GENERAL SUMMARY:

The role of the Senior Director of Policy, People, and Culture is to lead Covenant House New Orleans policy development, human resources functions, initiatives, and staff-focused cultural development efforts. Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer, the Senior Director of Policy, People, and Culture will play a pivotal role in shaping and implementing policies that align with our company's values and objectives, while also fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace culture ensuring Covenant Houses compliance with Covenant House International (CHI) unified policies, HR and DEI related best practices, and relevant governmental regulations. This position is instrumental in developing and implementing initiatives that drive positive cultural change across the organization.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Organizational Policy Compliance

• Initiate and maintain positive, professional, and mentoring relationships with youth and staff in accordance with the Covenant House Mission, Principles, and Core Values.
• Promote a peaceful, healing environment by utilizing the principles and practices of trauma-informed care and positive youth development in all aspects of work and youth engagement, including crisis prevention, intervention, and de-escalation.
• Ensure that Covenant House New Orleans is a welcoming, safe, and secure homelike environment for youth receiving services.
• Develop, implement, and oversee company-wide policies and procedures that comply with CHI unified policies, HR best practices, and legal regulations and promote a positive work environment.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory developments at the local, state, and federal levels that may impact the company's operations, and proactively identify opportunities and risks.
• Generate required reports for EEOC compliance (local and federal).
• Maintain, review, and routinely update CHNO staff handbook as well as assess all CHI required and internal CHNO policies annually for necessary changes.

Human Resource/Talent Administration

• Lead the human resources function, including all facets of talent acquisition, onboarding, performance management, employee evaluations, training and development, employee relations, payroll administration, and compensation and benefits administration.
• Provide strategic guidance and support to executive and senior leadership on HR-related matters, including employee relations, workforce planning, organizational development, disciplinary actions, employee appreciation, employee satisfaction surveys, and engagement initiatives.
• Cultivate and maintain a positive and inclusive workplace culture that values diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
• Oversee employee communication efforts and ensure transparency and alignment across the organization.
• Stay informed about industry trends, best practices, and emerging issues in policy and HR policies and practices, and apply insights to inform the company's approach for updates or changes as needed
• Report disability and Workers Compensation Claims as needed.
• Prepare and process bi-weekly payroll including but not limited to supervisor approval communications, time off request monitoring, and payroll register review to ensure accuracy.
• Prepare monthly Key Performance Indicator (KPI) reports related to Policy, People, and Culture.
• Complete quarterly reports as required by Covenant House International (CHI).
• Manage and/or ensure effective monitoring of all CHI and otherwise required staff training schedules and staff certification of completion processes.
• Verify employee data/eligibility as required by the CHNO Retirement broker for the purpose of funding the Agencys Annual Contribution to the CHI Savings and Retirement Plan.
• Maintain and provide updated staffing demographic and salary information as needed for annual processes such as Budget Preparation/Revision.
• Lead and ensure timely completion of the annual CHNO Open Enrollment process including but not limited to insurance broker communication for benefit election finalization, staff educational meetings to ensure awareness and understanding of options, and front facing enrollment processes for all staff.

Organizational Culture Leadership

• Conduct regular assessments and analysis of workplace demographics, employee engagement data, and other metrics to identify areas for improvement and track progress toward DEI goals.
• Drive initiatives to enhance employment processes and procedures including but not limited to annual staff satisfaction survey administration.
• Establish and maintain partnerships with external organizations, community groups, and industry networks to stay informed about best practices and emerging trends in DEI such as morale, motivation, and overall satisfaction., build the CHNO Talent Pool, identify innovative approaches to staffing.
• Lead diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives to promote a diverse and equitable workplace
• Lead the development and execution of training and education programs to raise awareness and foster understanding of DEI issues among employees at all levels.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to address employee needs and concerns and drive continuous improvement in HR processes and practices.
• Develop, facilitate, and/or assist with staff trainings across varied topics.

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field required; Master's degree or JD preferred.
• Eight (8) years of professional HR/Talent related experience, including four (4) years of direct supervisory experience required.
• Strong understanding of employment laws, regulations, and compliance requirements.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information and develop actionable policy recommendations.
• Proven track record of developing and implementing HR strategies and initiatives that drive business results and enhance employee engagement and retention.
• Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships at all levels of the organization.
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to effectively convey complex information and influence stakeholders.
• Strategic mindset with the ability to think critically and develop innovative solutions to HR and cultural challenges.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively.
• Commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.
• Commitment to ongoing learning and professional development.

OR any combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.