AbilityFirst - Chief People Officer

CHIEF PEOPLE OFFICER

ABOUT THE ABILITYFIRST

Since 1926, AbilityFirst has been a cutting-edge advocate for disability rights. AbilityFirst pioneered some of the very first community services in California for children with disabilities. AbilityFirst’s signature programs set a model standard in accessibility and inclusion with the design and construction of one of the first fully accessible camps in the nation; the opening of one of the first vocational training programs in the country for adults with disabilities; being a forerunner in supported employment helping adults with developmental disabilities succeed in community jobs; and sponsoring and helping secure passage of state Senate Bill 309 so young adults with developmental disabilities can attend after school programs throughout high school.

With 7 physical facilities in operation, including a summer camp located in San Bernadino County, and bolstered by a dedicated team of over 300 committed professional staff, AbilityFirst stands alongside people with developmental disabilities and their families. Guided by their commitment to person-centered planning, they create a welcoming environment where everyone feels they belong and are valued. AbilityFirst’s first consideration is always for the well-being of our participants, and — through the mutual trust that we share — each person is supported to achieve their personal best. At AbilityFirst, we look beyond disabilities, focus on capabilities, and expand possibilities.

ABOUT THE POSITION

AbilityFirst is seeking a collaborative and compassionate Chief People Officer (CPO) to lead the organization's overall HR strategy. Reporting to the President & CEO, and as a key member of the Executive Team, the CPO will manage a team of HR professionals to develop and implement strategies that align with AbilityFirst's mission to support people with developmental disabilities and their families. This role requires an experienced HR leader with a strong work ethic and knowledge of labor regulations.

The CPO will be responsible for enhancing talent management, fostering a positive and engaging work environment, and driving organizational change management. This includes overseeing recruitment, employee relations, benefits administration, and the implementation of HR technology solutions. The ideal candidate will have excellent strategic thinking, communication, and interpersonal skills, with a proven track record in human resources and talent management.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Organizational Strategy & Leadership

• Works with the Executive Leadership Team to foster and promote an inclusive and united culture grounded in core organizational values and priorities.
• Develops and implements a comprehensive human resources strategy with short and long-term planning for the department, including timeline, budget, and key metrics for success.
• Participates as a member of the Executive team to provide a united, visible, and strong leadership presence across the organization.
• Collaborates on strategic staffing plans, compensation, benefits, training and development, budget, and employee relation plans.
• Supervises and supports the HR department to ensure collaboration and departmental alignment.
• Fosters a positive and engaging work environment, promoting a culture of teamwork that supports the well-being, professional growth, and job satisfaction of all employees.
• Identifies opportunities to cultivate leadership among staff, including developing and enhancing mentoring and communications systems, and serving as an internal consultant to managers in various employee situations.
• Leads organizational change management and communications, including approaches, policies, and procedures to improve overall efficiency across the agency.

Human Resources

• Serves as the first line of defense for people issues and creates a practice of recognition and appreciation.
• Oversees the recruitment, selection, and onboarding processes to attract and retain top talent for all positions within the organization and serves as a trusted advisor and resource for all employees.
• Drives the performance management process, regarding performance management and employee development, and recommends new and improved measures for performance evaluation.
• Oversees employee relations investigations, documentation, and recommended resolution, working with designated legal advisors as needed to provide expert counsel and guidance on complex employee matters.
• Establishes appropriate HR functional metrics, analyzes workforce dynamics and trends, and translates data into meaningful recommendations for improving productivity and performance (e.g. employee turnover, performance ratings, engagement surveys, exit interviews).
• Oversees and develops new leadership programs to accelerate the development of high-potential employees at senior and mid-career levels, to improve the pipeline of high-performing professional talent.
• Ensures effective benefits administration, including employee enrollment, retirement plans, leaves of absence, workers’ compensation and unemployment claims, compliance, reporting, reconciliation, and answers employee inquiries.
• Monitors and ensures compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, regulations, and recommends best practices, reviews and modifies policies and practices to maintain compliance, and oversees the facilitation of training for employees on compliance-related matters.
• Identifies and recommends HR technology solutions with current systems and works with the Tech team to implement selected software systems for better efficiencies.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in human resources, organizational development, business administration, or a related field.
• A minimum of 6 years of experience as an HR leader; experience in the nonprofit sector or organizations serving individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Successful track record of progressive responsibility in human resources/talent management.
• Working knowledge of all human resource functional areas including legal, employee relations, recruiting, compensation and benefit administration, HRIS, and training and development.
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills with the ability to anticipate and address HR-related challenges.
• Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and collaborate effectively at all levels of the organization.
• Impeccable communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Previous experience coordinating DEI efforts and action plans or similar initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise others, support and evaluate colleagues and reports, and maintain high morale and productivity.
• Commitment to the organization’s mission and sensitivity to the needs of underrepresented populations.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

The annual salary range is $170,000 – 190,000. This is a full-time in-person position with the central office located in Pasadena, CA that includes a comprehensive benefits package (i.e. healthcare, dental, vision, and retirement). The CPO is expected to have a presence throughout AbilityFirst’s various sites.

AbilityFirst is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at AbilityFirst are based on organizational needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to age, race, color, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, disability status, family or parental status, or any other status protected by federal and CA state laws.

Envision Consulting was retained by AbilityFirst to conduct the search for their incoming Chief People Officer.

Applicants needing accommodation for any part of the application process may contact Envision Consulting at 626.889.7905 to request and arrange for assistance.