Senior Director, People Operations & Services

About Catholic CharitiesCatholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York delivers essential services to tens of thousands of New Yorkers annually. Our mission depends on capable, stable, and engaged people. We are undertaking a multi-year People & Culture transformation to modernize HR systems, strengthen leadership accountability, and improve employee experience.SummaryThe Senior Director, People Operations & Services is a newly created operational leadership role responsible for building operational excellence in people services. Reporting to the Chief People & Culture Officer (CPCO), this role establishes the systems, service standards, and team capabilities that enable consistent, high-quality support for approximately 850 employees across Catholic Charities agencies, including Catholic Charities Community Services.This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who has actually built and scaled HR operations, not just worked in them.Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesInclude the following. Other duties may be assigned.Key ResponsibilitiesOperational Leadership & Service ExcellenceOversee daily HR service delivery across recruitment, onboarding, benefits, transactions, compliance, and employee relationsLead implementation of modernized HR Generalist model with clear service standards and documented processesBuild operational infrastructure including workflows, SOPs, service level agreements, and lifecycle processesPartner with CPCO and IT/Finance to optimize HR systems and strengthen data integrityServe as primary operational problem-solver for day-to-day HR issuesTeam Leadership & Capability BuildingProvide direct supervision to HR functional areas including Talent Acquisition, Generalist Services, Onboarding, Compliance, Benefits, Employee Engagement, and HR OperationsDevelop team capabilities in operational excellence, customer service, and problem-solvingEstablish clear expectations, performance standards, and accountability structuresCoach and develop HR staff, particularly those advancing into broader Generalist rolesEmployee Relations, Compliance & Risk ManagementEnsure employee relations matters are handled promptly, consistently, and professionallyOversee ER case management, coach Generalists and use trend data to identify improvementsEnsure compliance with employment laws, regulatory requirements, and internal policiesIdentify and mitigate HR-related risksStrategic Implementation & Change ManagementLead operational implementation of strategic initiatives including HR Generalist transition, ATS rollout, and onboarding improvementsPartner with CPCO on program redesign; ensure operational readiness and sustainabilityDrive process improvements that reduce friction and strengthen employee experienceNavigate competing priorities and matrixed leadership structures with clarityMetrics, Reporting & CommunicationDevelop and maintain core HR metrics and dashboardsPartner with CPCO and HRIS Administrator to prepare monthly People Snapshot and quarterly People DashboardTranslate operational data into insights and recommendations for leadershipRepresent HR in leadership meetings and cross-functional initiativesRequired QualificationsExperience & Demonstrated Achievement10+ years of progressive operational leadership, with substantial experience designing systems, establishing service standards, and developing team capability to sustain high performanceStrong working knowledge of core HR domains: recruitment, onboarding, benefits, compliance, employee relations, and transactionsExperience leading teams through significant operational change or modernization in nonprofit, human services, healthcare, or mission-driven environments strongly preferredLeadership Competencies & Behavioral QualitiesSteady, grounded leadership that brings clarity, calm judgment, and solution-focused dialogue to complex situationsGenuine enthusiasm for operational detail, process discipline, and building reliable systemsConfident partnering with executives while taking full ownership of operational domainsStrong coaching ability with authentic interest in developing team capabilitySystems-thinking mindset with ability to see patterns, design sustainable solutions, and navigate ambiguityExcellent relationship-builder and communicator with credibility at all organizational levelsCommitment to inclusion and to Catholic values of human dignity, compassion, and service (no particular religious affiliation required)Preferred QualificationsMaster's degree in HR, Business Administration, Organizational Development, or related fieldExperience in complex, multi-site or multi-entity organizationsFamiliarity with HR technology platforms; ATS implementation experience a plusWorking Conditions and Physical Demands RequiredThe demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.Remain in a stationary position at a workstation and use a computer approximately 90% of the time.Ability to work remotely as needed.Frequently sit for extended periods.Travel for staff meetings 10% of the time using reliable transportation, traversing streets, ascending/descending stairs, and exposed to outside weather conditions.Traverse neighborhoods that may require an elevated level of alertness and awareness of surroundings.What Success Looks LikeFirst 90 DaysBuilds strong working relationships with HR team, program leaders, and CPCOConducts grounded operational assessment, identifying immediate areas for stabilizationEstablishes clear expectations, workflows, and service standardsSupports early implementation of modernized HR Generalist modelFirst YearHR operations run reliably with service standards and improved customer experienceHR team operates more consistently, collaboratively, and with stronger execution disciplineEmployee relations matters handled promptly and consistentlyNew ATS fully implemented with measurable reductions in time-to-fillMeaningful improvements in onboarding operations and consistencyService level agreements established and consistently metProcess documentation completed for all major HR workflowsDocumented reduction in operational errors and reworkNoticeable improvement in HR's reputation for reliability, support, and responsivenessCompensation & BenefitsSalary range: $170,000–$185,000, commensurate with experience and demonstrated achievement. Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement plan, paid time off, and professional development opportunities.Equal Opportunity StatementCatholic Charities is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and accessible workplace that honors the dignity of every person. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and ensure fair consideration without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by law.J-18808-Ljbffr