The Director of HR, Operations at KIPP NorCal oversees HR systems, data quality, benefits, and end-to-end employee lifecycle across the organization, reporting to the Chief People Officer in Oakland.
Responsibilities
- Define and drive the HR operations strategy, covering HRIS, employee lifecycle processes, and service delivery models to ensure systems are efficient, scalable, and aligned with organizational priorities.
- Establish and enforce standards for HR policy, data, workflows, and documentation to keep employee information accurate, compliant, and audit-ready.
- Provide senior leaders with insights on operational performance and system health, identifying risks, gaps, and improvement opportunities.
- Direct HRIS administration and optimization (examples include UKG), ensuring data integrity, system functionality, and alignment with business needs.
- Own HR data quality governance, audits, and reporting processes to support timely and reliable decision-making.
- Collaborate with TEX, Data, Tech, and Finance to ensure cross-system alignment, clean reporting, compliance, and strategic insights.
- Prioritize and implement system enhancements and integrations to boost usability, reporting, and operational efficiency.
- Oversee end-to-end employee lifecycle experiences from offer through exit, ensuring smooth transitions and cross-department alignment (IT, Payroll, Talent).
- Standardize workflows for all lifecycle actions (hiring, transfers, promotions, separations) to ensure accuracy and timeliness.
- Set and maintain service standards and operational practices that deliver timely, accurate support for employees and managers.
- Ensure compliance with employment regulations and internal policies across the employee lifecycle.
- Monitor lifecycle data and trends to enhance retention, onboarding effectiveness, and operational efficiency.
- Maintain and update the RSO job architecture, review and approve new job descriptions and changes, incorporate architecture into PDP, and manage promotions.
- Lead the RSO promotions process, aligning with job architecture, managing 360s and promotion panels, and obtaining approvals.
- Ensure talent decisions reflect adherence to the job architecture across all processes.
- Direct benefits and leave programs, ensuring accurate administration, strong vendor management, and a high-quality employee experience.
- Oversee annual benefits cycles, including enrollment, renewals, and communications, aligned with priorities and budget.
- Maintain compliance with applicable laws and regulations (eg, FMLA, ADA, ACA) and keep audit-ready systems and documentation.
- Manage time and attendance policies, coordinating with payroll to ensure accurate employee compensation.
- Oversee the workers’ compensation program for the organization.
- Collaborate with Employee Relations on leave issues when they intersect with employee relations, advising on policies and communications.
- Evaluate and refine benefits and leave processes to balance employee needs, cost, and feasibility.
- Manage and develop HR operations staff, setting clear expectations, providing coaching, and ensuring accountability.
- Build team capacity through clear roles, feedback, and development opportunities aligned to organizational needs.
- Partner with TEX Directors and the Chief People Officer to align HR operations with talent strategy, including hiring, onboarding, development, and retention efforts.
- Collaborate with Data, Technology, and Finance to define requirements, improve cross-system workflows, and ensure effective HR operations across platforms.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Requirements
- 6 to 9 plus years of experience in HR operations, HR systems, or organizational operations within a complex setting; preference for experience in education or mission-driven organizations.
- Proven track record designing and improving operational systems, workflows, and service delivery models that support scale, compliance, and a high-quality employee experience.
- 3 or more years of people management experience, including managing managers and building high-performing operational teams.
- Bachelor’s degree.
- Deep expertise in HR operations, including HRIS administration, employee lifecycle processes, benefits, and compliance.
- Strong systems-thinking orientation with the ability to connect processes, data, policies, and technology across teams to drive improvements.
- Sound operational judgment and problem-solving skills, including root-cause analysis, evaluating trade-offs, and implementing sustainable solutions.
- Robust project management capabilities and experience partnering with IT, Finance, and Legal functions.
- Excellent communication and change management skills, translating technical concepts into clear guidance for stakeholders.
- Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and sound judgment.
Technologies
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan with employer contribution
- Commuter benefits
Role Details
- Work Setting: Onsite
- Travel Expectation: Occasional school travel
- Driver’s License: Must have a valid California driver’s license and access to reliable transportation for work-related travel
- Physical Demands: Navigate office and school campuses, use technology, and occasionally lift or carry materials up to 20 pounds
- Mental Demands: Manage competing priorities, sustain concentration, analyze complex information, and make decisions under normal work pressures
- Environmental: Office/RSO environment with regular interruptions
Compensation
- Salary range: 136,000 to 164,000 USD per year
- Most candidates offered around 147,000 USD
How to Apply
Please submit a cover letter and resume by clicking apply on this page.
About KIPP NorCal
KIPP NorCal is a thriving nonprofit network of 23 free, public charter schools open to all students. At KIPP, we believe all children should grow up free to create the future they want for themselves and that schools can and should be a critical factor in making that vision a reality. Together with families and communities, we create joyful, academically excellent schools that prepare students with the skills and confidence to pursue the paths they choose—college, career, and beyond—so they can lead ful
Our student community consists of over 7,100 elementary, middle, and high school students in East Palo Alto, Oakland, San Francisco, San Lorenzo, San José, Redwood City, and Stockton. 80% qualify for free or reduced price lunch, 27% are multilingual learners, and 17% receive special education services. We strive to cultivate a representative team of teachers and leaders that reflect our students’ diversity.
KIPP Leadership Competencies
- Lead Self: Shape a department culture of reflection, renewal, and continuous learning; advance equity outcomes; drive ongoing learning and innovation.
- Lead People: Build diverse, high-trust teams; use data to drive change; coordinate across departments and explain roles and accountability clearly.
- Lead Results: Set clear department strategy, balance long-term investment with near-term results, and hold the team accountable for outcomes.
