Manager, People & Culture, Head Start

Are you a socially conscious, dedicated individual who is committed to building a better future for children, families, and their communities? If so, join us as we support early childhood education programs across the country to create positive outcomes for the children and families served.

Acelero, Inc. and its divisions, Acelero Learning and Shine Early Learning, are pioneers in early childhood education and family engagement services. Together, we impact more than 415,000 children and families across 25 states and territories, designing and delivering research-driven, evidence-based approaches that eliminate the gaps between children’s potential and their success in school and life.

Our core values guide everything we do:
Data-Informed Learning | Transparent & Open Communication | Growth Mindset | Championing Equality | Caring Teams & Communities

About The Role:

We are seeking a Manager, People and Culture, Head Start to support HR operations and drive people-focused practices at the delegate level. This field-facing, operational HR leader ensures compliance, delivers high-quality onboarding and employee relations support, and helps build a strong, inclusive workplace culture.

This role is critical to meeting the personnel requirements outlined by the Office of Head Start (OHS) and ensuring full adherence to Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS).

What You’ll Do:

As the Manager, People and Culture, you will:

• Lead HR processes across the delegate, including onboarding, compliance documentation, credentialing, and HRIS accuracy.

• Act as the delegate-level compliance lead, ensuring readiness for OHS monitoring and internal audits.

• Support employee relations, coach supervisors, and conduct initial investigations in collaboration with the Senior Director, People Strategic Partners.

• Partner with Talent Acquisition, Professional Learning, and centralized People Operations to implement system-wide People strategies.
  Drive culture-building initiatives, including employee engagement, retention strategies, and onboarding experiences.

• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local employment laws, as well as HSPPS (45 CFR Part 1302.90–1302.93).

• Track employee relations trends and advise on preventative strategies to build a healthy, engaged workplace.
   

About You:

You are a people-centered HR professional who thrives in compliance-driven, multi-site environments. You are just as comfortable digging into personnel files for audit readiness as you are coaching a manager on how to deliver feedback with compassion.

Requirements include:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field (required).

• 3+ years of progressive HR experience, ideally in a multi-site, compliance-heavy environment.

• Experience with early childhood, education, or federally funded programs (preferred).

• Strong working knowledge of employment law and HSPPS (1302.90–1302.93).

• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel up to 25%.

• Background check and physical exam (required).
   

Key Skills & Competencies:

• Strong relationship-building and communication skills.

• HRIS proficiency and ability to interpret workforce metrics.
  High emotional intelligence and cultural competence.

• Ability to balance compliance, strategy, and people-first HR practices.

When: Fall 2025

Where: Acelero Learning, Delaware HQ

How Much: $70,000 - $72,000

Why Join Us?

At Acelero, Inc., you will join a People team committed to driving real impact - building a workplace where every person can learn, grow, and thrive.
 

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Why Acelero Learning or Shine Early Learning?
- Ability to make an impact in the lives of the children, families, and partners we serve
- Career growth and professional development opportunities
- Supportive working environment
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