POSITION SUMMARY
The American Civil Liberties Union of Vermont (ACLU-VT) seeks to hire an experienced Human Resources leader for a newly created position – Senior Manager for People & Culture. This position is the organization’s first dedicated HR role. The person in this position will work across the organization to lead on workplace culture and provide support in the areas of HR compliance, policy development and implementation, employee engagement and performance, and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (EDIB).
Recognizing our democracy faces unprecedented challenges, the ACLU of Vermont is taking our statewide advocacy to the next level, expanding our litigation, policy, and communications programs, and building new infrastructure for issue campaigns and electoral engagement. We are also committed to fostering a strong internal culture of belonging, with an emphasis on inclusive and equitable practices and organizational diversity. We are a passionate, highly motivated group of lawyers, public policy experts, communications professionals, organizers, and fundraisers, and we are looking for exceptional talent to join our team. To learn more about us, visit our website.
Please note that due to COVID-19, our organization is currently operating remotely. This will continue until at least May 1, 2022, and we are likely to extend our remote work policy and remote work flexibility beyond that date. It is our expectation that the person hired to fill this position will eventually work from our Montpelier office.
OVERVIEW
Reporting to the Executive Director and working closely with the Associate Director and other staff, the Senior Manager for People & Culture will perform their duties with a high degree of emotional intelligence, confidentiality, and collaboration. The Senior Manager for People and Culture is expected to bring leadership, critical thinking, and strategic and operational expertise on all people-related matters. The Senior Manager for People and Culture is a true “people person” with an intense passion for supporting great teams and helping them succeed. This person will go the extra mile to make sure that everyone on the team is able to thrive in their work. This is a full-time position, based in Montpelier and periodically requiring some travel around the state.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Benefits Administration & Development
• In collaboration with contracted health plan administrator, Associate Director, and National ACLU staff, oversee administration of complete benefits package, including health, dental, life and short- and long-term disability insurance, retirement, workers’ compensation, vacation, sick leave, and leaves of absence. Collaborate with Associate Director to monitor administrative costs of benefits programs and recommend cost containment and value-added strategies;
• Maintain HR files and documentation; oversee the administration of employee, intern, and volunteer record keeping; maintain the company directory and organizational charts;
• Maintain awareness and knowledge of employment law and assure organizational compliance, including providing direction to directors, supervisors, and all staff to ensure they are fully informed of HR requirements, objectives, and plans;
• Provide strategic leadership and operational guidance to the organization on a variety of human resources programs, policies, and practices. Identify key HR trends, challenges, and opportunities and promote best practices that align with organizational strategy and objectives;
• Respond to staff inquiries regarding HR policies, procedures, and programs.
Recruitment, Hiring, & Onboarding
• Support recruitment and hiring strategy, planning, and execution to attract exceptional and diverse candidates at every level;
• Build and maintain systems to track and communicate with candidates;
• Working closely with the Associate Director and program directors, develop and administer new staff orientation to ensure new staff members are welcomed, set up for success from the outset, and able to integrate seamlessly into the organization;
• Support paid intern and volunteer programs, including recruitment, onboarding, and record-keeping.
Performance Management & Professional Development
• Refine and manage professional development program that will retain, develop and motivate people to grow professionally and achieve their fullest potential, including training and mentorship opportunities;
• Support the professional development of program managers to resolve employment related matters and help ensure they are managing effectively and continually improving their management skills;
• Facilitate implementation of the performance review process through training, support, and accountability to ensure effectiveness, compliance, and equity within the organization;
• Coordinate employee off-boarding.
Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, & Belonging
• Working closely with the Executive Director and other staff, help sustain and continually strengthen an intentional culture that centers racial and other forms of equity; encourages respect, compassion, and courageous engagement; and serves the mission and strategy of the organization, including a process of monitoring and attending to staff morale;
• Partner with Executive Director and other staff to project manage organization-wide EDIB initiatives;
• Work with all staff to develop and implement procedures, processes, and programs that support and further internal equity and inclusion work, and help cultivate a supportive and culturally sensitive work environment for all employees;
• Work with staff to plan and organize internal events and social calendar (off-site retreats, EDIB meetings, in-office events, holiday party, etc.).
Administration, Compliance, & Other Responsibilities
• Partner with Executive Director and Associate Director on risk management program and develop strategies for minimizing those risks;
• Develop strong operations, logistics, systems, and compliance on the day-to-day level, while also anticipating longer-term needs;
• Advise on creating and/or updating other policies, procedures, guidelines, and systems, as needed;
• Supervise the maintenance of contracts, insurance policies, and professional registrations;
• Other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Commitment to ACLU mission: Demonstrated commitment to the mission, values, and goals of the ACLU, including a demonstrated commitment to equity and racial justice.
HR Management: Demonstrated experience developing and implementing HR policies and programs. Familiarity with all aspects of HR, including compensation, recruitment, benefits, performance management, professional development, training, etc. Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of employment law and compliance requirements, and HR best practices. SHRM, HRCI, or similar HR certification preferred, but not required.
Leadership and Coaching: Demonstrated experience coaching and advising management and staff in an HR capacity. Ability to think strategically with an open-minded approach to HR solutions using an equity lens. Forward thinking, innovative, and progressive in HR practices. Someone whose leadership philosophy is one based on kindness and strengths-based, and who sees the value every person brings to the work.
Commitment to the principles of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging: Demonstrated commitment to developing and implementing best practices for organizations on equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging. Awareness of, and willingness to engage in, the difficult and transformative work of challenging systems of oppression, institutional and structural racism, and implicit bias. Experience and demonstrable ability to work closely and productively with people from a variety of racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, educational, religious, sexual, gender, and generational backgrounds.
Sound Judgment and Trustworthiness: Ability to maintain absolute confidentiality, exercise sound independent judgment, and exhibit high levels of integrity and discretion. Ability to establish credibility and be decisive while maintaining positive employee relationships in service to the mission. Organized and able to pay meticulous attention to detail on matters that have the potential to impact staff.
Emotional Intelligence and Advanced Communication Skills: Strong self-awareness, cultural competence, and humility; grounded with a high degree of integrity and transparency. Team player who inspires collaboration, lifts up the work of others, and maintains balance and perspective with patience and a sense of humor. Advanced ability to communicate and work effectively and respectfully with staff, board members, volunteers, and the general public. Skilled in communicating both orally and in writing.
Self-Management and Flexibility: Self-starter, with strong follow-through and the ability to meet deadlines. Demonstrated ability to handle and prioritize complex work plans and responsibilities in a fast-paced environment with minimal supervision. Advanced ability to adapt as needed and work creatively to find solutions to people and organizational challenges.
Computer and Software Skills: Demonstrated proficiency with business applications, including Microsoft Office suite and HR information and applicant tracking systems, with an ability to become familiar with organization-specific programs and software.
Other skills: Must be available for some evening & weekend responsibilities, with a driver’s license or driver’s privilege card and ability to travel.
ABOUT ACLU OF VERMONT
The ACLU of Vermont integrates litigation, policy advocacy, organizing, public education, and strategic communications to defend and advance civil liberties for all people across a broad range of constitutionally protected rights and freedoms. Founded in 1967 and based in Montpelier, the ACLU of Vermont is the statewide affiliate of the national ACLU, a nationwide organization with a presence in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and Washington, DC. The ACLU fights tirelessly for the principle that every individual’s rights must be protected equally under the law, regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, or national origin.
To learn more about the ACLU of Vermont, visit our website.
COMMITMENT TO EQUITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION
The ACLU of Vermont is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive office culture. We believe that having a board, staff, and volunteer base with diverse personal and professional backgrounds enhances our ability to meet our mission and creates an environment where all members of our community can thrive.
The ACLU of Vermont strongly encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, or prior involvement in the criminal justice system. The ACLU of Vermont undertakes affirmative action strategies in its recruitment and employment efforts to assure that persons with disabilities have full opportunities for employment in all positions.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
We are committed to creating and maintaining a diverse workforce through equity initiatives, which includes equitable pay practices. Competitive compensation is commensurate with experience. Starting salary range for this position is $60,000-70,000.
We understand how vital our work is and at the same time understand the toll engaged activism can take. Our goal is to retain staff and we believe that having a robust benefits offering is vital in meeting that goal. Our benefits include fully employer-paid medical and dental insurance for staff members, their dependents and spouse or domestic partner; life insurance and disability; defined contribution plan with employer match; and generous vacation and sick leave, in addition to 14 paid holidays. This position is full-time, salaried, and exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
To apply, email a cover letter and resume to search@acluvt.org. Include in the subject line of the email: your last name and Senior Manager for People & Culture. In your cover letter please indicate where you learned of the posting.
DEADLINE
We will begin reviewing applications on March 28, 2022. Applications will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled, at which time the job announcement will be removed from our website at www.acluvt.org.
COMMITMENT TO EQUITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION
The ACLU of Vermont is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive office culture. We believe that having a board, staff, and volunteer base with diverse personal and professional backgrounds enhances our ability to meet our mission and creates an environment where all members of our community can thrive.
The ACLU of Vermont strongly encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, or prior involvement in the criminal justice system. The ACLU of Vermont undertakes affirmative action strategies in its recruitment and employment efforts to assure that persons with disabilities have full opportunities for employment in all positions.