HR Chief of Staff

About the position

The Administration for Children's Services (ACS) protects and promotes the safety and well-being of children and families through child welfare and juvenile justice services and community supports. ACS manages community-based supports and foster care services and provides subsidized childcare vouchers. ACS child protection staff respond to allegations of child maltreatment. In juvenile justice, ACS oversees detention, placement and programs for youth in the community. The Office of Human Resources (OHR) is a critical component in managing the agency's most valuable resources, our employees. The Office of Human Resources holds a broad spectrum of responsibilities that contribute directly to ACS' vision of offering comprehensive, quality services that empower children and families to thrive. ACS' Office of Human Resources' primary functions include developing and implementing the agency's human resources policies and procedures, recruiting, and hiring qualified candidates for open positions, providing onboarding and training to new employees, managing employee performance and compensation, and ensuring compliance with all applicable employment, civil service, and labor laws. In addition to our primary functions, the Office of Human Resources provides a variety of other services to employees, such as career development, employee benefits, and wellness programs. OHR is seeking a qualified individual to serve as a Chief of Staff. The Chief of Staff is a pivotal leadership role responsible for advising the Deputy Commissioner of Human Resources on strategic HR initiatives, guiding policy implementation, and assists with overseeing the department's operations and special projects. This role demands a high level of expertise in civil service, human resources management, strategic planning, and operational efficiency, ensuring that the HR function supports the overall goals of the agency. The Chief of Staff directly oversees HR's Project Manager and Employee Wellness Coordinator.

Responsibilities

• Deliver comprehensive support to the Deputy Commissioner of Human Resources on all divisional and agency priorities and initiatives.
• Ensure execution and completion of Human Resources' quarterly and yearly goals, ensuring strategic alignment with agency goals and priorities.
• Regularly evaluate and propose improvements to internal HR processes, aiming to optimize performance and stakeholder satisfaction.
• Represent HR leadership at various organizational meetings and town halls, articulating HR policies, initiatives, and updates, and gathering feedback to inform continuous improvement in HR strategies and practices.
• Foster a culture of excellence and timely execution within the Human Resources division.
• Liase with support Divisions (i.e., Administration, Finance, IT) to ensure delivery of necessary services to HR staff.
• Oversee HR's OTPS (Other Than Personnel Service) budget, liaising with the Division of Financial Services to secure budget approval for HR needs.
• Lead the vendor management process including advertising and selection of vendors, negotiating, and executing contracts, invoice processing, and ensuring vendor delivery of services.
• Oversee the management of communications between HR and agency leadership, acting as liaison for issues and inquiries, ensuring timely and effective resolution.
• Oversee the development, dissemination, and management of HR All Staff Bulletins and HR-related content on the Intranet, ensuring information is accurate, relevant, and engaging for all employees.
• Facilitate effective communication across departments to enhance collaborative efforts and operational efficiency.
• Ensure HR/ACS' compliance with all newly issued NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) directives, policies, executive orders, and Personnel Service Bulletins.
• Oversee agency compliance with NYC Conflict of Interest Board (COIB) annual filling requirements.
• Ensure all ACS HR related policies comply with federal, state, and local laws and/or best practices.
• Ensure HR staff compliance with all city and agency mandatory training requirements.
• Lead the oversight of the Wellness and Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) ensuring compliance with all City and Agency diversity, equity, and Inclusion policies.
• Develop and implement comprehensive policies and procedures for Wellness and ERGs, focusing on inclusivity, diversity, and the promotion of a healthy work-life balance.
• Act as a proactive advocate for wellness and ERG activities, promoting participation across the organization and fostering an environment of support, engagement, and mutual respect.
• Coordinate with various departments to integrate Wellness and ERG initiatives into the broader organizational culture, aligning these efforts with overall strategic goals for employee well-being and engagement.
• Facilitate HR-specific projects from conception through completion.
• Set and manage stakeholder expectations, providing timely updates and reports as needed.
• Recognize and communicate project risks and roadblocks, employing effective risk management techniques.

Requirements

• A baccalaureate degree and four (4) years of responsible, full-time experience in one or more of the fields of management, administration, labor relations, research and analysis relative to the fiscal and/or functional aspects of a governmental agency, or educational institution, or civic organization, or business firm, including a minimum of one (1) year in a responsible managerial or administrative capacity.
• Education and experience equivalent to '1' above. However, all candidates must possess the one (1) year of responsible managerial or administrative experience as described in '1' above.

Nice-to-haves

• Bachelor's degree in human resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Master's degree or HR certification (e.g., SHRM-SCP, SPHR), preferred.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive HR experience, including 3 years in a senior leadership role.
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills.
• Proven track record in managing large-scale HR projects and budgets.
• Expertise in NYC Civil Service rules and policies.
• Demonstrated ability to improve organizational efficiency and implement change effectively.