Executive Vice President of People and Culture (full-time)

The Executive Vice President for People and Culture for California Forward (CA FWD) – a new position for the organization – will be responsible for leading all aspects of Human Resources including recruiting/retention, hiring/onboarding, performance management, and training and development.  The individual will serve the organization in an ombuds role as a designated neutral who provides conflict resolution and problem-solving services to members of the organization. In addition, the individual will advise on internal communications.

The Executive Vice President reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer. The successful candidate may be based anywhere in California with the ability to work remotely. In-person attendance will occasionally be required. This is an exempt position.

CA FWD is a multi-partisan cross-sector steward leadership group committed to ensuring the California Dream is accessible to everyone in all of the state’s regions. Our staff reflects the diversity of California’s population and works from a variety of locations throughout the state. Our workplace is virtual.

CA FWD team members are excited by the mission of the organization and are thorough, articulate, responsive and knowledgeable. Individuals enjoy working as part of a group, and have excellent time-management and communication skills, as well as the ability to work multiple projects concurrently and meet deadlines. CA FWD team members approach their work together with care and compassion for one another.

Ideally, the successful candidate will start July 1-31, 2023.

Specifically, the Executive Vice President will:

  • Develop strategies to identify talent; establish and conduct recruitment and hiring processes for all employees with emphasis on the unique needs of a virtual workplace
  • Provide leadership and partnership with executive team and employees to develop, communicate and administer human resource policies and procedures that will maintain and improve employee relations and shape organizational culture
  • Manage and resolve complex employee relations issues; where applicable, conducts effective, thorough and objective investigations and conflict resolution and/or brings in third parties as appropriate
  • In collaboration with the executive and administrative teams, manage and conduct general organizational onboarding, orientation and offboarding for the organization
  • Identify and support opportunities for management and employee professional development and growth; in collaboration with the executive team, manage programming for staff retreats
  • Oversee performance management activities including ongoing feedback, documentation of performance issues, annual performance evaluations and performance improvement plans; maintain knowledge of industry trends and best practices in workforce development and change management
  • Provide performance management guidance to supervisors and support them with carrying out their responsibilities on personnel matters
  • Maintain in-depth knowledge of changing employment regulations and implement policies, procedures and systems
  • Serve as human resources contact for all employees; proactively engage employees to improve working relationships, build morale and increase productivity and retention
  • Conduct regular anonymous employee satisfaction surveys, analyze trends and develop strategies to address challenges
  • Develop and administer a consistent and progressive compensation program including salary surveys and market research to ensure CA FWD is competitive within its market
  • Implement an Employee Assistance Program
  • In collaboration with the Controller, manage all human resources administration, including the organization’s benefits programs, and provide payroll support to finance; manage relationships with benefit brokers, coordinate open enrollment, and address employee benefits questions; propose additional benefit options pertinent to the organization’s workforce
  • Collaborate with executive and development teams to assess staffing requirements for program service contracts and grant requirements
  • Forecast current and future talent needs; lead workforce planning for CA FWD including restructures and succession planning

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, or related field required; advanced degree in human resources, business, public or nonprofit administration, or related field highly desirable.
  • Minimum 7-10 years of human resources experience
  • Minimum of 5 years supervisory experience
  • Working knowledge of California and federal laws and regulations affecting employer practices and compliance requirements; specific knowledge of requirements for 501(c)(3) organizations preferred
  • Familiarity with EASE (or similar), pension and flexible spending programs, time and attendance, COBRA compliance, etc.
  • Understanding of best practices and experience in building inclusive and engaged workplaces; cultural awareness and sensitivity with lens on racial and gender equity
  • Excellent writing/editing and verbal communications skills
  • Highly collaborative, with strong leadership skills, managing a variety of projects concurrently
  • Ability to remain flexible and work independently
  • Ability to deal with conflict effectively, and to manage difficult situations confidently and calmly; demonstrated ability to coach and counsel both executive-level management and employees

Compensation range is $150,000-$160,000, with placement in that range based on experience. A full benefits package is included. Please send cover letter, resume, three references and writing sample as soon as possible to hr@cafwd.org. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.