First Book has a mandatory Covid-19 vaccination policy (medical and religious exemptions permitted). Proof of fully vaccinated status is required before an interview.
About First Book:
First Book ( A global leader in social enterprise First Book harnesses the strategies of the private sector to advance social change. First Book has built a family of social enterprises to serve its network of over 600K educators including the First Book Marketplace The First Book Accelerator First Book Insights and a range of other efforts. In fact since 1992 First Book has distributed more than 250 million books and educational materials to children from low-income families. Because of its record of innovation and impact First Book has been celebrated globally by such institutions as the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship the World Economic Forum and in case studies at Columbia Business School Wharton Business School the Yale School of Management and the London School of Economics. Finally Charity Navigator recently awarded First Book with its highest rating including a perfect 100% score for Accountability & Transparency.
About the position: (This is not a 100% remote position/ MANDATORY IN OFFICE: Tuesday & Wednesday)
We are seeking an experienced Sr. HR Manager who will lead and elevate our HR functions with a sharp focus on talent acquisition. Reporting directly to the Vice President of Human Resources and working in close partnership with the HR Generalist this role calls for a strategic thinker a trusted partner and a champion of workplace excellence.
At First Book we believe that people are our greatest asset. The Senior Human Resources Manager plays a pivotal role in fostering a thriving inclusive and mission-aligned workplace. This role combines strategic leadership with hands-on execution across all facets of HR supporting a team of approximately 70 employees. The ideal candidate is a proactive people-centered leader who embraces innovation champions equity and ensures operational excellence.
Core areas include recruitment employee relations compliance and performance management HR administration.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Talent Strategy & Acquisition
- Design and implement inclusive data-informed talent acquisition strategies to attract and retain top-tier candidates aligned with First Books mission.
- Lead full-cycle recruitment including job postings candidate sourcing interviewing selection and offer processes.
- Enhance employer branding through storytelling social media and a compelling candidate experience.
Onboarding Offboarding & Employee Experience
- Oversee onboarding and offboarding processes to ensure a seamless engaging and values-driven employee journey.
- Conduct new hire orientations and develop onboarding programs that foster early connection and clarity.
- Implement feedback mechanisms (e.g. stay interviews exit surveys) to inform retention strategies and improve the employee lifecycle.
HR Operations & Compliance
- Serve as a strategic partner to the Vice President of HR in executing HR initiatives and managing day-to-day operations.
- Collaborate with the HR Generalist to administer benefits programs and maintain accurate records across HRIS and filing systems.
- Act as a backup for payroll processing and benefits administration ensuring accuracy timeliness and confidentiality.
- Ensure compliance with all federal state and local employment laws and proactively monitor regulatory changes.
Performance Learning & Development
- Coordinate and track performance review processes promoting a culture of continuous feedback and growth.
- Support the implementation of modern performance management tools and practices including goal alignment and coaching conversations.
- Aid the VP of HR in facilitating employee training and development programs including leadership development and DEI learning opportunities.
HR Technology & Analytics
- Maintain and optimize HRIS systems ensuring data integrity and user accessibility.
- Leverage people analytics to track key HR metrics (e.g. turnover engagement DEI progress) and provide insights to VP of HR.
- Identify and implement digital tools that enhance HR service delivery and employee self-service.
Culture Engagement & Well-being
- Champion First Books values by fostering a positive inclusive and mission-driven workplace culture.
- Collaborate with HR Generalist in implementing employee engagement initiatives including recognition programs wellness efforts and team-building activities.
- Promote psychological safety and employee voice through regular pulse surveys and open communication channels.
Ethics Risk & Confidentiality
- Handle employee relations matters with empathy fairness and discretion.
- Manage leave programs PTO and other leave types.
- Uphold strict confidentiality in managing sensitive employee information and HR matters.
Qualifications:
To perform this job successfully an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge skill and/or ability required:
- Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive HR experience including talent acquisition
- Bachelors degree in human resources Business Administration or a related field required
- HR certification (e.g. SHRM-CP SHRM-SCP PHR SPHR) preferred
- Strong knowledge of employment laws HR best practices and HRIS systems
- Proven experience handling confidential information with discretion and integrity
- Strong interpersonal and communication skillswritten and verbal
- Demonstrated knowledge of HRIS systems and applicant tracking software
- Demonstrated ability to build trust influence stakeholders and drive organizational change
- Passion for equity education and First Books mission
- Must successfully pass a background check
Key Competencies
- Strategic thinking and decision-making
- Exceptional organizational and multitasking abilities
- Empathy and emotional intelligence
- High level of professionalism and ethical standards
All full-time employees are eligible for the following benefits:
Hybrid work environment - can work from home and office
Dental & medical insurance
Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment coverage
Vacation leave
Sick leave
Twelve Annual Holidays
401K and employer matching pension contribution
Transportation benefits
Pet Insurance (Wellness Plan and Accident & Illness Plan)
Voluntary Worksite Health Plans (Accident Protection Critical Illness Protection Hospital Indemnity Protection)
TO APPLY:
Candidates are invited to submit a resume and a cover letter that details your interest in the position to Experience:
Senior IC