Director HR

We Impact Lives Through Purpose-Driven Work in A People First Culture Ascend Learning, a leading healthcare and learning technology company, is the connection between a powerful portfolio of brands serving students, educators, and employers with outcomes-based, data-driven solutions across the lifecycle of learning. From testing to certification, Ascend Learning products are used by physicians, emergency medical professionals, nurses, allied health professionals, certified personal trainers, financial advisors, skilled trades professionals and insurance brokers.  

Headquartered in Burlington, MA, with additional office locations and hybrid and remote workers in cities across the U.S., Ascend Learning was recognized by Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group as one of America’s 2025 Greatest Workplaces as well as America’s Best Places to work for Mental Well-Being for 2025.  We're always looking for talented, passionate professionals to join us in our mission to help change lives.

If this sounds like an environment where you'd thrive, read on to learn more.  WHAT YOU’LL DOThe Director Human Resources serves as a strategic advisor and thought partner to senior leaders across key corporate operations functions. This role aligns people strategy with business priorities to drive organizational effectiveness, leadership capability, and scalable performance in complex, fast paced environments. Operating with a strong enterprise mindset, the Director balances immediate business needs with long term workforce and organizational health.

As a member of the HRBP team, this role influences outcomes at scale through trusted leadership partnership and data driven insight. Your leadership will be pivotal in nurturing our culture and guiding our talent to new heights of success.

WHERE YOU’LL WORKThis position will work a hybrid schedule from our Burlington, MA office location preferred. Hybrid work from our Leawood, Kansas office location or remote will be considered within the United States. Working Eastern and/or Central time zone hours is required.

HOW YOU’LL SPEND YOUR TIMEServe as a trusted advisor to senior operations leaders, translating business strategy into integrated people strategies

Diagnose organizational challenges and opportunities using data informed insights to drive sustainable performance

Partner with leaders on workforce planning, capability needs, and operating rhythm to support current and future business demands

Lead organization design and operating model evolution, including role clarity, spans of control, and team effectiveness

Guide leaders through change initiatives such as restructures, growth, integration, and transformation

Guide organization through performance management, succession planning, leadership development, and internal mobility

Provide expert guidance on complex employee relations matters, investigations, performance issues, and workplace concerns

Collaborate with HR Center of Excellence (COEs) to deliver cohesive, scalable enterprise solutions and contribute to enterprise wide HR initiativesWHAT YOU’LL NEED
10+ years of progressive HR experience, including significant experience in HR Business Partner roles supporting complex operations

Proven ability to influence, coach, and advise senior leaders through ambiguity and change

Strong strategic thinking and business acumen with an enterprise mindset

Strong ability to utilize data analytics to drive decision-making and measure effectiveness

Experience supporting corporate operations or similarly complex, matrixed environments

Expertise in organization effectiveness, change leadership, and workforce planning

Executive presence with strong judgment and decision making capability

High emotional intelligence and advanced coaching…