Job Description

VP of Human Resources – Early Childhood Education

Philadelphia / Pittsburgh, PA | Full-Time | On-Site with Travel

200-250K

Overview

An established, growing early childhood education organization is seeking an experienced Vice President of Human Resources to lead its people strategy, strengthen organizational culture, and support continued growth across multiple locations.

This is a high-level leadership position for someone who understands that HR is about much more than policies and paperwork. We're looking for a strong, strategic leader who knows how to build teams, retain great employees, develop managers, solve problems, and create an environment where people and the organization can succeed.

Reporting directly to the CEO, the VP will oversee an established HR team of four and work closely with senior leadership and center directors across the organization.

The ideal candidate is both strategic and hands-on — someone who can see the bigger picture, make sound decisions, handle sensitive situations with professionalism, and ensure that plans translate into results.

This is an opportunity to play a meaningful role in a mission-driven organization, with significant responsibility and influence over its people, culture, and continued success.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the organization's overall HR strategy, aligning people initiatives with business goals, growth, and operational priorities
• Oversee and develop a four-person HR team, establishing clear expectations, accountability, and performance standards
• Drive recruiting, retention, employee engagement, and workforce planning across multiple locations
• Partner with the CEO and senior leadership on organizational structure, leadership development, and strategic planning
• Support center directors and management in handling employee relations, performance issues, conflict resolution, and difficult personnel decisions
• Build and strengthen employee training, professional development, performance management, and succession planning programs
• Oversee compensation, benefits administration, HR policies, and employment law compliance
• Develop and monitor HR metrics, including turnover, retention, employee engagement, and staffing performance
• Identify opportunities to improve HR systems, processes, efficiency, and overall organizational effectiveness
• Support acquisitions and the integration of new centers, including employee onboarding, benefits, and HR operations
• Help maintain a positive, professional, and accountable workplace culture across all locations
• Partner with executive leadership on risk management, insurance, and other operational matters as needed
• Serve as a trusted advisor to leadership while maintaining strong relationships with employees and management
• Maintain an active presence across the organization's Philadelphia and Pittsburgh locations

Ideal Candidate

• Extensive senior-level HR leadership experience, with a strong background overseeing HR functions and teams
• Proven ability to develop and execute HR strategies that improve retention, performance, and organizational effectiveness
• Strong people skills and emotional intelligence, with the ability to navigate sensitive employee situations, resolve conflicts, and build trust
• Experience leading, coaching, and holding HR teams and managers accountable
• Solid understanding of employment law, benefits, compensation, employee relations, and HR compliance
• Strategic thinker who is also comfortable getting involved in day-to-day challenges
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities across departments and locations
• Analytical and comfortable using HR metrics and data to identify problems and drive improvements
• Excellent communication skills, sound judgment, and a high level of professionalism and discretion
• Proactive, resourceful, and able to work independently while collaborating closely with executive leadership
• Experience supporting multi-location organizations and organizational growth
• Background in education, childcare, or another multi-site, people-intensive industry is a plus
• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, or a related field; advanced degree preferred
• Willingness to travel between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh locations as needed

We're looking for a true HR leader — someone who can balance the needs of employees and the organization, earn the confidence of leadership, and take ownership of building a strong, effective, and engaged workforce.

Email: baila@maiplacement.com