Manager, People & Culture, Head Start

About the role

We are seeking a Manager, People and Culture, Head Start to support HR operations and drive people-focused practices at the delegate level. This field-facing, operational HR leader ensures compliance, delivers high-quality onboarding and employee relations support, and helps build a strong, inclusive workplace culture. This role is critical to meeting the personnel requirements outlined by the Office of Head Start (OHS) and ensuring full adherence to Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS).

Responsibilities

• Lead HR processes across the delegate, including onboarding, compliance documentation, credentialing, and HRIS accuracy.
• Act as the delegate-level compliance lead, ensuring readiness for OHS monitoring and internal audits.
• Support employee relations, coach supervisors, and conduct initial investigations in collaboration with the Senior Director, People Strategic Partners.
• Partner with Talent Acquisition, Professional Learning, and centralized People Operations to implement system-wide People strategies.
• Drive culture-building initiatives, including employee engagement, retention strategies, and onboarding experiences.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local employment laws, as well as HSPPS (45 CFR Part 1302.90–1302.93).
• Track employee relations trends and advise on preventative strategies to build a healthy, engaged workplace.

Requirements

• 2 to 3 years of progressive HR experience, ideally in a multi-site, compliance-heavy environment.
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or Business preferred.
• Experience with early childhood, education, or federally funded programs (preferred).
• Strong working knowledge of employment law and HSPPS (1302.90–1302.93).
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel up to 25%.
• Background check and physical exam (required).

Key Skills & Competencies

• Strong relationship-building and communication skills.
• HRIS proficiency and ability to interpret workforce metrics.
• High emotional intelligence and cultural competence.
• Ability to balance compliance, strategy, and people-first HR practices.

Pay

$70,000 - $72,000

Schedule

Onsite