Human Resources Director - Alcuin

Human Resources Director

Start: July 1, 2026 or Sooner | Search conducted by DovetailED Talent Sourcing

Alcuin School seeks a thoughtful, strategic, and visionary Director of Human Resources (DHR) to lead and strengthen institution-wide human resources practices in support of our mission and community.

The DHR reports to the Associate Head for Finance and Operations and works in close partnership with the Head of School. As a member of the School Leadership Team, the Director plays a key role in advancing a cohesive, people-centered strategy aligned with Alcuin’s mission and vision.

The DHR will provide leadership across all facets of employee experience, including workforce planning, recruitment and retention, compensation and benefits, performance management, professional growth and development, and employee relations. Partnering closely with the School Leadership Team, faculty, and administrative and operations staff, the Director will help cultivate a supportive, inclusive, and high-performing workplace culture that reflects Alcuin’s values—one that honors the dignity of each individual, encourages continuous learning, and supports excellence and confidence in teaching and operations.

This role is central to ensuring that Alcuin attracts, develops, and retains mission-aligned professionals who are empowered to do their best work in service of students and the broader school community.

To see the full opportunity statement, go to http://bit.ly/alcuin-hrdirector

Human Resources Administration and Compliance

• Advise and partner with the Head of School, Associate Head for Finance and Operations, and School Leadership Team on employment policies and people practices that foster a high-performing, legally compliant, and mission-aligned workplace culture.
• Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of policies and procedures aligned with the School’s strategic priorities.
• Provide strategic oversight of HRIS and people systems, ensuring data integrity, automation of workflows, and continuous improvement of HR technology.
• Ensure consistent and equitable application of personnel policies across all divisions and departments.
• Provide timely updates to the Head of School and Associate Head of School for Finance and Operations regarding any and all HR and legal concerns.
• Provide ongoing guidance, counsel and training to school leadership and supervisors on work performance issues, disciplinary procedures, policy interpretation and compliance.
• Monitor federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations; advise leadership on implications and ensure institutional compliance.
• Identify and mitigate employment-related risk through proactive planning, policy development, and training.
• Oversee the annual review, revision, and administration of the Faculty and Staff Handbook, including acknowledgment processes, in collaboration with the Senior Leadership Team.
• Maintain secure, accurate, and confidential personnel records in accordance with legal and School requirements.
• Maintain secure, accurate, and confidential records for all personnel and employment-related actions, including hiring, evaluations, leaves, separations, and, where applicable, visa documentation.
• Ensure accurate tracking, documentation, and reporting of employee leave, including sick time, personal days, and vacation.
• Oversee compliance with employment eligibility verification (I-9), visa requirements (as applicable), background checks, fingerprinting, and other required screenings.
• Ensure timely collection, proper retention, and secure management of all benefits-related and regulatory compliance documentation.
• Oversee the administration of FMLA, disability, and Workers’ Compensation.

Employee Relations

• Offer consultancy advice to School Leadership Team and Department Directors, assisting them in evaluating and reviewing departmental concerns. When necessary, guide School Leadership Team and Departmental Directors in implementing performance correction measures to ensure a positive work environment.
• Support Head of School with employment matters involving senior administrators, as requested.
• At the direction of the Head of School, guide employee relations investigations and provide necessary support.
• Work closely with the Head of School and the Associate Head of Finance and Operations to determine when legal guidance is required and consult with legal counsel when necessary, particularly in personnel matters.
• Support employee wellness, safety, and well-being in partnership with School leadership.
• Manage employee transitions, including voluntary and involuntary separations, with professionalism and compassion; oversee exit interview processes.
• Develop and implement School-wide employee recognition and appreciation initiatives.
• Educate leaders on employee relations policies, procedures, and best practices to promote consistency and clarity.

Recruitment and Talent Management

• Lead and support School-wide recruitment and retention strategies that attract diverse, highly qualified, and mission-aligned faculty and staff.
• Oversee hiring processes for all positions, ensuring equitable, consistent, and positive candidate experiences.
• Serve as a member of search committees, as requested.
• Partner with School leaders to develop and implement a comprehensive talent management strategy that supports professional growth and organizational performance.
• Support succession planning and leadership pipeline development for key academic and administrative roles, as requested.
• Oversee the annual growth and performance evaluation process in collaboration with the Head of School and department leaders.
• Ensure accurate job descriptions and appropriate position classifications are maintained for all roles.
• Support onboarding practices that help new employees successfully integrate into the Alcuin community.

Benefits and Compensation

• Serve as a standing member of the School’s Compensation Committee, comprised of the Associate Head for Finance and Operations, the DHR, and the Controller. The Committee reports to the Head of School and collaborates on compensation and benefits analysis, planning, and benchmarking, and brings forward data-informed recommendations for Head of School approval.
• Collaborate and support benefits and compensation functions as requested.

Training and Organizational Development

• Lead or coordinate School-wide compliance and risk management training, including EEO, workplace conduct and harassment prevention, boundaries, workplace safety, and related areas as needed.
• Partner with School leadership to strengthen organizational effectiveness and support continuous improvement.
• Advise leaders on workforce planning, role clarity, and staffing needs.
• Provide consultation and practice guidance on complex organizational and people-related challenges.
• Support institutional growth and change initiatives by assisting leaders in assessing organizational culture, structures, and capabilities needed for the future.
• Lead, coordinate, and track annual training on school standard operating procedures for all staff.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Head of School or Associate Head for Finance and Operations.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree required; Human Resources or Organizational Development specialization preferred.
• Master’s degree preferred.
• PHR, SPHR, CCP or other certified HR designations desired.

Requirements

• Minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in human resources, employment law, or related field.
• High level of integrity, emotional intelligence, and sound judgment, with the ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters with discretion, care, and professionalism.
• Ability to manage emotionally charged or sensitive situations in a professional and composed manner.
• Comprehensive understanding of personnel management principles and human resources best practices.
• Demonstrated excellence in leadership, interpersonal, and collaborative skills.
• Strong change-management and organizational design experience.
• Experience in an independent school setting preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including effective listening and clear follow-through.
• Highly detail-oriented, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic, fast-paced school environment with minimal supervision.
• Proven ability to think thoughtfully and act flexibly while managing multiple priorities.
• Attend all faculty and staff meetings.
• Participate in all requisite School training prior to the start of the school, and throughout the School year, including professional development and in-service days.
• Demonstrated proficiency with technology and systems relevant to the role, including HR and administrative platforms.
• Strong working knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local labor, employment, and wage-and-hour laws including, but not limited to ACA, OSHA, EEOC, FMLA, COBRA, and Workers Compensation, etc.
• Prior experience in a human resources or legal leadership role within an educational or mission-driven organization is preferred.
• Ability to work in a school environment, contingent upon the successful completion of all required background checks and screenings, including criminal history and sex offender registry checks, in accordance with School and legal requirements.
• Proven strong presentation skills and presence.
• Respect for diversity of identities and experiences, an orientation toward equity and inclusion, and cultural competency in all aspects of Alcuin life.
• Ability to plan, research, coordinate and supervise staff and projects within a complex organization.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills as well as a strong customer focus.
• Ability to work independently and handle multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously.
• Regular interaction across campus environments, including classrooms, offices, and meeting spaces.

Work Environment

• Works primarily in a standard office environment with typical climate conditions.
• Occasional evening or weekend work to support school events, investigations, or urgent employee matters.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, and move throughout campus for extended periods.
• Spends extended periods working at a desk, with occasional movement throughout the office or campus.
• Performs effectively in a dynamic and sometimes high-pressure environment, managing multiple priorities, deadlines, and interactions while maintaining attention to detail.
• Demonstrates flexibility to adjust work hours as needed to support School operations and events.
• Maintains appropriate professional boundaries with students, colleagues, families, and community members at all times.

About Alcuin School

At Alcuin School, we empower students from 18 months to 18 years old to achieve their fullest potential through a transformative, world-class education. Our innovative blend of Montessori and International Baccalaureate programs ignites critical thinking, creativity, and a lifelong passion for learning. By fostering global citizenship, we equip our students to become compassionate leaders who will thrive and make a meaningful impact in our interconnected world.

How to Apply

Alcuin School has engaged DovetailED to lead this search. Interested candidates should email a cover letter (addressed to Claudia May, Executive Assistant to the Head of School), a resume, and a list of at least three professional references consolidated as a single PDF document to:

Madison Sunley, Senior Recruiter madison@dovetailedsourcing.com

Please do not contact the school directly.