Associate Director of People Operations

Book Harvest • Durham, NC

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

Book Harvest, an award-winning children’s literacy nonprofit scaling nationally, is seeking an Associate Director of People Operations to serve as our team’s data engine and system champion. In this hybrid role, you will blend analytical rigor with deep empathy to manage our HRIS, optimize software migrations, navigate multi-state compliance, and turn complex data into clear, equity-driven insights while serving as a warm cultural touchpoint for our staff. This is a full-time, hybrid role requiring a 40-60% weekly presence at our Durham, NC office, though we are open to regional candidates within a 200-mile radius who can commute in a few times a month for core meetings and team connection.

Requirements

• 6–8 years of professional experience, including at least 3 years directly focused on HR, People Operations, or Talent Analytics.
• Advanced proficiency in data management and cleansing across multiple platforms (Excel, Paylocity, NewOrg, etc.), with technical mastery in configuring workflows within modern HRIS and performance platforms.
• A proven track record of designing and implementing systemic DEBI initiatives across talent acquisition, policy creation, and total rewards.
• Experience handling sensitive, confidential employee relations matters with grace and discretion.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• You have a proven ability to translate complex database metrics, system changes, or regulatory guidelines into warm, transparent, and accessible insights for team members at all levels.
• You are an ethical, transparent leader who thrives through organizational shifts.
• You are skilled at connecting daily HR operations to long-term organizational goals while managing complex projects flawlessly and building strong alliances across departments.
• Substantial, relevant professional experience in People, HR, or Operations.

Nice To Haves

• If you've done this work inside a scaling or multi-state organization, that's a huge plus!
• Experience managing a major software implementation or data migration project is a big advantage.
• Progress toward or completion of relevant professional credentials (like a SHRM-CP, PHR, or fundamental payroll course completions) is highly valued.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary, hands-on administrator for all HR software and systems.
• Optimize our internal tech stack, eliminate manual trackers, and actively remove administrative bottlenecks so our systems serve as a friction-free resource for the entire staff.
• Champion the technical migration from legacy systems to a scalable, next-generation HRIS or PEO platform with zero data loss or downtime.
• Track, analyze, and report on performance trends, core competency alignment, and internal equity metrics to support Book Harvest’s deep commitments to organizational transparency and pay equity.
• Maintain flawless employee records, I-9 compliance, legal disclosures, and state-by-state labor law requirements as we scale.
• Implement the compliance frameworks needed to satisfy legal mandates in expanding territories and masterfully direct the technical and administrative logistics of compliant off-boarding and multi-state final paychecks.
• Serve as an empathetic, highly accessible point of contact for staff members navigating multi-state compliance guidelines, leaves of absence, and benefits tracking, ensuring everyone feels supported and informed.
• Partner closely with the National Director and CFO to analyze benefits utilization and operationalize our biannual compensation equity audit—translating philosophy into concrete salary bands and system configurations.
• Audit pre-payroll data with 100% accuracy and design the SOPs to seamlessly migrate the payroll execution function from Finance to HR by early 2027.
• Serve as a trusted, confidential avenue for staff inquiries, proactively building relational capital across departments through regular check-ins.
• Partner with the National Director on content planning and facilitation for staff gatherings to foster team connection, while also stepping in to navigate complex personnel matters with diplomacy, care, and quality documentation.
• Actively contribute to a collaborative, inclusive, and mission-driven workplace.
• Champion our Diversity, Equity, Belonging, and Inclusion (DEBI) initiatives, participate in ongoing professional development, and show up as a visible, supportive leader across the organization.

Benefits

• 100% employer-sponsored healthcare (with elective dental, vision, disability, and life)
• 401(k) with an automatic 3% employer contribution
• Generous PTO
• Dedicated paid family leave
• Rewarding sabbatical leaves
• Professional development funds
• Flexible hybrid schedule

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed