Location: Chicago (Hybrid)

Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: 80 - 105K USD

Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package included

Tired of the status quo? So are we. Zen Educate isn't just another company; we're a mission-driven startup on a relentless quest to disrupt and revolutionize education staffing across the USA. Right now, schools waste over $2 billion annually on fees, money that should be enriching classrooms and empowering educators. We're here to fundamentally change that.

We use cutting-edge tech to connect schools with incredible educators, putting more money in educators' pockets and saving schools critical funds. We believe every student deserves access to the best education, and that means championing the amazing people who make it happen. We don't just "staff"; we go the extra mile to find, bring in, match, and coach phenomenal educators who are deeply committed to their students' success. We wake up every day on a mission to care more. We care more about our schools. And we care more about our educators.

This isn't just a job; it's a chance to be on the ground floor of a high-growth tech startup that's already making waves, backed by a recent $37 million Series B funding round. We're a scrappy, collaborative team where entrepreneurial spirit is celebrated, and "getting the job done" means pushing boundaries and innovating daily. If you're passionate about learning, growing, and making a tangible difference in a broken system, then you'll thrive here.

At Zen Educate, we're not just filling positions; we're empowering a movement. Our flexible platform gives educators control, allowing them to pick up work and providing a critical lifeline in the current staffing crisis. Many educators rely on Zen as their primary income, while others supplement their lives. Regardless, every educator is an hourly W2 employee of Zen, and we are fiercely committed to making Zen an exceptional and innovative place for them to build and grow their careers.

We're searching for a visionary, tenacious, and deeply creative HR leader to become our Head of Educator HR. If you're as passionate about championing educators as we are, and the thought of building groundbreaking solutions from scratch in a rapidly growing, "do-things-differently" environment excites you, then this is your moment. We don't do "by the book." We need a leader who can think outside the box, craft ingenious HR strategies that genuinely serve both our educators and the schools we support, all within our unique, fast-paced operational model.

You'll lead a small, dedicated team, overseeing every facet of HR for thousands of educators, truly shaping their experience and our impact. This is tough, rewarding work with real stakes.

As the Head of Educator HR, you'll be instrumental in shaping the future of education staffing. Your responsibilities will include:

-Revolutionize professional development and retention strategies for our educators, aiming to create unprecedented engagement and satisfaction rates in education staffing. Forget traditional approaches - we need bold, new ideas.

-Foster a culture where educators feel supported, valued, and empowered to make Zen Educate their long-term professional home.

-Build innovative, scalable HR infrastructure and systems from the ground up. This includes crafting agile policies, dynamic employee handbooks, and comprehensive onboarding programs that reflect our unique model.

-Drive HR digital transformation initiatives, always seeking efficient, tech-forward solutions.

-Skillfully manage complex employee relations issues, including sensitive claims, workplace injuries, and internal disputes, always with an eye toward fair, proactive, and compliant resolutions.

-Develop robust, proactive protocols for managing classroom incidents, ensuring safeguarding measures are airtight, and overseeing mandated reporting with precision and empathy.

-Create effective, educator-centric safety and support systems, including responsive hotlines, efficient case management, and swift incident response protocols.

-Oversee unemployment claims, workers' compensation programs, and other employer obligations across diverse states with a strategic and efficient approach.

-Ensure unwavering legal compliance with all state and federal employment laws, with a particular focus on the unique regulations applicable to education settings.

-You have 7+ years of progressive HR experience, with a strong, demonstrable background in education – ideally in a dynamic, fast-paced environment that required building from scratch or significant innovation.

-You're a proven expert in employee relations, risk mitigation, and employment law compliance, with the ability to translate complex regulations into practical, actionable strategies.

-You possess a track record of building HR systems from the ground up and have a deep understanding of HR digital transformation initiatives.

-Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and Title IX.

-Education-specific laws and regulations - you understand the unique nuances of the sector.

-Workers' compensation and unemployment insurance processes across various states.

-Various HRIS and case management systems -  you know how to leverage technology.

-SHRM-CP/SCP certification is a plus, but your proven ability to deliver results and innovate is what truly matters.

A former or current principal or vice-principal

An HR Business Partner or Employee Relations Specialist who thrived in a challenging, high-volume environment within a charter network or school district.

An HR Manager from an education staffing firm or ed-tech company that redefined conventional approaches.

Someone with a "builder" mindset who has created HR functions or programs from scratch.

The compensation for this role will be between $80K - $105K USD, depending on your experience and demonstrated ability to drive innovative solutions.

If you are a seasoned HR professional who is passionate about solving big problems, thrives in a scrappy, entrepreneurial environment, and is ready to make a significant and lasting impact on the education system, we want to hear from you. Don't just apply; tell us why you're the unconventional HR leader we're looking for!