Chief People Officer (CPO)

Join North Coast Opportunities, Inc. (NCO) as our Chief People Officer! We're looking for an experienced leader to manage our Human Resources department and drive strategic initiatives. You'll play a key role in fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, enhancing employee engagement, and ensuring legal compliance. If you're passionate about creating a supportive and dynamic organizational culture, apply now and help us make a difference in our community.

POSITION OVERVIEW

As part of the NCO Senior Administration Team, the Chief People Officer (CPO) is responsible for the overall management and leadership of the Human Resources team. The CPO plays a critical role in developing and implementing comprehensive employee initiatives that balance the interests of the organization and its staff while promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. This role involves creating systems and programs to enhance productivity, engagement, and employee satisfaction. Reporting directly to the NCO Chief Executive Officer, the CPO is a strategic and process-oriented leader with experience in leading teams and fostering a performance-driven culture among diverse individuals. The CPO applies an equity lens to all organizational decisions, policies, processes, and systems to build an inclusive, transparent, and engaging organizational environment for all staff. The CPO is dedicated to providing a supportive and adaptable workplace that meets the evolving needs of both the organization and its employees by implementing strategies that support employee well-being and professional growth.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and implement HR strategies and initiatives aligned with the overall agency strategy.
• Provide staff supervision and guidance as well as oversight of the daily operations of the Human Resources Department.   
• In collaboration with other NCO departments, build and maintain relationships across all staff, keeping a pulse on staff needs and satisfaction levels, and design systems to include staff voice and feedback throughout the organization. 
• Design programs to improve staff satisfaction and retention, based on observation, employee feedback, and best practices.
• Support internal communications strategies to help break down silos and foster a transparent organizational climate.
• Develop and lead initiatives that support NCO’s learning and growth. 
• Analyze hiring, retention, and promotion data and adjust procedures as necessary to support diversity, equity, and inclusion within the NCO workforce.
• Oversee, update, and refine processes and procedures related to hiring, onboarding, employee feedback and engagement, performance evaluation, and terminations. 
• Develop, coordinate, and/or deliver staff training programs to instill a human capital development and coaching culture that furthers NCO mission, goals, and objectives.
• Develop and oversee employee wellness programs and staff appreciation events.
• Provide oversight of employee benefits, compensation, training, policies, and safety and wellness programs, and leave of absence administration.
• Counsel managers and employees on policy interpretation and support program directors in using best practices to address personnel matters and seek legal consultation and guidance as needed.
• Ensure legal compliance with employment and safety laws, and keep up to date with changes at local, state, and federal level. 
• Maintain up-to-date employee handbook and Personnel Policies.
• Serve as NCO Safety Officer, ensuring that the Injury and Illness Prevention Program, and all other applicable safety plans and programs are up to date, and that agency operations and employees are in compliance. Oversee and implement workers compensation plans, and audits.
• Facilitate the completion of regular analyses of NCO compensation and benefits to enhance the Agency’s ability to be competitive in the employment market.
• Participate as a member of the NCO Leadership Team and provide frequent updates at the NCO Board of Directors meetings. 
• Continue professional development by attending conferences and educational opportunities, reading professional publications, maintaining personal networks, and participating in professional organizations.
• Other duties as assigned or required.

ESSENTIAL WORK HABITS

• Align work behaviors in conformance with NCOs Purpose, Vision and Values.
• Report to work on time and obtain approval from supervisor for any changes in work schedule or absences.
• Maintain a strict commitment to confidentiality, in accordance with Agency and project policies and procedures.
• Follow the NCO Injury Illness and Prevention Plan, as well as all Agency and program safety protocols, procedures, and policies.
• Maintain focus on the assigned tasks.
• Take pride in creating a positive, efficient work environment.
• Treat co-workers and clients with respect.
• Represent NCO and its programs to the community in a positive light.
• Dress appropriately according to assigned job duties and responsibilities.
• Adapt constructively to change.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Training and Experience:

• A degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field OR an equivalent combination of relatable education and experience is required.
• A minimum of four years in the Human Resources field with at least four years of experience directly supervising staff.
• Demonstrated management and leadership experience, including feedback, coaching and guidance of others.
• SPHR, PHR, SHRM-CP or related designation is highly desirable. 
• Prior experience working with a nonprofit or Community Action agency is preferred.

Knowledge of:

• State and federal employment laws and related regulations and practices.
• Basic accounting and payroll practices.
• Principles and practices of effective interpersonal communications.
• Principles and practices of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Current standard office practices and procedures.
• Computer operations as relates to the duties of the position including use of the internet, email, Office 365 and other Microsoft products. 

Ability to:

• Work well with people of diverse backgrounds and interact with others in a culturally and emotionally sensitive manner. 
• Communicate clearly in English, verbally and in writing, to operationalize organizational values; bilingual ability (English/Spanish) is highly desirable.
• Actively listen, diffuse difficult situations, and engage others in conflict-resolution.
• Independently manage projects to completion and have strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Objectively investigate and respond to inquiries or complaints. 
• Be a self-starter and a collaborator as well as an effective manager and delegator for the Human Resources department.
• Effectively present information to NCO management, public groups, and NCO Board.
• Maintain cooperative, professional working relationships and a high level of confidentiality.
• Organize duties and tasks to meet established deadlines. 
• Facilitate meetings and trainings for groups of various sizes.
• Work a flexible schedule to accommodate occasional work events and professional development opportunities. Hybrid/ remote work options are possible.

Necessary Special Skills & Requirements:

• Employment is contingent upon completion of a Criminal Record Clearance screening within 90 days of hire, as required by the Head Start Standards and/or contract terms as demonstrated by providing a receipt to the Agency from the screening organization performing the background check.  
• Must have a valid California driver’s license, verifiable good driving record, and access to a vehicle with insurance that covers the employee as a driver.