Client: Shelburne Farms
Website: shelburnefarms.org
Position Title: Human Resources Director / Director of Human Resources
Reports to: President
Location: Shelburne, VT
About Shelburne Farms
Shelburne Farms is an education nonprofit on a mission to inspire and cultivate learning for a sustainable future. They offer transformative learning experiences to help educators and students create a better world. Shelburne Farms’ home campus is a 1,400-acre working farm located on the traditional, unceded homelands—Ndakinna—of the Winooskik band of the Abenaki.
Shelburne Farms engages people of all ages in learning experiences that inspire them to build just, diverse, resilient, caring communities. They steward the working lands and heritage buildings as they embody values of place and community through caring for and sharing our natural, agricultural, cultural, and human resources. Shelburne Farms also collaborates with educators and other local, national, and international partners to advance education for sustainability worldwide.
Shelburne Farms recognizes that justice, equity, and access are central to sustainability. They are committed to translating these values into action across the organization by improving equitable outcomes in our culture, programs, and services. Shelburne Farms is working to create experiences of belonging for all, including BIPOC, LGBTQ+ communities, people with disabilities, and people of all economic realities.
Position Overview
This newly created Human Resources Director (“HR Director”) position plays an essential role in creating and sustaining an environment that is inclusive, respectful, and engaging for everyone who works and volunteers at Shelburne Farms.
Reporting to the President and working closely in partnership with the Leadership Team, the HR Director supports all human resources activities and initiatives at Shelburne Farms. This position is responsible for nurturing a culture that puts Shelburne Farms’ educational mission, strategic goals, and core values at the center of everything they do. This includes embedding a culture and practice of equity throughout the organization and continuous learning and improvement, so that all staff members feel welcomed and have a sense of belonging.
As an active member of the Leadership Team, this position serves as a strategic partner with the EVP and Program Director and department managers to educate, coach, and train staff in areas related to equitable employee relations, leadership development, and workplace culture.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities
- Lead organizational transitions using best practice change management methodologies
- Facilitate resourcing and long-range talent planning and development for mission advancing functions that ensure Shelburne Farms has the staff needed to meet organizational goals
- Develop and execute a cohesive and equitable recruiting strategy that ensures Shelburne Farms can meet hiring targets and build diverse teams across the organization
- Partner with leaders to define and translate strategy into people; coaching; and development programs to optimize the contribution of team members to the organization’s needs
- Support managers with the tools and information needed to optimize individual and team performance improvement at all levels
- Identify organizational development needs and deliver relevant coaching or training
- Foster a culture that enables Shelburne Farms and their people to be successful
- Develop creative benefit offerings that add value to team members and their families
- Continue to maintain an employee handbook that reflects the Farm’s commitment to JEDI and contains easy to understand and legally compliant employee policies
- Perform all required reporting (i.e., worker’s compensation, unemployment, COBRA, etc.)
- Engage with employees to build a shared understanding of compensation, benefits, and HR policies & procedures at Shelburne Farms
Required Skills/Experience and Attributes
- 10+ years progressive experience in HR disciplines with a strategic focus or equivalent experience
- Experience working with, coaching, and inspiring leaders
- Proven experience in a leadership role in a dynamic, evolving organization
- Ability to build respectful and trusting relationships across the organization and serve as the principal HR contact and subject matter expert for the organization
- Experience leading and supporting individuals in doing their best work
- Experience in a mission/values-driven organization
- Demonstrated commitment to Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion initiatives. Ability to be a leader in promoting a culture that is productive, open, empowering and equitable; participate in developing and leading JEDI initiatives
- Senior human resources certification (SPHR or similar) preferred
- Life experience and other education may be accepted in lieu of specific requirements
Gallagher, Flynn, & Company, LLP has been retained to conduct this search. Interested candidates may apply by sending a resume and cover letter to Michelle Rawls, Director of Talent Acquisition at talentsolutions@gfc.com. Please address the following in your cover letter: “How did you hear about the position?” and “How do your experiences, values, and/or efforts demonstrate your commitment to the values of diversity, justice, and equity?” While we appreciate all interest in this exciting opportunity, only candidates most closely aligned with our search will be contacted.
Disclaimer: What is listed above is representative of the position’s responsibilities but is not meant to be an exhaustive list. Responsibilities may change during employment at the company’s discretion. Gallagher, Flynn & Company, LLP and our client do not discriminate in employment based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factors.
Shelburne Farms recognizes that justice, equity, and access are central to sustainability. They are committed to translating these values into action across the organization by improving equitable outcomes in our culture, programs, and services. Shelburne Farms is working to create experiences of belonging for all, including BIPOC, LGBTQ+ communities, people with disabilities, and people of all economic realities.