects and advances its commitment to equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive leadership.

Talent Recruitment & Workforce Planning

• Build and oversee a best-in-class talent recruitment and selection system that attracts diverse, high-quality candidates aligned to HFCA’s mission and culture.

• Ensure hiring processes are efficient, data-informed, equitable, and provide a positive candidate experience.

• Partner with school leaders and executive leaders to anticipate staffing needs and proactively address recruitment challenges.

• Monitor and improve retention strategies, particularly for high-performing educators and leaders.

Performance Management & Leadership Development

• Design and oversee HFCA’s performance management systems, ensuring clarity of expectations, meaningful feedback, and accountability at all levels.

• Coach and support school leaders, managers, and executive leaders in effective people management practices.

• Build leadership development structures that strengthen manager effectiveness, adult culture, and organizational health.

• Support principal and executive leadership development in partnership with the EVP and Chief of Schools functions.

Employee Relations, Compliance & Risk Management

• Oversee all human resources operations, including employee relations, compliance, investigations, leaves, and personnel policies.

• Serve as a proactive leader in addressing employee concerns, resolving conflict, and maintaining a fair, respectful, and legally sound workplace.

• Partner with legal counsel and external consultants as needed to mitigate risk and ensure compliance with all employment laws and regulations.

• Ensure policies, procedures, and handbooks are clear, equitable, and consistently implemented.

Compensation, Benefits & Employee Experience

• Partner with the Chief Financial Officer and external vendors to oversee compensation, benefits, and payroll systems.

• Conduct regular benchmarking to ensure HFCA’s compensation and benefits remain competitive and aligned with organizational values.

• Design systems to gather and analyze employee feedback and engagement data; partner with senior leaders to respond strategically.

• Champion initiatives that promote staff well-being, sustainability, and professional fulfillment.

Culture, Values & Organizational Health

• Serve as a steward of HFCA’s organizational culture and PRIDE values.

• Lead culture-building initiatives that reinforce trust, accountability, belonging, and excellence.

• Model emotionally intelligent leadership and support leaders in navigating complex interpersonal and organizational challenges.

• Strengthen systems that promote collaboration, transparency, and shared ownership of results.