Director of Administration

Organizational Mission

Our mission is to bring out the limitless potential in young leaders through extraordinary experiences and nurturing relationships.

Position Mission

To ensure that PEAK has stability in resources and talent to effectively deliver on our long‑term promise to young people and the community.

Reporting and Relationships

You will report to the Executive Director and serve on cross‑departmental teams and committees. You will supervise the Finance & Operations Team, including the Finance & HR Generalist and Operations Manager, providing guidance and support across the organization in finance and operations.

Position Availability

This is a full‑time, exempt position working a minimum of 40 hours per week, traditionally Monday through Friday, with occasional nights and/or weekends to attend and support organizational events and program activities. Limited time off is available in summer months during preparation for and execution of summer programming.

Position Overview

The Director of Administration is a key member of the PEAK leadership team, providing strategic leadership and stewardship across Human Resources, Finance, and Operations. This role ensures that PEAK has the people practices, financial systems, operational infrastructure, and organizational resources needed to advance its mission effectively, sustainably, and in alignment with its values. As the organization’s Human Resources lead, the position champions fair, equitable, and values‑aligned people practices, supporting PEAK in attracting, developing, retaining, and rewarding a strong and engaged team. The role uses research and data to inform staffing, compensation, benefits, and other workforce decisions that promote both organizational effectiveness and team member well‑being. As a leader overseeing Finance and Operations, the position safeguards PEAK’s financial health, physical infrastructure, technology, and organizational assets, ensuring resources are managed responsibly and systems are in place to support staff and program success.

Key Responsibilities

Human Resources

• Create, revise, document, and communicate HR policies, procedures, and practices in collaboration with the Executive Director and leadership team.
• Train and advise leadership and staff on personnel matters, ensuring recruitment, hiring, performance management, and termination practices are ethical, equitable, legally compliant, and aligned with PEAK’s values.
• Serve as the primary human resources leader in all employee relations matters, ensuring coaching, corrective actions, conflict resolution, and termination decisions are carried out ethically, equitably, and compliantly.
• Lead PEAK’s staff performance accountability and success process.
• Maintain accurate employee data and personnel files for annual and seasonal staff.
• Facilitate PEAK’s Strategic Compensation Plan by maintaining salary information and supporting research and analysis related to compensation.
• Manage payroll processes and employee benefits, including annual benefits analysis, plan administration, enrollment, and employee education.
• Monitor compensation and benefits practices to support equitable and competitive offerings.
• Serve as the primary administrator for PEAK’s HRIS, ensuring accuracy and full utilization.
• Stay informed of changes in applicable employment requirements and implement necessary updates to policies and practices.

Finance

• Lead the annual organizational budgeting process in collaboration with the Executive Director.
• Develop and maintain budget tracking, reporting, and forecasting tools.
• Support staff in developing financial knowledge and confidence related to their program and departmental responsibilities.
• Oversee the organization’s use of QuickBooks Online for financial reporting, budgeting, and related functions.
• Prepare regular financial reports, budget updates, and forecasts for department heads, the Executive Director, and Board of Directors.
• Supervise and support the Finance & HR Generalist in the execution of accounting functions.
• Oversee PEAK’s contracted financial services that manage accounts payable and receivable, banking, cash management, forecasting, and monthly financial review and close.

Operations

• Manage PEAK’s property and liability insurance policies, including premiums, renewals, and claims.
• Maintain and oversee organizational emergency procedures and staff education related to safety and emergency preparedness.
• Oversee the general management of PEAK’s Milwaukee facility and maintain a long‑term facilities maintenance plan.
• Oversee vendor contracts and relationships.
• Ensure PEAK’s facilities, technology, vehicles, and office equipment are maintained, functional, and sufficient to support staff and program operations.
• Identify and implement operational improvements that increase reliability, efficiency, and staff and participant satisfaction.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Key team competencies: Resilience, Growth Mindset, Self‑Management, Communication, Collaboration, Empathy, Self‑Awareness, Problem Solving.
• Alignment with PEAK’s Four Beliefs:
  • Every living being has inherent value.
  • The community is better when everyone contributes.
  • We can only grow when we’re honest about our mistakes.
  • Everyone has the power to change their world.
• Belief that with the right support systems and high‑quality program offerings, all young people can grow and achieve.
• Analytical and detail‑oriented with a track record of achieving organizational objectives and implementing new ideas that maximize effectiveness.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously, often involving various team members and external stakeholders.
• Skill in introducing and applying policy or procedural standards to ensure reliable and consistent implementation.
• Commitment to developing others and building a goals‑focused, high‑performing team.

Certifications

• HR and Organizational Leadership certifications (e.g., SHRM‑SCP, SPHR, CNAP, CPA) are highly preferred.
• Valid driver’s license in the State of Wisconsin.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree strongly preferred in Business, Human Resources, Administration, Organizational Leadership, or related fields; significant demonstrated experience may substitute.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience with progressive leadership in Human Resources or closely related fields.
• Knowledge of non‑profit Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and federal/state regulations (FMLA, ADA, OSHA, Workers’ Compensation, Wage & Hour, FLSA, ERISA, etc.).
• Familiarity with QuickBooks Online or similar accounting software (required).
• Comfort with Google Workspace (preferred).

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive salary, typical starting range for a director is $74,039 – $92,549, commensurate with experience; negotiable for highly qualified candidates with a strategic HR focus.
• Generous PTO package: starts at 17 vacation days, 6 personal/sick days, 10 organizational holidays, 3 personal holidays, and 2 weeks of organizational shutdown each year.
• Comprehensive health, vision, and dental insurance.
• Employer contribution to an organizationally sponsored retirement fund (IRA, no match required).
• Monthly cell phone reimbursement.

Physical & Mental Demands & Working Conditions

• Extended periods of computer work.
• Travel to PEAK’s overnight camp, Lake Valley Camp in Boscobel, WI for staff training, HR functions, and organizational support.
• Active presence required during extensive summer programming.
• Work in an office/program center located in Milwaukee County Park and the surrounding community.
• All PEAK Initiative properties are substance‑free environments; smoking, vaping, alcohol, and illicit drugs are prohibited.
• May be required to drive long distances in an organizational vehicle.

Additional Comments

The above job description is not exhaustive of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. PEAK Initiative is an equal‑opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion.