VP of People Operations

Job description

Purpose of the Role

As the Vice President of People Operations, you will serve as a champion of Reach’s culture and people strategy by ensuring human dignity, equity, and belonging are embedded into how we work every day. This role exists to align our people systems, leadership practices, and organizational design with Reach’s mission, enabling employees and the institution to thrive together.

Team & Reporting

Team: People Operations
Reports to: Chief Financial Officer
Location: Remote
Status: Full-time

Role Composition (Estimated %)

• Leadership: 40%

• Strategy: 30%

• Coaching: 15%

• Player / Execution: 15%

Note: This balance may evolve as the organization grows and the People Operations function scales.

Job requirements

Experience & Approach We’re Looking For

• 10+ years of progressive experience in People Operations or HR leadership roles

• Deep expertise in employee engagement, organizational effectiveness, and employment law

• Demonstrated success building inclusive, high-trust workplace cultures

• Strong executive presence with the ability to influence, coach, and challenge with care

• Commitment to human dignity, equity, and respectful collaboration

Job responsibilities

Key Areas of Focus

This role is focused on outcomes and impact rather than an exhaustive task list.

1. Culture, Engagement & Employee Experience

• Design and lead university wide strategies that strengthen engagement, morale, and belonging

• Ensure employee experience, from onboarding through growth and transition, reflects dignity, care, and consistency

• Serve as a visible steward of Reach’s values and culture during times of growth and change

2. People Strategy, Growth & Organizational Effectiveness

• Partner with executive leadership to align people strategy with institutional goals and long-term growth

• Guide leaders in designing organizational structures that are equitable, effective, and mission-aligned

• Lead succession planning and talent development strategies to support sustainability and internal mobility
  

3. Learning, Development & Performance Management

• Oversee learning and development programs that support professional, personal, and leadership growth

• Implement performance management systems that are transparent, growth-oriented, and aligned with Reach’s core values

• Coach leaders to deliver meaningful feedback and develop their teams effectively

4. Team Leadership & Capability Building

• Lead, mentor, and inspire an amazing People Operations team grounded in trust, collaboration, and high standards

• Build team capacity through clear priorities, development opportunities, and strong operating rhythms

• Foster a culture of continuous learning and shared ownership within the People Ops function
  

5. Compliance, Risk Management & Operational Excellence

• Ensure compliance with all relevant employment laws and regulations across jurisdictions

• Proactively identify and mitigate people-related risks

• Establish clear, scalable policies and processes that support consistency and fairness
  

6. Compensation, Benefits & Talent Management

• Oversee compensation and benefits programs to ensure equity, competitiveness, and alignment with Reach’s compensation philosophy

• Lead talent management strategies including recruitment, retention, and workforce planning

• Partner with leaders and hiring managers to ensure hiring practices are inclusive, effective, and mission-driven

Success in This Role Looks Like

• A deeply engaged, supported, and high-performing workforce that feels valued and empowered

• Clear, scalable people systems that support growth while honoring Reach’s values

• Leaders across the organization who are confident people managers and culture carriers

• A People Operations team that is aligned, energized, and doing the best work of their careers

• A culture of accountability, transparency, care, and continuous learning

Collaboration & Communication

• Works closely with: Executive Leadership Team, Finance, Academic Leadership, Operations, and Managers across Reach

• May support or guide: People Operations team members and leaders across the organization

• Participates in: Cross-functional working groups
  

Job benefits

Salary 

The salary range for this role is between $135,000 - $155,000

Reach University is an accredited, nonprofit institution reshaping higher education - one where a job leads to a degree, not the other way around. Through the Apprenticeship Degree, Reach transforms workplaces into university learning spaces, allowing working adults to earn credit for the work they do on the job and leverage deep learning through inquiry, dialogue, collaboration, and on-the-job practice in their everyday experience. 

At Reach, we envision a world where everyone, everywhere can access fully job-embedded higher education - where effort and skill, not wealth or connections, determine who gets ahead. Reach is building pathways for professionals to grow their impact, advance their careers, and stay rooted in the communities they serve.

We’re building a world where higher education is both higher and within reach.  Learn more at reach.edu

Benefits:

• Health Insurance: We provide medical, vision, and dental insurance plans to ensure you and your family are well-covered. Plus additional wellness programs. 

• Flexible Time Off: We offer a flexible "Flexible Time Off" policy, empowering you to take the time you need when you need it, without the constraints of a traditional vacation policy.

• Flexible Remote-Only Workplace: Enjoy the freedom to work from anywhere with our flexible remote-only work environment, fostering a balance of workload and rest

• Professional Development Support: We are committed to your growth and development, offering support for professional development opportunities to help you advance in your career.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Reach University is committed to creating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Reach University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, parental status, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable laws. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply. If you are a qualified candidate with a disability, please e-mail us at [email protected] if you require a reasonable accommodation to complete this application.