Human Resources Director

Yellowstone Schools

 

Organizational Overview

Founded in 2001 and rooted in the Christian faith, Yellowstone Schools collectively educates 600 children in Pre-K through 9th grade and will grow a grade each year to serve 12th grade by 2026. Yellowstone partners with students and families—regardless of financial means—to provide a life-changing education, develop a strong moral foundation, and prepare scholars for life beyond high school. The K12 campus is located in the Third Ward, one of Houston's oldest historically Black neighborhoods.

 

Most students served live in communities without access to strong educational opportunities. With an average class size of 16 to 18, our students experience a rich academic and co-curricular model while receiving bus transportation, two meals a day, and access to a comprehensive student support program.

 

Yellowstone Schools consists of a cooperative of two school systems: a lower school (a private Christian school serving PreK-5th grade) and an upper school (a tuition-free, public charter school growing to serve 6th-12th grade). The lower school and upper school are distinct legal and financial entities with separate governing boards. The name Yellowstone Schools reflects each school system’s shared mission, vision, values, culture, and leadership. Each school complies with all applicable federal and state laws.

 

Overview:

The Director of Human Resources plays a pivotal role in fostering a positive and inclusive work environment while supporting the school's mission and growth. This position is ideal for an experienced HR professional who is passionate about education and dedicated to promoting a healthy, vibrant, and collaborative school community.

 

Key Responsibilities:

1. HR Strategy: Develop and implement HR strategies and policies that align with the school's values, mission, and long-term goals.
2. Talent Acquisition: Oversee the recruitment process for faculty and staff, including job postings, candidate screening, interviews, and reference checks. Represent Yellowstone at job fairs. Plan and host recruitment events.
3. Employee Relations and Engagement: Foster positive employee relations through effective communication. Help maintain a welcoming and inclusive workplace culture. Host monthly social events and lead activities for relationship-building among staff. Develop and implement strategies to boost employee morale and engagement. Organize staff-wide employee surveys and organizational assessments.
4. Compliance: Ensure that the school complies with all federal, state, and local employment laws, regulations, and school policies.
5.  Benefits Administration: Administer and manage employee benefits programs, including health insurance, retirement plans, and other employee perks.
6. Performance Management: Develop and oversee performance appraisal processes, feedback systems, and professional development initiatives.
7. Onboarding and Training: Lead the onboarding process for new hires and substitute teachers. Provide ongoing training and development opportunities for staff.
8. Compensation Management: Administer the school's compensation structure, salary reviews, and related budgeting.
9. Policy Development: Create, review, and update HR policies, ensuring they are consistent with legal requirements and best practices. Maintain the staff handbook.
10. Record Keeping: Maintain accurate HR records, personnel files, and databases, ensuring confidentiality and compliance. Process, verify, and maintain personnel-related documentation, including staffing, recruitment, training, grievances, disciplinary action, performance evaluations, classifications, contracts, and employee leaves of absence. Create and maintain annual employment contracts.
11. Conflict Resolution: Act as a mediator in resolving employee conflicts and grievances.
12. Safety and Wellness: Collaborate with the school's health and safety team to promote a safe and healthy work environment.
13. Budget Management: Manage the HR department's budget, including cost control and efficient resource allocation.
14. Other duties as assigned.

 

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree, preferably in Human Resources, Business, or a related field
• SHRM or HRCI certification is a plus
•  A minimum of 5 years of HR management experience, preferably in an educational institution or similar non-profit setting
• Strong knowledge of labor laws, regulations, and HR best practice
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to make data-driven decisions
• Dedication to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills
• Ability to adapt to a dynamic and evolving school environment

 

Additional Notes:

• This position requires irregular hours, including evening and weekend commitments as required and assigned.
• This position will require the utmost level of discretion and confidentiality, as this employee will have access to staff files and other related institutional documents that are confidential. 

 

Yellowstone Values

Every employee at Yellowstone is committed to our PRIDE values:
 

Positivity: At Yellowstone, we smile first. We are a positive presence on campus and extend good-natured grace and enthusiasm in all personal interactions.

 

Responsibility: We follow through on our promises and commitments. We own our actions and will never settle for less than our best effort. 

 

Integrity: We demonstrate integrity in all circumstances and always put the best interests of the broader Yellowstone community first. We “walk the talk” and lead by example.  

 

Determination: We anticipate and overcome challenges. We are resilient in the face of obstacles and are committed to the success of every member of the Yellowstone community. 

 

Excellence: We hold everyone (families, students, colleagues) to the highest standard of excellence and constantly look for ways to enhance the Yellowstone experience.