Director of People & Culture

POSITION TITLE: Director of People & Culture

DEPARTMENT: People & Culture

REPORTS TO: SVP of People & Culture

DIRECT REPORTS:  Yes

LOCATION: 41st Street Shelter Site

Join a Legacy of Hope and Empowerment at Covenant House New York!

For over 50 years, Covenant House New York (CHNY) has been at the forefront of transforming lives by providing comprehensive shelter, housing, and wrap-around support services for vulnerable homeless, runaway, and exploited youth. As the largest provider of these essential services in New York City, CHNY impacts the lives of over 1,500 young people aged 16-24 every year.

At CHNY, our doors are open to all young people in need, regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression. Our dedicated team offers various services, including shelter, housing, education, employment, health, mental health support, youth development, and anti-human trafficking initiatives. We operate with harm reduction and trauma-informed principles to ensure the best care for our youth.

But our mission goes beyond immediate support. We are passionate advocates for systemic change, influencing public policy, and raising awareness of the critical issues surrounding youth homelessness. Our ultimate goal is to provide a safe refuge and empower young people to build a brighter future founded on compassion, unconditional love, and absolute respect.

Join us in making a difference in the lives of countless young people. Join a team that inspires long-term transformation and hope.

Job Summary

The Director of People and Culture will develop and execute strategies to attract, retain, and develop top talent while fostering a positive and inclusive workplace culture. This role will collaborate closely with senior leadership to align people initiatives with business objectives and drive organizational success.

Duties & Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities:

• Talent Acquisition:
  • Develop and implement comprehensive recruitment strategies to attract top talent.
  • Oversee the recruitment process, including job postings, candidate screening, interviewing, and onboarding.
  • Partner with hiring managers to understand staffing needs and ensure timely fulfillment of positions.
  • Be a resource in best practices and coach the Talent Acquisition team.
• Employee Engagement and Retention:
  • Design and implement programs to enhance employee engagement and promote a positive work environment.
  • Conduct regular surveys and assessments to gather feedback and identify areas for improvement.
  • Develop and implement initiatives to recognize and reward employee contributions.
  • Ability to have confidential conversations with employees about sensitive issues and provide counsel and guidance.
• Performance Management:
  • Oversee performance management processes, including goal setting, performance evaluations, and career development planning.
  • Provide guidance and support to managers on performance-related issues and employee development opportunities.
• Learning and Development:
  • Identify training and development needs across the organization and design appropriate programs.
  • Collaborate with internal stakeholders to deliver training sessions and workshops.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of training initiatives and make recommendations for improvement.
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI):
  • Lead efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within the organization.
  • Develop and implement initiatives to create a more diverse and inclusive workplace.
  • Partner with external organizations and participate in industry events to advance DEI goals.
• HR Compliance:
  • Ensure compliance with all relevant employment laws and regulations.
  • Develop and maintain HR policies and procedures per legal requirements and best practices.
  • Stay informed about emerging HR trends and best practices and make recommendations for continuous improvement.
  • Manage and lead department audits quarterly. 
  • Respond to requests for information and data from local, state, and federal agencies. 
  • Lead employee-related investigations and report findings and recommendations.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• At least seven years of experience in Human Resources or related fields, with three years in a leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of employment laws, regulations, and compliance.
• Proven track record of developing and implementing successful talent management strategies.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to build strong relationships and collaborate effectively with colleagues at all levels of the organization.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP certification preferred.

Knowledge/Skills

• Human Resources Management: Deep understanding of HR principles, operations, practices, and procedures, including talent acquisition, performance management, compensation and benefits, employee relations, and HR compliance.
• Talent Management: Proven ability to attract, retain, and develop top talent through strategic recruitment, onboarding, training, and career development initiatives.

• Employee Engagement and Retention: Skill in designing and implementing programs to enhance employee engagement, satisfaction, and retention, fostering a positive work environment and strong company culture.
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI): Demonstrated commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the organization, including experience developing and implementing DEI initiatives and fostering a culture of belonging.
• Leadership and Collaboration: Strong leadership skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with senior leadership, department heads, and cross-functional teams to align people initiatives with business objectives and drive organizational success.
• Communication: Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate with employees at all levels of the organization and external stakeholders.
• Problem-Solving and Conflict Resolution: Skill in addressing complex HR issues, resolving conflicts, and mitigating risks while ensuring fairness, equity, and compliance with legal requirements
• Cultural Competency: Sensitivity to cultural differences and a commitment to creating an inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their best work
• Ability to work in close proximity to and with other teams in meeting deadlines
• Dedicated to the mission of Covenant House New York

• Independently recognizes and performs duties that need to be done without being directly assigned.
• Establish priorities; organize work and time to meet them.
• Recognizes and responds to emerging priorities, accepts changes and new ideas
• Has insight into problems and the ability to develop workable alternatives.
• Responds to supervision, coaching, and constructive criticism in a positive manner.
• Ability to professionally communicate and relate well with all levels of personnel (individuals, peers, customers, and related professionals).

SALARY: $80,000 - $90,000 annually

Benefits

Covenant House New York offers a rich package of benefits including but not limited to:

• Medical
• Vision
• Dental
• Life & Supplemental Life Insurance
• Short and Long-term disability insurance 
• Eligibility for medical benefits begins on the date of hire
• PTO includes three weeks of vacation in the first year, ten holidays, thirteen sick days, five personal days, and birthday days off
• 403b with employer contribution after 12 months

Covenant House New York is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We believe that diverse perspectives drive innovation, and we are dedicated to providing a work environment free from discrimination and harassment where everyone feels respected and valued. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at deptpeopleandculture@covenanthouse.org