Managing Director of HR & Operations

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Full Time NU Leadership 12 Chicago, IL, US

30+ days ago Requisition

Salary Range: $ To $ Annually

Job Description :
Managing Director of Operations and Human Resources

Reports To:

Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Overview

As a leading education management organization, Meridian Charter Schools is committed to transforming the lives of students in culturally and linguistically diverse communities by providing students access to high-quality educational opportunities that elevate their identities as an asset and foster equitable and inclusive learning environments. Meridian Charter Schools is a school management organization (SMO) in Chicago, IL that operates three campuses of Chicago International Charter School: CICS Ralph Ellison High School, CICS Northtown Academy High School, and CICS Wrightwood Elementary School.

We believe through collective effort, we will have collective impact.

Position Summary:

The Managing Director of Operations and Human Resources serves as a member of the network leadership team, reporting directly to and partnering closely with the Chief Operations Officer. This position plays a pivotal role in supporting the COO and the network leadership team in realizing our Guiding Principles:
Continuous Improvement, Effective Leaders, Collaborative Educators, Ambitious Instruction, Supportive Environment, and Involved Families and Community Engagement.

As a Managing Director of Operations and Human Resources, you will lead the HR function while acting as the COO's primary operational partner, driving the execution of strategic initiatives and special projects across the organization. This role bridges strategy and execution, translating the COO's priorities into action, leading cross-functional projects, and serving as the primary HR and operational liaison to school leaders.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Mission, Vision, Core Values :
Partner with the COO and leadership team to formulate, develop, and evaluate continuous improvement in HR, talent management, and operational strategies that achieve the shared vision, mission, and goals of the organization. Translate organizational strategy into implementation plans, leading cross-functional execution across HR and special projects.

Ethics and Professional Norms:
Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations across HR and operational functions, including but not limited to payroll, benefits, pension, teacher licensure, Title IX, ADA, FMLA, and FLSA. Stay abreast of changes in laws and regulations and adapt organizational practices accordingly. Ensure compliance and confidentiality for all employee systems and information.

Equity and Cultural Responsiveness:
Embed culture, equity, and inclusion (CEI) into HR practices, policies, and the employee experience. Ensure that each staff member has equitable access to resources and learning opportunities related to onboarding, open enrollment of benefits, position changes, leave administration, pension, teacher licensure, and professional development. Champion equity and social justice principles throughout the organization.

Executive Support & Special Projects:
Act as the COO's primary proxy on cross-functional and high-priority initiatives. Lead special projects across operations, including system implementations, organizational restructuring, and vendor changes, managing timelines, stakeholder communications, and deliverables. Prepare reports, dashboards, and analysis for COO review and manage follow-through on strategic initiatives. Coordinate with external vendors, partners, and stakeholders on operational projects as assigned.

Operations Oversight:
Coordinate day-to-day operational functions, primarily within HR and COO-assigned special projects, ensuring alignment across departments. Act as the primary operational and HR liaison to school leaders across all campuses. Oversee Epicenter and school-facing operational systems in coordination with the COO.

Human Resources Strategy & Systems:
Lead the HR function for the organization; design and implement HR systems, policies, and continuous improvements. Oversee HRIS systems, audits, reporting, and data integrity. Manage a staff-facing policy hub and Leadership Hub to ensure accessible, accurate HR resources for staff and leaders. Oversee and complete all audits of staff records as required by Chicago Public Schools, the Illinois State Board of Education, and other parties.

Manage record-keeping in compliance with CPS document retention policies.

Talent Acquisition & Staffing:
Oversee recruitment strategy, certification compliance, and hiring alignment with school needs and ISBE licensure requirements. Lead teacher recruitment initiatives. Direct certification processes, including semi-annual notices to employees regarding certification changes or expiration…