Are you a socially conscious, dedicated individual who is committed to building a better future for children, families, and their communities? If so, join us as we support early childhood education programs across the country to create positive outcomes for the children and families served.

Job Title: Human Resources Manager

The Organization: Acelero Learning, South Carolina

Who We Are: Acelero, Inc. is a for-profit, mission-driven company that aims to improve school readiness for low-income children, by both directly operating Head Start programs and offering programmatic support to other Head Start grantees. 

Established in 2001, Acelero, Inc. is made up of two divisions - Acelero Learning and Shine Early Learning. Acelero Learning provides direct Head Start services to more than 5,000 children and families in four states (delegates) – New Jersey, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.  Acelero Learning’s programs have been identified as a national exemplar, a model to the nation for early childhood education, and most significantly, has demonstrated best-in-class child outcomes gains, even during the pandemic.

Shine Early Learning (Shine), established in 2009, was created to scale the dissemination and utilization of Acelero Learning’s proven tools and approaches through partnerships to other Head Start programs nationally.   In the past three years, Shine has further diversified its offerings through training, technical assistance, and consultation to publicly funded early childhood systems, including the launch of SPARK Learning Labs.

Our diverse employee workforce is made up of more than 1500 employees, comprising dedicated teachers, passionate family advocates, dynamic Center Directors and Coordinators, visionary senior leaders, and strategic executive leaders. Shine boasts partnerships across a wide expanse of states and territories throughout the country, ranging from Head Start grantees to comprehensive statewide systems. Together, we form a vibrant community committed to making a difference, fostering growth, and nurturing the potential in every child we serve. 

The Current Landscape: At the forefront of educational innovation, Acelero Inc. is navigating a pivotal phase of strategic transformation, commenced in June 2021, with a clear vision to expand exponentially and dismantle inequities. Guided by the insights and leadership of a diverse and representative national Design Team, the company has meticulously crafted a new vision, mission, and core values, underpinned by a robust theory of change. This strategic evolution involves a deliberate restructuring of the organizational framework, positioning Acelero Inc. to achieve its objectives, and to surpass them significantly. Central to the company's ethos is an unwavering commitment to recognize and nurture every child's potential, ensuring no child is left behind due to systemic inequalities. Acelero Inc. is steadfast in its mission to empower families, fostering their ability to advocate effectively for their children and themselves. This period of transformative growth and commitment to equity presents a unique opportunity to contribute to Acelero Inc.'s journey towards shaping a more inclusive and empowering educational landscape.

The Purpose of the Role:

Acelero Learning is seeking an inspired, collaborative professional to join us as a Human Resources Manager. Reporting to the Vice President, South Carolina, the Human Resources Manager is responsible for performing a wide variety of Human Resource operational activities. Specific duties include supporting the areas of recruitment, retention, learning and development, performance management, employee policy and procedure, records management, Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS), and legal compliance. The successful candidate will demonstrate a commitment to customer service and quality Human Resource practice. He/she can balance a variety of demands and priorities and can deliver high quality service in a fast-paced, dynamic atmosphere.

What You’ll Work On:

• Responsible for supporting all Human Resource activities including, but not limited to employee relations, total rewards, training/development, reporting, and compliance

• Establish effective partnerships with various teams to facilitate the provision of strategic HR services. This will require frequent travel to centers

• Facilitate pre-hire onboarding activities and new employee orientations, which includes coordinating, scheduling, and delivering HR-facilitated sessions

• Coordinate the resolution of specific policy-related and procedural problems and inquiries, and recommend operating policy and procedural improvements when identified

• Maintain Human Resource databases, computer software systems, and manual/electronic filing systems, which includes keeping employee data updated and accurate as well as providing technical support as requested

• Drive assigned Human Resource projects to successful completion

• Perform specific research/investigation into operational issues, which may include preparing and analyzing information to effectively carry out the functions of the HR team, delegate, and company

• Participate in assigned meetings, professional development, and training as required

• Assist and participate in the employee leave management and worker compensation process including meeting with employees and managers

• Any/all other duties as assigned

• Provide back-up support to the HRBP and HR Administrator as required

• Attend relevant workshops, seminars, and conferences to stay abreast of current HR trends and practices

• Assist with managing employee communication and feedback mechanisms

• Assist with the maintenance of accurate and complete employee personnel records

• Serve on teams, committees, or projects workgroups as assigned

About You  (Requirements/Competencies) 

• Bachelor’s Degree in related field preferred; PHR, SHRM-CP or an equivalent certification preferred. Associates Degree in related field required

• A minimum of three years (3) years of Human Resource experience required. Human Resources Generalist background preferred with some experience in the areas of recruiting, employment, compensation, benefits, organizational development, employee relations, and learning and development

• Prior experience working in Head Start or early childhood education or related field a plus

• Bilingual language skills preferred

• Ability to support the mission, vision, and values of Acelero/Shine Early Learning and abide by applicable standards of conduct, policies and procedures.

• Knowledge of federal and state employment and benefit laws. Strong interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to analyze data and provide recommendations

• Demonstrated ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment; demonstrated flexibility to handle multiple priorities. Demonstrated attention to detail and maintaining the highest degree of accuracy is a must

• Ability to interact effectively with people from diverse backgrounds

• Visibility requires maintaining a professional appearance and providing a positive company image to the public

When/Where/How Much 

Start Date: Fall 2024

Location/Travel: On-site at one of our South Carolina delegate locations. (Exact address to be provided at a later date)

Salary: $70,000 Annually

Please note that this hiring initiative is part of our strategic preparation for a potential new delegate in South Carolina. The continuation of the recruitment process is contingent upon the successful award of this grant. We commit to keeping final candidates informed of our progress and appreciate your interest in joining Acelero Learning. 

It is expected that any hired employee for this potential new delegate be physically located in South Carolina. Tier relocation packages will be provided.

Why Acelero Learning or Shine Early Learning?
- Ability to make an impact in the lives of the children, families, and partners we serve
- Career growth and professional development opportunities
- Supportive working environment
- Average of 5 weeks of paid time off during 1st year of employment
- Comprehensive benefits, including 401K matching and 100% vesting program

We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating a diverse and healthy work place.