Ascend Learning is a national leader in data driven, online educational solutions for learners, educators and employers in high-growth, licensure-driven professions spanning healthcare, fitness and wellness, skilled trades, insurance and financial services. We are passionate about accelerating learning while impacting job readiness, employment success and employee retention with the belief that our work changes lives.
Our culture is intentionally results-driven and selfless with a relentless focus on our customers. We believe in trust, transparency, freedom and responsibility with a commitment to meritocracy, inclusion and diversity of thought. Continual investment in our over 1400 employees is also a core principle realized through ongoing professional development and providing opportunities to grow, develop and lead. Ascend Learning is headquartered in Burlington, MA with additional office locations and remote workers in cities across the U.S. and in the U.K.
Ascend Learning is seeking a Senior Director of HR/ER to provide leadership and support to Ascend Professional Education employees on all human capital matters. Professional Education has approximately 300 employees. As an integral member of the business team, the position will be expected to play a significant role in strategically growing the business and developing an organizational design during a time of rapid growth and development. This role will make a strong impact on the division and Ascend.
This role will also be responsible for architecting and driving the Employee Relations function across the company to ensure that Ascend Learning maintains high levels of engagement and the highest standards of fairness, empowerment, meritocracy, and accountability. Ensure consistency on how managers are developed and employees are treated.
Key Responsibilities
Provide HR leadership and support to the Professional Education division within Ascend Learning.
Support and coach the Professional Education executive leadership team in all areas of human capital with a specific emphasis on performance management, leadership development, change management, organization design and development, employee relations and staffing to build a world-class organization.
Be the owner of Ascend’s Engagement survey and action planning. Partner with the CHRO and CEO to determine strategic priorities to sustain high levels of engagement.
Work collaboratively with HR Centers of Excellence and other Strategic HR Business partners, Legal/Compliance and the Ascend leadership team to ensure compliance with all applicable labor laws, policies, and practices to maintain the highest standards of compliance and fairness. Partner with HR TA/Compliance leader to ensure actionable AAPs and facilitate relationships with outside consultants and regulators to ensure audit readiness and a positive and proactive stance toward employee relations and inclusion.
Architect and contribute towards the development of flexible and scalable human resources processes and strategies that will position the company to meet business challenges and attain goals. Motivate and support an engaged workforce in a dynamic and innovative hyper-growth empowering culture.
Contribute to Ascend’s diversity initiatives to assist in building a balanced leadership team that underscores Ascend’s value of Inclusion and is reflective of the employee and customer base.
Required Experience
Bachelor’s degree required; HR certification is preferred.
10 years of professional Human Resources leadership or business experience characterized by a high level of service, maturity, executive presence, business acumen and employee engagement.
Significant experience in performance management, leadership development, change management, organization design and development, employee relations, and staffing.
Experience building teams in a dynamic, fast-growth environment.
Demonstrated track record of human resources management, including directing other staff members.
M&A experience is preferred.
Strong general knowledge of employee compensation, benefits, payroll, employee relations, recruiting, training and strategic planning.
Demonstrable track record attracting, hiring, and retaining exceptional people.
Strong analytical skills.
Demonstrated ability to coach and develop executive leaders.
Preferred Skills and Experience
Able to align people and organizational strategy to achieve results.
Strong operational and business acumen, with the ability to act as a business partner with senior executive team members in helping them meet or exceed their strategic objectives and tactical goals.
Ability and willingness to shift quickly between the strategic and tactical on a daily basis.
Unquestionable ethics, personal integrity, and leader capable of being a team player in every respect.
Proactive and highly effective at all levels, possessing exceptional written and verbal communications skills at the executive management and on a one-one-one basis.
Energetic team member and integrator with the drive and passion to lead by example and become an integral member within an experienced and winning team.
Strong organizational and project management skills.
Holds self to high standards.
Deep commitment to the success of the team and organization.
Possesses a high energy level, sense of urgency, creativity, decisiveness, and ability to work hard and well under pressure.
Operates with candor and courage.
Blends experience with excellent instincts to have strong impact.
Enthusiastic, high energy, pro-active, “see it – do it – own it” mindset.
Ascend Learning, LLC is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. No agency or search firm submissions will be accepted. Applications for U.S. based positions with Ascend Learning, LLC must be legally authorized to work in the United States and verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire
