Director of Human Resources

The Northwest School is an independent day and boarding school. We serve students in grades 6 to 12 on an urban campus in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood. We provide an interdisciplinary liberal arts education that nurtures compassionate, globally aware and environmentally conscious individuals who find joy in learning and are ready to inspire and innovate in our interconnected world. 

Northwest fosters a warm, inclusive community dedicated to our school values. We believe that a diverse community enriches our institution, making it more creative and dynamic. The Northwest School is committed to building a faculty and student body that reflects the diversity of the broader society. We strongly encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply. 

The Director of Human Resources is responsible for the overall HR functions at The Northwest School, including compensation and benefits programs, talent acquisition programs, employee relations and performance management, and legal compliance.  The Director of HR supervises 1 part-time (.75 FTE) Benefits and HRIS Coordinator, and reports to the Head of School.  The Northwest School employees about 140 regular employees and 100 seasonal employees.

Essential Functions:

Provide leadership and supervision in the operation of the Human Resources Office.  Ensure policies and practices are compliant with applicable laws and in the spirit of the mission of the School. 

Support the annual compensation planning process by conducting market benchmarking for pay and benefits, analyze pay for teachers and administrative employees, make salary recommendations, and execute the pay program approved by the Head of School and Director of Finance and Operations.  Issue teacher contracts and administrative employee pay letters.

Create and administer the annual goal setting and performance evaluation program for non-teaching employees, including a leadership 360 evaluation for administrators.  Conduct training on goal setting, feedback, and leadership competencies.

Manage the hiring process for teaching and administrative employees.  Create procedures and policies regarding hiring.  Edit and distribute hiring handbook and training, deliver anti-bias training for search committees, usher the search process, meet with candidates, and consult on employment offers. 

Responsible for employee relations matters.  Consult with supervisors on performance improvement, assist in writing plans and discipline communications, ensure compliance with the employee handbook and applicable laws.  Serve as a resource for employees, provide policy interpretation, problem-solving, and resources.

Oversee programs that contribute to a working and learning environment free from harassment and discrimination.  Ensure annual anti-harassment and discrimination training is administered and tracked, lead harassment and discrimination complaint investigation process, update and distribute related policies. 

Manage employee Leaves of absence.

Oversee the employee benefits programs by collaborating with brokers on annual renewals and plan design.  Supervise the Benefits and HRIS Coordinator.

Oversee the employee onboarding process by collaborating with colleagues on orientation activities, requirements, and creating engaging programming for new employees.

Minimum Qualifications:

All candidates must demonstrate a commitment to the school’s mission, values, and philosophy, especially related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and environmental sustainability.

A commitment to a learning and working culture where all community members feel seen, valued, and heard.

A bachelor's degree and four years of progressively responsible experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to perform the essential functions of the job.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills with diverse stakeholders.

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