Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New York
Senior Director, People Operations & Services
Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New York, New York, New York, us, 10261
About Catholic Charities
Catholic 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.
Summary 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.
Key Responsibilities 1. Operational Leadership & Service Excellence
Oversee daily HR service delivery across recruitment, onboarding, benefits, transactions, compliance, and employee relations
Lead implementation of modernized HR Generalist model with clear service standards and documented processes
Build operational infrastructure including workflows, SOPs, service level agreements, and lifecycle processes
Partner with CPCO and IT/Finance to optimize HR systems and strengthen data integrity
Serve as primary operational problem‑solver for day‑to‑day HR issues
2. Team Leadership & Capability Building
Provide direct supervision to HR functional areas including Talent Acquisition, Generalist Services, Onboarding, Compliance, Benefits, Employee Engagement, and HR Operations
Develop team capabilities in operational excellence, customer service, and problem‑solving
Establish clear expectations, performance standards, and accountability structures
Coach and develop HR staff, particularly those advancing into broader Generalist roles
3. Employee Relations, Compliance & Risk Management
Ensure employee relations matters are handled promptly, consistently, and professionally
Oversee ER case management, coach Generalists and use trend data to identify improvements
Ensure compliance with employment laws, regulatory requirements, and internal policies
Identify and mitigate HR‑related risks
4. Strategic Implementation & Change Management
Lead operational implementation of strategic initiatives including HR Generalist transition, ATS rollout, and onboarding improvements
Partner with CPCO on program redesign; ensure operational readiness and sustainability
Drive process improvements that reduce friction and strengthen employee experience
Navigate competing priorities and matrixed leadership structures with clarity
5. Metrics, Reporting & Communication
Develop and maintain core HR metrics and dashboards
Partner with CPCO and HRIS Administrator to prepare monthly People Snapshot and quarterly People Dashboard
Translate operational data into insights and recommendations for leadership
Represent HR in leadership meetings and cross‑functional initiatives
Required Qualifications
10+ years of progressive operational leadership, with substantial experience designing systems, establishing service standards, and developing team capability to sustain high performance
Strong working knowledge of core HR domains: recruitment, onboarding, benefits, compliance, employee relations, and transactions
Experience leading teams through significant operational change or modernization in nonprofit, human services, healthcare, or mission‑driven environments strongly preferred
Leadership Competencies & Behavioral Qualities
Steady, grounded leadership that brings clarity, calm judgment, and solution‑focused dialogue to complex situations
Genuine enthusiasm for operational detail, process discipline, and building reliable systems
Confident partnering with executives while taking full ownership of operational domains
Strong coaching ability with authentic interest in developing team capability
Systems‑thinking mindset with ability to see patterns, design sustainable solutions, and navigate ambiguity
Excellent relationship‑builder and communicator with credibility at all organizational levels
Commitment to inclusion and to Catholic values of human dignity, compassion, and service (no particular religious affiliation required)
Preferred Qualifications
Master's degree in HR, Business Administration, Organizational Development, or related field
Experience in complex, multi‑site or multi‑entity organizations
Familiarity with HR technology platforms; ATS implementation experience a plus
Working Conditions and Physical Demands
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 Like First 90 Days
Builds strong working relationships with HR team, program leaders, and CPCO
Conducts grounded operational assessment, identifying immediate areas for stabilization
Establishes clear expectations, workflows, and service standards
Supports early implementation of modernized HR Generalist model
First Year
HR operations run reliably with service standards and improved customer experience
HR team operates more consistently, collaboratively, and with stronger execution discipline
Employee relations matters handled promptly and consistently
New ATS fully implemented with measurable reductions in time‑to‑fill
Meaningful improvements in onboarding operations and consistency
Service level agreements established and consistently met
Process documentation completed for all major HR workflows
Documented reduction in operational errors and rework
Noticeable improvement in HR's reputation for reliability, support, and responsiveness
Compensation & Benefits Salary 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.
Catholic 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.
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Summary 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.
Key Responsibilities 1. Operational Leadership & Service Excellence
Oversee daily HR service delivery across recruitment, onboarding, benefits, transactions, compliance, and employee relations
Lead implementation of modernized HR Generalist model with clear service standards and documented processes
Build operational infrastructure including workflows, SOPs, service level agreements, and lifecycle processes
Partner with CPCO and IT/Finance to optimize HR systems and strengthen data integrity
Serve as primary operational problem‑solver for day‑to‑day HR issues
2. Team Leadership & Capability Building
Provide direct supervision to HR functional areas including Talent Acquisition, Generalist Services, Onboarding, Compliance, Benefits, Employee Engagement, and HR Operations
Develop team capabilities in operational excellence, customer service, and problem‑solving
Establish clear expectations, performance standards, and accountability structures
Coach and develop HR staff, particularly those advancing into broader Generalist roles
3. Employee Relations, Compliance & Risk Management
Ensure employee relations matters are handled promptly, consistently, and professionally
Oversee ER case management, coach Generalists and use trend data to identify improvements
Ensure compliance with employment laws, regulatory requirements, and internal policies
Identify and mitigate HR‑related risks
4. Strategic Implementation & Change Management
Lead operational implementation of strategic initiatives including HR Generalist transition, ATS rollout, and onboarding improvements
Partner with CPCO on program redesign; ensure operational readiness and sustainability
Drive process improvements that reduce friction and strengthen employee experience
Navigate competing priorities and matrixed leadership structures with clarity
5. Metrics, Reporting & Communication
Develop and maintain core HR metrics and dashboards
Partner with CPCO and HRIS Administrator to prepare monthly People Snapshot and quarterly People Dashboard
Translate operational data into insights and recommendations for leadership
Represent HR in leadership meetings and cross‑functional initiatives
Required Qualifications
10+ years of progressive operational leadership, with substantial experience designing systems, establishing service standards, and developing team capability to sustain high performance
Strong working knowledge of core HR domains: recruitment, onboarding, benefits, compliance, employee relations, and transactions
Experience leading teams through significant operational change or modernization in nonprofit, human services, healthcare, or mission‑driven environments strongly preferred
Leadership Competencies & Behavioral Qualities
Steady, grounded leadership that brings clarity, calm judgment, and solution‑focused dialogue to complex situations
Genuine enthusiasm for operational detail, process discipline, and building reliable systems
Confident partnering with executives while taking full ownership of operational domains
Strong coaching ability with authentic interest in developing team capability
Systems‑thinking mindset with ability to see patterns, design sustainable solutions, and navigate ambiguity
Excellent relationship‑builder and communicator with credibility at all organizational levels
Commitment to inclusion and to Catholic values of human dignity, compassion, and service (no particular religious affiliation required)
Preferred Qualifications
Master's degree in HR, Business Administration, Organizational Development, or related field
Experience in complex, multi‑site or multi‑entity organizations
Familiarity with HR technology platforms; ATS implementation experience a plus
Working Conditions and Physical Demands
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 Like First 90 Days
Builds strong working relationships with HR team, program leaders, and CPCO
Conducts grounded operational assessment, identifying immediate areas for stabilization
Establishes clear expectations, workflows, and service standards
Supports early implementation of modernized HR Generalist model
First Year
HR operations run reliably with service standards and improved customer experience
HR team operates more consistently, collaboratively, and with stronger execution discipline
Employee relations matters handled promptly and consistently
New ATS fully implemented with measurable reductions in time‑to‑fill
Meaningful improvements in onboarding operations and consistency
Service level agreements established and consistently met
Process documentation completed for all major HR workflows
Documented reduction in operational errors and rework
Noticeable improvement in HR's reputation for reliability, support, and responsiveness
Compensation & Benefits Salary 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.
Catholic 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.
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