Chief People Officer

Job Description

Job Description

Educational Alliance brings together and partners with our neighbors throughout Lower Manhattan, offering individuals and families high-quality, multi-generational programs and services that enhance their well-being and socioeconomic opportunities. We are a place where everyone is welcome and where progress is powered one relationship at a time. We are proud of our legacy as a Jewish organization and we provide high-quality, transformational services and programs to all New Yorkers through our network of community centers on Manhattan's Lower East Side and East Village. As we have for over 130 years, we offer best-in-class programming-across multiple sites-focusing on a mix of educational, health and wellness, arts, culture, and civic engagement.

We are looking for our next Chief People Officer. The Chief People Officer (CPO) is a critical member of Educational Alliance's executive team. This role combines strategic leadership with hands-on management of People and Cultures strategy, talent development and organizational growth. The CPO will drive our efforts to recruit, develop, and retain a skilled, inclusive workforce of almost 700 staff (growing to nearly 1,00 to staff our summer camps); lead collective bargaining and labor relations; oversee compliance and risk management, partner with Finance and other EA departments on benefits and compensation systems; foster a culture where staff feel supported, valued and able to thrive.

To apply, please submit your cover letter and resume for consideration.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Organizational Culture

• Develop and implement a comprehensive People and Culture strategy aligned with EA"s mission and strategic goals, including workforce planning, while fostering a culture, based on our values, that informs decisions about who we hire, develop, promote, and retain.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO, Board of Trustees, EA executive leadership and senior leadership, advancing initiatives that strengthen culture, belonging, accountability, and organizational effectiveness.
• Lead change initiatives that enhance agility, collaboration, and performance across the agency.
• Act as lead communicator for People and Culture policies and organizational values through trainings and workshops, written guidance, and digital resources

Talent Management and Development

• Oversee full-cycle talent acquisition, including employer branding, outreach onboarding, and retention strategies.
• Build and sustain strategies that reduce turnover, strengthen loyalty, and ensure employees feel valued and invested in their growth and future at EA.
• Reimagine and strengthen the employee experience to ensure satisfaction, growth, and connection, fostering engagement and belonging throughout the organization.
• Create pathways to grow and empower leaders, ensuring a pipeline of strong, future-ready talent. Support both vertical and horizontal growth opportunities so staff can expand skills and impact even when promotional roles are limited.
• Elevate compensation, recognition, and development strategies to ensure staff feel invested in, valued, and part of a shared mission.
• Implement and manage agency-wide performance management systems that are competency-based and focused on staff growth.

Operations, Compliance, and People Practices

• Oversee the Compliance function, ensuring strong alignment of compliance and risk management functions.
• Provide leadership and accountability for organizational compliance with all federal, state, and city employment regulations, union rules, licensing requirements, and reporting obligations.
• Oversee benefits and compensation strategy, ensuring competitiveness, fairness, and compliance.
• Anticipate future workforce needs and develop scalable, innovative people solutions, including strategies to manage cyclical hiring patterns and seasonal onboarding effectively.
• Manage People and Culture budget and contribute to agency-wide budgeting process, especially around fringe and benefit costs.
• Maintain accurate workforce analytics and data reporting to inform strategic decision-making.
• Oversee and update the Employee Guide and all People and Culture policies on an ongoing basis.
• Disseminate and coordinate opportunities for staff such as scholarships and professional development that come from external partners.

Labor Relations and Collective Bargaining

• Serve as management lead in all union negotiations and contract renewals.
• Ensure proper implementation and monitoring of collective bargaining agreements.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with union leadership to support constructive problem-solving.
• Oversee and manage processes for resolving grievances and complaints and coordinate with program staff and legal counsel.

People and Culture Team Leadership

• Provide direct leadership for two major functions: People and Culture and Compliance, managing a team of ten.
• Oversee staff and managers responsible for recruitment, employee relations, benefits, development, and related People and Culture operations.
• Build a collaborative, accountable team culture that supports staff across both functions while respecting their distinct responsibilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in People and Culture, Organizational Development, or related field preferred.
• HR certification (PHR/SPHR/SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP) strongly preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive People and Culture experience, with at least 5 years in senior leadership.
• Proven success managing comprehensive People and Culture operations, including recruitment, benefits, compensation, compliance, labor relations, and staff development.
• Experience negotiating and administering union contracts.
• Demonstrated ability to advance a culture of belonging, inclusion, and respect in workplace policies and practices.
• Excellent facilitation, coaching, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong technical skills with HRIS systems (ADP preferred) and Microsoft Office Suite.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Generous PTO
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 403(b) retirement plan and pension plan
• Free gym membership at EA facilities
• Discounts to programs at Educational Alliance
• Discounts for cultural events, shows, and programs

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for the position.

Educational Alliance is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, marital status, disability status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Educational Alliance is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

For further information about Educational Alliance, please visit