Senior Director, People Operations

Core responsibilities:

• Lead the organization's people operations function across payroll, benefits, compensation, HR policies, compliance, and people data and systems
• Design and implement scalable, equitable, and legally sound practices for a distributed workforce of 200+ employees across 25+ states
• Strengthen compensation framework, benefits strategy, and HR technology ecosystem while embedding practices that advance transparency, consistency, and equity
• Drive development of reliable data systems and dashboards that deepen organizational insight and inform decision-making

This role supports DonorsChoose's mission to ensure students in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education by cultivating an inclusive culture of excellence and investing in a high-performing team passionate about educational equity.

Required qualifications:

• At least 10 years of progressive people operations experience with 3+ years leading and supervising others, including managing remotely
• Expertise in payroll, benefits, compensation, employee leaves, multi-state HR laws and compliance, people data and HRIS systems (Rippling experience a plus)
• Fundamental understanding and experience in administration of employee benefits and knowledge of compliance with ERISA, IRS laws, and current regulations pertinent to health plans
• Strong project management skills with track record of successfully driving complex projects forward

Compensation & Benefits:

• Hiring salary range: $135,000 - $148,000 (standard) or $146,000 - $165,000 for higher cost of labor locations (NYC, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle, Boston, Washington D.C.)
• 25 paid vacation days per year and 11 paid holidays
• Rich employer-paid individual and family health plan
• Matching 401(k) plan (up to 5% of base salary)
• Annual professional development stipend
• Casual and flexible work environment
• Annual performance-based raises

DonorsChoose makes it easy for anyone to help a teacher in need, moving us closer to a nation where students in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education. Since 2000, more than 6 million people and partners have contributed $1.8 billion to support 3 million teacher requests for classroom resources and experiences.