Fast Facts

First Book is seeking a Strategic Senior Human Resources Manager to enhance HR functions with a focus on talent acquisition and employee experience, making it a key role in fostering an inclusive workplace.

Responsibilities: The role includes leading full-cycle recruitment, overseeing onboarding and offboarding, supporting performance management, maintaining HRIS systems, and promoting workplace culture initiatives.

Skills: Strong knowledge of employment laws, HR best practices, HRIS systems, exceptional organizational skills, and a passion for equity and education are essential.

Qualifications: Candidates should have 5-7 years of progressive HR experience, a bachelor's degree in a relevant field, and preferred HR certifications (like SHRM-CP or PHR) along with strong interpersonal skills.

Location: Washington, District of Columbia, United States

Compensation: Not provided by employer. Typical compensation ranges for this position are between $85,000 - $115,000.

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 (https://firstbook.org/) 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 Book’s 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 Book’s 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
• Bachelor’s 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 skills—written 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 Book’s 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 https://firstbook.bamboohr.com/careers.