Youth Policy Institute Career Opportunities
Within the last 5 years, what role did the following play in your job:
Assessing talent and developing performance plans.
Within the last 5 years, what role did the following play in your job:
Worked for a non-profit.
Within the last 5 years, what role did the following play in your job:
Employee Relations
Please note that this position is no longer available.
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Director of Human Resources
CA - Los Angeles
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Opportunity Snapshot

This is your opportunity to leverage your seasoned Human Resources management experience to take a unique role leading the HR function for an innovative, respected, and award-winning non-profit organization. We'll look to you improve and expand what we have in place, and promote our inclusive culture and mission. This is a prime position for a strategic visionary with the desire to use their skills to make a visible impact on our programs by bringing on top talent, serving as a change manager, and improving policies and procedures as needed. If you're looking for a challenging role where you can take pride in the work you and your team are doing in support of our mission, consider taking ownership of the Director of Human Resources position at the Youth Policy Institute. 

The Youth Policy Institute (YPI) transforms Los Angeles neighborhoods using a holistic approach to reduce poverty by ensuring families have access to high quality schools, wrap-around education and technology services, enabling a successful transition from cradle to college and career. Since 2001, YPI has served families in Los Angeles at 125 sites throughout the city. YPI has an annual budget of $41 million (including affiliated charter schools) and offers families education and training resources in the areas of afterschool, job training, early childhood education, physical education, adult literacy and ESL, computer literacy, charter schools, and college preparation. YPI also supports efforts to boost the capacity and effectiveness of small grassroots nonprofits that provide essential services for youth. Each year, YPI helps more than 52,000 youth and adults each year through these programs. 
 

The Requirements

To be a strong fit for the Human Resources Director role, you will need:
  • A bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management, Business Management, Non-profit Management, Public Administration or other relevant field.
  • A master’s degree in Human Resources Management or a related field and/or PHR or SPHR certification.
  • At least 5 years of experience in human resources management.
  • Previous supervisory and staff-level management experience.
  • Solid knowledge of:
    • Personnel information systems (ADP payroll, HRB, Time and Attendance module).
    • Principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, retention and training. Quick question for you - click here
    • Compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation.
    • Compliance requirements, employment laws and FMLA procedures. 
    • Business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
    • Performance evaluation processes (development and implementation).
  • Strong critical thinking ability and complex problem-solving skills.
  • Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to provide excellent customer service to both internal and external stakeholders and partners.
  • Practiced negotiation and presentation skills.
  • Superb written and verbal communication skills.
  • The ability to balance and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Computer savvy including the ability to manage files and folders, and proficiency with MS Office Suite applications (e.g. Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
  • Experience working with a non-profit organization is strongly preferred. Quick question for you - click here
Pictured: School Community Partnerships saturates schools with a vast array of programs and services to improve student academic achievement and well-being.

The Role

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director, as Human Resources Director (HRD), it will be your mission to initiate and lead human resources practices and objectives that will create an employee-oriented culture of high-performance, empowerment, quality, high standards, productivity and goal attainment; this will include the recruitment and ongoing development of a respected and resourceful workforce. You will achieve your goals through the coordination and implementation of services, policies, and programs. 

Upon joining us, you’ll learn the processes, procedures and programs already in place and take the pulse of the culture (we have approximately 150 fulltime and between 700 and 800 part-time employees). You’ll be a visible presence and travel to multiple sites, promoting a culture of belonging and a united mission. Quick question for you - click here To help with your efforts you’ll direct a small Human Resources team including an HR Specialist, Benefits Coordinator, and HR Assistant/Payroll Clerk.  

Specifically, you will:
  • Administer compensation, benefits and performance management systems, and safety and recreation programs.
  • Develop organization-wide strategies by identifying and researching human resources issues; provide Gap analysis and recommendations to leadership on organizational strategies and direction; monitor and implement human resources goals and objectives.
  • Implement human resources strategies by establishing department accountabilities, including talent acquisition, staffing, employment processing, compensation, health and welfare benefits, training and development, records management, manage health and  safety protocol, succession planning, employee relations and retention, AA/EEO compliance, and labor relations.
  • Manage human resources operations by recruiting, selecting, orienting, training, coaching, counseling, and disciplining staff; planning, monitoring, appraising, and reviewing staff roles and responsibilities; maintaining compensation; determining production, productivity, quality, and customer-service strategies; designing systems; accumulating resources; resolving problems; implementing change management strategies.
  • Support management by providing human resources advise, counsel, and decisions; analyzing information and applications.
  • Guide management and employee actions by researching, developing, writing, and updating policies, procedures, methods, and guidelines; communicating and enforcing YPI's values.
  • Comply with federal, state, and local legal requirements by studying existing and new legislation; anticipating legislation; enforcing adherence to requirements; advising management on needed actions.
  • Develop and maintain affirmative action program; file EEO-1 report annually; maintain other records, reports, and logs to conform to EEO regulations.
  • Participate in professional development conferences and other educational opportunities; read professional publications; maintain and build a sound network of collaborators and partners.
  • Administer training needs assessments and implement professional development training. 
  • Develop a safety program and implement an Illness and Injury Prevention Plan.
  • Provide current and prospective employees with information about policies, job duties, working conditions, wages and opportunities for promotion and employee benefits.
  • Perform staffing duties, including dealing with under staffing, resolving disputes, and administering disciplinary procedures.
  • Advise managers on employment laws and organizational policy matters such as equal employment opportunity, sexual harassment and recommend provide recommendations on  needed changes.
  • Analyze and modify compensation and benefits policies to establish competitive programs and ensure compliance with legal requirements.
  • Serve as a link between management and employees by fielding questions, interpreting and administering job assignments and helping resolve work-related problems.
  • Provide recommendations to senior management on organizational procedures, staffing, compensation, incentives, etc.
  • Conduct FMLA meetings; prepare, issue required paperwork for employee leave of absences.
  • Conduct termination meetings; prepare, issue and negotiate separation agreements, etc.
Note: this description is intended to give you a general overview of the position and is not an exhaustive listing of duties and responsibilities.

Why YPI

Work that makes a difference -- this is not a typical HR role, but one that supports our efforts to reduce poverty by ensuring families have access to high quality schools, wrap-around education and technology services, enabling a successful transition from cradle to college and career. You can feel good knowing that your work directly impacts our programs and our ability to bring positive change to neighborhoods we serve.

Autonomy and support -- your supervisor will assign projects and check-in with the team, but she expects you to take ownership of your role and drive it with your expertise. Of course, when you need help, and we expect that you'll have a lot of questions early on,  there is a strong support team including your supervisor. 

Work/life balance -- while there will be events to attend on weekends or in the evening on occasion, your work schedule will primarily be 9 a.m. to 6p.m. Monday through Friday, giving you ample opportunity for work/life balance.

A mission of transformative change: In 2010, the U.S. Department of Education awarded YPI one of only 21 Promise Neighborhoods planning grants. Promise Neighborhoods is President Barack Obama’s signature education and anti-poverty initiative (see video). An 18-month needs community assessment laid the framework for the $30 million Promise Neighborhoods implementation award YPI received in 2012. This targets Pacoima and Hollywood, and is one of only seven implementation grants awarded by the U.S. Department of Education in 2012. YPI had the highest ranking proposal in the nation and is using this funding with matched support from more than 60 public and private partners to completely transform Pacoima and Hollywood schools and communities into vibrant centers of excellence and opportunity. 

Strong compensation -- in addition to a competitive salary, we offer medical, dental, vision and life insurance benefits, paid vacation and sick time, the option to contribute to a 403(b) plan, and optional supplemental insurance (Aflac).

Keys to Success

To find success in this role, you'll immediately begin building relationships, acclimate to the culture, and dedicate yourself to learning about the company and its programs. You'll take inventory of the systems, processes, and offerings we have in place and then identify, prioritize, and implement improvements/changes. For example, reviewing employee benefits will be one of your first orders of business. We’ll look to you to work with our current broker to discern what we're offering our employees, and evaluate whether we're providing the best options. 

Ours is a fast-paced environment with a lot of moving pieces. To be an outstanding HR Director, you’ll need to get ahold of those pieces and bring a clear vision of what makes a strong employee and organization. While there will be some tactical duties, this is a highly-strategic role requiring an action-oriented, innovative professional who will take ownership of the HR function and take YPI to the next level.

Valued skills essential to your success include:
  • Polished leadership skills.
  • The ability to continuously build and maintain strong collaborative relationships.
  • The skill to determine and recommend changes/improvements on everything from policies to benefits to the employee handbook and more.
  • A creative and innovative mindset combined with a strong work ethic and positive attitude.
  • An open and confident demeanor that inspires trust and respect.

About YPI

The Youth Policy Institute (YPI) has been a leader in education and community empowerment over the past three decades. Originally part of the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial, Kennedy’s lifelong friend, David L. Hackett founded YPI and developed it into a national nonprofit organization targeting anti-poverty and youth related issues. 

Upon Hackett’s retirement in 1996, Dixon Slingerland became Executive Director and moved YPI to Los Angeles. Under his leadership YPI increasingly focused on providing direct education and human need services for low income families and communities. Slingerland introduced YPI’s trademark approach of place-based initiatives in target communities that provide an array of education, training, and technology services in partnership with families and other public and private organizations.

Since the 1990’s, YPI has successfully blended multiple funding streams and partnerships to saturate Los Angeles communities with critically needed services. Services included early childhood education (Even Start and preschool services), parenting services, college preparation, and computer technology (the Family Technology Project, a Neighborhood Network Center, and dozens of Public Computer Centers). Other resources included a Full Service Community School program that unified multiple community services at each school, as well as physical education and nutrition services. YPI worked with families to provide financial literacy, case management and support with basic needs, job training in high demand fields such as Health Services, and a summer youth employment and a Youth Source Center dedicated to high school graduation, postsecondary enrollment, and career preparation. YPI partnered with multiple Los Angeles Unified School District and charter schools to operate afterschool and supplemental educational tutoring services using innovative models such as AmeriCorps tutors.

YPI currently operates a $41 million budget and places more than 1,200 staff at 125 service sites throughout Los Angeles. YPI provides programs and services to more than 100,000 clients each year. It has been a recipient of U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer’s Excellence in Education Award, has been recognized by Cisco with their Growing with Technology award, and has been selected by the National Council of La Raza as their 2011 Affiliate of the Year for the California region.Pictured: Through the support of 21st Century Kids and Rock on Education, YPI’s afterschool programs reach more than 5,000 students every day at 56 school sites. YPI is the largest afterschool provider for charter schools in the U.S. and the largest high school afterschool provider in California.

Pictured: Through the support of 21st Century Kids and Rock on Education, YPI’s afterschool programs reach more than 5,000 students every day at 56 school sites. YPI is the largest afterschool provider for charter schools in the U.S. and the largest high school afterschool provider in California.
 

Opportunity Snapshot

This is your opportunity to leverage your seasoned Human Resources management experience to take a unique role leading the HR function for an innovative, respected, and award-winning non-profit organization. We'll look to you improve and expand what we have in place, and promote our inclusive culture and mission. This is a prime position for a strategic visionary with the desire to use their skills to make a visible impact on our programs by bringing on top talent, serving as a change manager, and improving policies and procedures as needed. If you're looking for a challenging role where you can take pride in the work you and your team are doing in support of our mission, consider taking ownership of the Director of Human Resources position at the Youth Policy Institute. 

The Youth Policy Institute (YPI) transforms Los Angeles neighborhoods using a holistic approach to reduce poverty by ensuring families have access to high quality schools, wrap-around education and technology services, enabling a successful transition from cradle to college and career. Since 2001, YPI has served families in Los Angeles at 125 sites throughout the city. YPI has an annual budget of $41 million (including affiliated charter schools) and offers families education and training resources in the areas of afterschool, job training, early childhood education, physical education, adult literacy and ESL, computer literacy, charter schools, and college preparation. YPI also supports efforts to boost the capacity and effectiveness of small grassroots nonprofits that provide essential services for youth. Each year, YPI helps more than 52,000 youth and adults each year through these programs. 
 

The Requirements

To be a strong fit for the Human Resources Director role, you will need:
  • A bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management, Business Management, Non-profit Management, Public Administration or other relevant field.
  • A master’s degree in Human Resources Management or a related field and/or PHR or SPHR certification.
  • At least 5 years of experience in human resources management.
  • Previous supervisory and staff-level management experience.
  • Solid knowledge of:
    • Personnel information systems (ADP payroll, HRB, Time and Attendance module).
    • Principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, retention and training. Quick question for you - click here
    • Compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation.
    • Compliance requirements, employment laws and FMLA procedures. 
    • Business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
    • Performance evaluation processes (development and implementation).
  • Strong critical thinking ability and complex problem-solving skills.
  • Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to provide excellent customer service to both internal and external stakeholders and partners.
  • Practiced negotiation and presentation skills.
  • Superb written and verbal communication skills.
  • The ability to balance and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Computer savvy including the ability to manage files and folders, and proficiency with MS Office Suite applications (e.g. Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
  • Experience working with a non-profit organization is strongly preferred. Quick question for you - click here
Pictured: School Community Partnerships saturates schools with a vast array of programs and services to improve student academic achievement and well-being.

The Role

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director, as Human Resources Director (HRD), it will be your mission to initiate and lead human resources practices and objectives that will create an employee-oriented culture of high-performance, empowerment, quality, high standards, productivity and goal attainment; this will include the recruitment and ongoing development of a respected and resourceful workforce. You will achieve your goals through the coordination and implementation of services, policies, and programs. 

Upon joining us, you’ll learn the processes, procedures and programs already in place and take the pulse of the culture (we have approximately 150 fulltime and between 700 and 800 part-time employees). You’ll be a visible presence and travel to multiple sites, promoting a culture of belonging and a united mission. Quick question for you - click here To help with your efforts you’ll direct a small Human Resources team including an HR Specialist, Benefits Coordinator, and HR Assistant/Payroll Clerk.  

Specifically, you will:
  • Administer compensation, benefits and performance management systems, and safety and recreation programs.
  • Develop organization-wide strategies by identifying and researching human resources issues; provide Gap analysis and recommendations to leadership on organizational strategies and direction; monitor and implement human resources goals and objectives.
  • Implement human resources strategies by establishing department accountabilities, including talent acquisition, staffing, employment processing, compensation, health and welfare benefits, training and development, records management, manage health and  safety protocol, succession planning, employee relations and retention, AA/EEO compliance, and labor relations.
  • Manage human resources operations by recruiting, selecting, orienting, training, coaching, counseling, and disciplining staff; planning, monitoring, appraising, and reviewing staff roles and responsibilities; maintaining compensation; determining production, productivity, quality, and customer-service strategies; designing systems; accumulating resources; resolving problems; implementing change management strategies.
  • Support management by providing human resources advise, counsel, and decisions; analyzing information and applications.
  • Guide management and employee actions by researching, developing, writing, and updating policies, procedures, methods, and guidelines; communicating and enforcing YPI's values.
  • Comply with federal, state, and local legal requirements by studying existing and new legislation; anticipating legislation; enforcing adherence to requirements; advising management on needed actions.
  • Develop and maintain affirmative action program; file EEO-1 report annually; maintain other records, reports, and logs to conform to EEO regulations.
  • Participate in professional development conferences and other educational opportunities; read professional publications; maintain and build a sound network of collaborators and partners.
  • Administer training needs assessments and implement professional development training. 
  • Develop a safety program and implement an Illness and Injury Prevention Plan.
  • Provide current and prospective employees with information about policies, job duties, working conditions, wages and opportunities for promotion and employee benefits.
  • Perform staffing duties, including dealing with under staffing, resolving disputes, and administering disciplinary procedures.
  • Advise managers on employment laws and organizational policy matters such as equal employment opportunity, sexual harassment and recommend provide recommendations on  needed changes.
  • Analyze and modify compensation and benefits policies to establish competitive programs and ensure compliance with legal requirements.
  • Serve as a link between management and employees by fielding questions, interpreting and administering job assignments and helping resolve work-related problems.
  • Provide recommendations to senior management on organizational procedures, staffing, compensation, incentives, etc.
  • Conduct FMLA meetings; prepare, issue required paperwork for employee leave of absences.
  • Conduct termination meetings; prepare, issue and negotiate separation agreements, etc.
Note: this description is intended to give you a general overview of the position and is not an exhaustive listing of duties and responsibilities.

Why YPI

Work that makes a difference -- this is not a typical HR role, but one that supports our efforts to reduce poverty by ensuring families have access to high quality schools, wrap-around education and technology services, enabling a successful transition from cradle to college and career. You can feel good knowing that your work directly impacts our programs and our ability to bring positive change to neighborhoods we serve.

Autonomy and support -- your supervisor will assign projects and check-in with the team, but she expects you to take ownership of your role and drive it with your expertise. Of course, when you need help, and we expect that you'll have a lot of questions early on,  there is a strong support team including your supervisor. 

Work/life balance -- while there will be events to attend on weekends or in the evening on occasion, your work schedule will primarily be 9 a.m. to 6p.m. Monday through Friday, giving you ample opportunity for work/life balance.

A mission of transformative change: In 2010, the U.S. Department of Education awarded YPI one of only 21 Promise Neighborhoods planning grants. Promise Neighborhoods is President Barack Obama’s signature education and anti-poverty initiative (see video). An 18-month needs community assessment laid the framework for the $30 million Promise Neighborhoods implementation award YPI received in 2012. This targets Pacoima and Hollywood, and is one of only seven implementation grants awarded by the U.S. Department of Education in 2012. YPI had the highest ranking proposal in the nation and is using this funding with matched support from more than 60 public and private partners to completely transform Pacoima and Hollywood schools and communities into vibrant centers of excellence and opportunity. 

Strong compensation -- in addition to a competitive salary, we offer medical, dental, vision and life insurance benefits, paid vacation and sick time, the option to contribute to a 403(b) plan, and optional supplemental insurance (Aflac).

Keys to Success

To find success in this role, you'll immediately begin building relationships, acclimate to the culture, and dedicate yourself to learning about the company and its programs. You'll take inventory of the systems, processes, and offerings we have in place and then identify, prioritize, and implement improvements/changes. For example, reviewing employee benefits will be one of your first orders of business. We’ll look to you to work with our current broker to discern what we're offering our employees, and evaluate whether we're providing the best options. 

Ours is a fast-paced environment with a lot of moving pieces. To be an outstanding HR Director, you’ll need to get ahold of those pieces and bring a clear vision of what makes a strong employee and organization. While there will be some tactical duties, this is a highly-strategic role requiring an action-oriented, innovative professional who will take ownership of the HR function and take YPI to the next level.

Valued skills essential to your success include:
  • Polished leadership skills.
  • The ability to continuously build and maintain strong collaborative relationships.
  • The skill to determine and recommend changes/improvements on everything from policies to benefits to the employee handbook and more.
  • A creative and innovative mindset combined with a strong work ethic and positive attitude.
  • An open and confident demeanor that inspires trust and respect.

About YPI

The Youth Policy Institute (YPI) has been a leader in education and community empowerment over the past three decades. Originally part of the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial, Kennedy’s lifelong friend, David L. Hackett founded YPI and developed it into a national nonprofit organization targeting anti-poverty and youth related issues. 

Upon Hackett’s retirement in 1996, Dixon Slingerland became Executive Director and moved YPI to Los Angeles. Under his leadership YPI increasingly focused on providing direct education and human need services for low income families and communities. Slingerland introduced YPI’s trademark approach of place-based initiatives in target communities that provide an array of education, training, and technology services in partnership with families and other public and private organizations.

Since the 1990’s, YPI has successfully blended multiple funding streams and partnerships to saturate Los Angeles communities with critically needed services. Services included early childhood education (Even Start and preschool services), parenting services, college preparation, and computer technology (the Family Technology Project, a Neighborhood Network Center, and dozens of Public Computer Centers). Other resources included a Full Service Community School program that unified multiple community services at each school, as well as physical education and nutrition services. YPI worked with families to provide financial literacy, case management and support with basic needs, job training in high demand fields such as Health Services, and a summer youth employment and a Youth Source Center dedicated to high school graduation, postsecondary enrollment, and career preparation. YPI partnered with multiple Los Angeles Unified School District and charter schools to operate afterschool and supplemental educational tutoring services using innovative models such as AmeriCorps tutors.

YPI currently operates a $41 million budget and places more than 1,200 staff at 125 service sites throughout Los Angeles. YPI provides programs and services to more than 100,000 clients each year. It has been a recipient of U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer’s Excellence in Education Award, has been recognized by Cisco with their Growing with Technology award, and has been selected by the National Council of La Raza as their 2011 Affiliate of the Year for the California region.Pictured: Through the support of 21st Century Kids and Rock on Education, YPI’s afterschool programs reach more than 5,000 students every day at 56 school sites. YPI is the largest afterschool provider for charter schools in the U.S. and the largest high school afterschool provider in California.

Pictured: Through the support of 21st Century Kids and Rock on Education, YPI’s afterschool programs reach more than 5,000 students every day at 56 school sites. YPI is the largest afterschool provider for charter schools in the U.S. and the largest high school afterschool provider in California.
 
Youth Policy Institute is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.
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