UTEC Director of Human Resources

UTEC is a nationally recognized organization that serves young adults who are in need of justice. Our mission is to ignite and nurture the ambition of our most disconnected young people, inspiring them to trade violence and poverty for social and economic success. The program starts behind the walls of correctional facilities and via direct street outreach and transitions into an intensive program in the community post-release. Our educational services, wraparound support and counseling, social enterprises/workforce development, organizing/policy work, training institute, and innovative partnerships create an array of impacts in the lives of the individuals and communities we serve, and beyond. UTEC currently operates in Lowell, Lawrence, and Haverhill, MA and our programming has served as a model nationwide.

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

The Director of Human Resources (HR) oversees all aspects of human capital management within the organization, ensuring alignment with business objectives. They lead the HR department in developing and executing HR strategies that support organizational goals, foster employee development, and enhance employee engagement. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced HR Generalist to take on a leadership role with significant opportunities for professional development.

The Director of HR reports to Emma Concepcion, Chief People Officer. The Director will have the opportunity to build towards their career goals, including supervising a direct report, if desired.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic HR Leadership

• Develop and implement HR strategies and initiatives aligned with the overall business strategy.
• Bridge management and employee relations by addressing demands, grievances, or other issues.
• Nurture a positive working environment and promote the organization’s core values.

Employee Development and Performance Management

• Develop and implement performance management systems to enhance employee productivity.

Compensation and Benefits Administration

• Develop and monitor overall compensation and benefits packages to ensure the organization’s ability to attract and retain top talent.
• Monitor salary structure and compensation adjustments according to market trends and internal equity.

HR Compliance and Employee Relations

• Ensure compliance with employment laws and regulations and keep abreast of changes in legislation.
• Manage employee relations issues; conduct investigations and resolve employee conflicts.
• Maintain HR policies and procedures and ensure they are communicated effectively to employees.
• Ensure the agency is in compliance with OSHA standards
• Identify and create employee safety measures

HR Metrics & Reporting

• Develop and analyze HR metrics to measure effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.
• Prepare regular reports for senior management on HR metrics, trends, and issues.

LOA Administration

• Manage PFML, FMLA, and Workers’ compensation requests

QUALIFICATIONS

There are innumerable ways to learn, grow, and excel professionally. We respect this when we review applications and take a broad look at the experience of each applicant. We want to get to know you and the unique strengths you will bring to the work. This said, we are most likely to be interested in your candidacy if you can demonstrate the majority of the qualifications and experiences listed below:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in human resources, preferably in nonprofit, human services settings, including progressive growth in title and responsibilities.
• Experience administering LOAs, PFML, and Worker’s Compensation benefits is required.
• Knowledge of ADA regulations and experience administering accommodation plans is required.
• Strong understanding of MA and Federal labor laws, regulations, and best practices.
• SHRM-CP or PHR certification strongly preferred.
• Experience with open enrollment and benefits administration.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Excellent writing and editing skills
• Proven track record of fostering an inclusive workplace culture and driving measurable results.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into action.
• Empathetic and culturally competent with a commitment to social justice.
• Analytical mindset with strong problem-solving skills.
• High integrity and a commitment to maintaining confidentiality.

COMPENSATION, BENEFITS & ROLE SPECIFICATION

This is a full-time, exempt role. The Director of HR is eligible for hybrid remote work and can expect to work at UTEC’s offices in Lowell three days per week. The other two days they will work from a home office. The salary range for this role is $90,000-$100,000 annual. In addition, employees are eligible to participate in a robust benefits program, including:

• 4 weeks of vacation (3 standard for all new employees and a week of agency-wide closure between Christmas and New Year holidays).
• 12 holidays, 10 sick days, 2 personal days.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Life insurance.
• Annual cost-of-living increases.
• 457B retirement plan.
• Up to $4,000 per employee for professional development support.
• With time, benefits include up to 6 weeks of vacation, 80% coverage of employee health and dental insurance costs, and availability for a 3-week sabbatical.
• Emphasis on work-life balance with wellness opportunities including additional time off (e.g., early closure on Fridays during summer months), an employee assistance program, down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers, parental leave, bereavement support, and unlimited free coffee.

SUBMITTING YOUR APPLICATION

Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their application through our online portal promptly. All applicants will receive a response to their application. Please email rcostello@positivelypartners.org with questions or for support submitting your application.

While subject to change, candidates elected to advance throughout the process can expect:

• initial interviews with Positively Partners
• a follow-up video interview with Emma Concepcion, Chief People Officer
• a multi-part in-person final interview day and facility tour

UTEC would like the HR Director to start as soon as possible. Positively Partners is committed to conducting an equitable, accessible assessment process. If you would like to request an accommodation during the interview process, please email search@positivelypartners.org. Accommodation requests will be handled confidentially.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

UTEC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we encourage applications from those with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences that reflect the populations we serve.

UTEC provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

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