Communities in Schools - Human Resources Manager

Ascend Nonprofit Solutions•Charlotte, NC

About The Position

The HR Manager is a visionary, strategic, and operational leader responsible for shaping, implementing, and sustaining initiatives that foster a thriving, inclusive, compliant, and high-performing organizational culture. This role leads cross-functional efforts to improve employee and community engagement, training and talent development, internal communications, and overall employee experience. This role is the liaison to the Ascend HR Solutions group and represents the interest of CIS. The Manager will partner closely with executive leadership, department managers, and staff to ensure that our people operations are aligned with mission-driven goals and values.

Requirements

Candidates must have at least a bachelor's degree and 2 years of relevant equivalent experience in Human Resources, Business Administration, or Educational Leadership.
Proven track record of leading employee engagement and cultural transformation initiatives
Experience with DEI integration and change management
Strong project management, facilitation, and communication skills
Ability to analyze and interpret employee data to inform strategy
Knowledge of HR compliance, performance management, and employment law.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office or related software.

Nice To Haves

Understanding of Paylocity, Paycom or other HR Payroll Service Systems
Ability to manage benefits, payroll, and insurance at the individual and organizational level.
HR certifications such as PHR, SHRM‑CP, SPHR, or SHRM‑

Responsibilities

People Operations & Organizational Alignment
Develop and implement a multi-year People Strategy aligned with organizational goals.
Serve as a thought partner to executive leadership, supporting the integration of DEI, culture, and employee well-being into all people practices.
Partner with senior leaders to ensure cultural alignment across departments, policies, and practices.
Lead and manage all volunteer and internship processes within the organization.
Lead and/or serve on assigned committees.
Employee Engagement & Experience
Lead organization-wide engagement efforts, including surveys, feedback loops, and action planning.
Lead internal initiatives that strengthen employee engagement, retention, and belonging.
Manage systems and structures for employee lifecycle moments; to include intern program and pipeline (onboarding, transitions, milestones).
Leadership Development & Performance
Build and deliver organizational professional development programs and team effectiveness tools.
Facilitate training and development. Track and monitor development and training calendar.
Coordinate and support the full performance management cycle, including goal setting, mid-year reviews, and end of year evaluations.
Support a consistent and equitable approach to performance management and professional development.
Internal Communications & Culture
Collaborate with Communications and HR to ensure consistent internal messaging and transparency.
Cultivate values-aligned storytelling, feedback, and connection across teams.
Identify and scale best practices in team effectiveness, change management, and employee well-being.
Measurement & Continuous Improvement
Lead regular engagement surveys. Use engagement, retention, and culture data to evaluate effectiveness, manage action plans, and inform strategy.
Identify opportunities for continuous improvement in people systems and workplace norms.
HR Functions
Serve as HR Liaison to Ascend Nonprofit Solutions.
Manage internal HR EOS Rocks.
Manage background checks for volunteers (CMS databases).
Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and update policies as needed.
Maintain working knowledge of payroll, benefits, and insurance programs.
Support benefit updates and open enrollment communication.
Performs other duties as assigned.