Employment
At The Windward School, we seek to build and retain an outstanding and committed faculty and staff. Windward's mission and core values influence everything we do - whether it is in the classroom, in the science lab or art studio, or on the field.
Open Positions
- Director of Human Resources
- Assistant to the Head of Manhattan Lower and Middle Schools
- Part-Time Non-Instructional School Aide
- Facilities Supervisor (Westchester - Night Shift)
- Facilities Supervisor (NYC Day Shift)
- Facilities Associate (Westchester - Night Shift)
Director of Human Resources
The Windward School, a co-educational, independent day school serving students in grades 1-9 with dyslexia and language-based learning disabilities, is seeking a Director of Human Resources to begin July 1, 2023.
The Director of Human Resources oversees the Human Resource functions across the three Windward campuses with the main office located at the Westchester Middle School in White Plains, New York. This position handles executing and overseeing the administration of the hiring process, compensation, benefit administration, retention, termination, personnel records, legal compliance, management training, HR information system maintenance, staffing strategies, and monitoring and overseeing the faculty and staff culture at The Windward School.
The Director of Human Resources is a key strategic partner reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer and aiding the Senior Administrative Team in evaluating the direction of the school’s personnel, compensation practices, compliance with regulations, and culture. The Director must be an adept communicator with a strong knowledge of the employment lifecycle and employment law as well as payroll and benefits administration, preferably in a not-for-profit and/or education environment.
Qualified candidates should not only have the experience and expertise detailed below but also should have a deep understanding of and a passion to support The Windward School’s mission, and display a proven commitment to diversity work and fostering an inclusive culturally competent school environment.
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Provide leadership and supervision in the day-to-day operation of the Human Resource function. Implement all applicable personnel laws and regulations.
- Ensure compliance with federal and state statutes/laws including, but not limited to, FMLA, ADA, Sexual Harassment, OSHA, Workers Compensation, and ERISA.
- Coordinate performance management processes.
- Support the recruiting lifecycle, including posting job openings, coordinating candidate visits, and conducting interviews and evaluations for all non union staff positions including off-site recruiting at job fairs, and conducting new hire orientations.
- Work in conjunction with the Director of Teacher Training Program to plan all logistics of the annual New Faculty/Staff orientation.
- Provide support for all employee based legal issues including working with the school’s legal counsel to dispute EEOC and other potential legal action taken against the school.
- Manage employee separation process for both voluntary and involuntary terminations.
- Manage all employee relations issues, conducting investigations as necessary, documenting conversations, and working with all parties to find resolutions.
- Assist supervisors with all write ups, performance improvement plans, etc, to ensure appropriate language, limiting liability to the school.
- Develop/edit/update job descriptions for all employees. Complete periodic job description audits and classify employees exempt or nonexempt status as appropriate under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
- Aid in development and maintenance of the salary/compensation scale.
- Supply training for department heads and team leaders on various HR topics including interviewing skills, performance management and employee coaching.
- Oversee training process for all employees such as annual training on sexual and other forms of harassment, sexual abuse reporting, and other applicable topics.
- Maintain personnel files for each employee in compliance with state and federal regulations.
- Maintain and improve the Human Resource Management System (HRMS) to support the needs of the schools management and employees.
- Manage logistics for all employee engagement activities including the annual Gallup employee engagement survey process and debriefing, Faculty & Staff Appreciation week, School Nurse Appreciation Day, Administrative Professionals Day, Holiday Party, Platinum Circle Dinner, End of Year Luncheon, and other Windward Wow events scheduled throughout the year.
- Represent the school at various functions both internally and externally, as a champion of the brand.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Head of School.
BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION:
- Manage and coordinate benefits programs (Health, Dental, Vision, Section 125, 403(b) Retirement Plan, STD, LTD, Life/AD&D and COBRA) for employees, including all employee communication, problem-solving, and claims resolution.
- Collaborate with insurance brokers to develop a benefit strategy that maximizes benefits options for employees and limits the increased cost.
- Ensure all plans follow applicable laws and statutes (HIPAA, ERISA, and IRS guidelines).
- Prepare/edit Summary Plan Descriptions and other regulatory reporting as needed for plan changes and legal compliance.
- Manage annual open enrollment for benefits plans.
- Manage employee qualifying events or changes in coverage in all carrier sites and payroll system.
- Resolve discrepancies or errors on carrier billing invoices with benefits broker or the carriers directly.
Compile and support correct list of all benefits offered or enrolled in, including dependents for ACA reporting purposes.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:
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Minimum of three years of related experience, preferably in a not-for-profit environment.
Minimum of Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources or related field; PHR, SPHR, CP or SCP certification preferred.
PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL QUALITIES:
- Understanding of and commitment to Windward’s mission and core values
- Outstanding written and oral communication skills.
- An ability to interact comfortably with individuals of diverse social, economic, and ethnic backgrounds.
- An ability to accurately interpret procedures and regulations along with the ability to ensure proper implementation.
- Ability to balance multiple tasks and projects, and handle time deadlines.
- An ability to assess and solve problems.
FOR CONSIDERATION:
The Windward School is an equal opportunity employer and provides equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, national and ethnic origin, citizenship, age, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), religion, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, or any other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local law to all employees and applicants for employment.
Interested and qualified candidates should submit a formal letter of application, current resume, and a list of three references with contact information to:
Carolyn Stiles
Creative Independents
carolyn@creativeindependents.org
Please do not contact the school directly.
Applications will be considered until the position is filled.
Assistant to the Head of Manhattan Lower and Middle Schools
The Windward School is actively seeking an Assistant to the Head of Manhattan Lower and Middle Schools. This is a full time, 12-month position and will report directly to the Head of Manhattan Lower and Middle School.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Outstanding organizational, time management, and interpersonal skills
- Excellent judgment while interacting with students, faculty, parents, and professionals
- Capacity to maintain confidential and sensitive information
- Acute ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment while maintaining a calm and respectful demeanor
- Ability to be proactive when working independently or collaboratively when assisting other Windward employees in various job positions, as needed
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, attention-to-detail is essential
- Efficient management of calendar and events
- Helping with the coordination of division specific events
- Point person for student transportation with OPT (Office of Pupil Transportation)
- Perform other duties as directed by direct supervisor
Specific Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree and at least three years' experience in office management or administration required
- School experience preferred
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Sharepoint, Teams) would be an advantage but is not required
- Veracross database and EMS (Event Management System) experience would be an advantage but is not required
Salary Range: $60,000 - $65,000
Part-Time Non-Instructional School Aide
Campus Location: Manhattan
Objective
To obtain a part time school aide to assist Windward Manhattan faculty in the supervision of children in non-academic situations for the 2023-2024 school year. This role is Monday through Friday not to exceed 30 hours per week.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Provides supervision of children during non-academic time including arrivals & dismissals, hallway movement, lunch time, and recess activities.
- Exhibits a positive attitude and serves as a positive role model for students and the community.
- Works cooperatively and effectively with others. Maintains self control and uses common sense.
- Reports to work on time and ready to work.
- Exhibits good judgment and responds positively to supervision, suggestions and/or directives.
Specific Requirements
- Degree Preferred
- Prior experience working with children
- Anyone hired for this role must complete a mandatory background check
Facilities Supervisor (Westchester - Night Shift)
The Windward School is currently seeking a full-time Facilities Supervisor for the Westchester Middle School. This position is a night shift role, 3:00 pm to 11:00 pm and located in White Plains, New York. This role will maintain a safe, clean, sanitary, healthy, presentable, professional building, free of dust, clutter, and trash in all areas. The Facilities Supervisor is also responsible for coordination of building evening events and facilities projects.
Qualified candidates should not only have the experience and expertise listed below but also:
- A readiness to embody Windwards core values of commitment, growth, impact and community
- Display a proven commitment to DEIB (diversity, equity, inclusion & belonging) work and fostering an inclusive culturally competent work environment
Duties and Responsibilities
Building Operations:
- Oversees and performs custodial work including, but not limited to, restroom cleaning and supply replenishment, floors, baseboards, corners and wall/floor edges, light fixtures, interior glass/mirrors, sink and counter, tables/desks, water potted plants, dusting, spot cleaning, outdoor cleaning, collect/remove trash, clean refrigerators/microwaves, and restock water and paper goods, as needed.
- Leads team in event set-ups for all evening events, ensuring timely set-up and tear-down of events with accuracy and decorum utilizing the EMS computerized ticket system for events.
- Conducts regular inspections of building condition and reports to daytime supervisor.
- Ensures that both the inside and outside of all Windward property is maintained, including landscaping, snow removal, and garbage/trash removal.
- Oversees inventory control for all general supplies, parts and equipment for necessary cleaning and maintenance and keeps records of inventory on Maintenance SharePoint Drive.
- Maintains all required files on Maintenance SharePoint Drive.
- Supervises the refilling of fuel for all buses.
- Assesses all plumbing, HVAC, and electrical problems within the facilities and determines the best course of action to correct the problem and works within the legal scope of local and state codes.
- Adheres with accounting department policies: submission of purchase orders in timely manner, timely reporting/submission of overtime for staff, and drafting of RFP form for projects over $5000.
- Responds appropriately to resident or community emergencies by assisting as needed.
- Schedules, implements, and manages a preventive maintenance program for production machinery and equipment in conjunction with the Director of Physical Plant.
- Directs the maintenance and operations of various facility systems to ensure uninterrupted service (including but not limited to electrical, refrigeration, water, steam, and compressed gas).
- Reviews completion times of work orders with staff to efficiently manage the overall process in ZenDesk Ticketing system.
- Assists in the recruitment, interviewing & selection of maintenance personnel.
- Maintains department schedule to ensure adequate staffing. Works with Operations Coordinator to create appropriate staff schedule in shared Outlook Calendar for all facilities staff.
Supervisory Functions:
- Oversees all maintenance employees on assigned campus, mentors, trains, and evaluates all staff.
- Maintains a school-wide Facilities Staff Scheduling calendar within Outlook, with the help of the Operations Coordinator, to determine staff schedule in conjunction with absences and projects taking place across all three campuses.
- Must have remote access and be proficient in assigned campus BMS system.
- Provide appropriate training to appropriate staff in fire alarm and security system protocols for each building.
- Hires, trains, motivates, and evaluates work performance of employees.
- Confirms all staff is trained in OSHA and other training required by the School.
- Establishes and maintains a productive working environment.
- Supervises the work of outside contractors to ensure compliance with contractual agreements, municipal codes, and safety standards.
- Must be present at after-hours school-wide events to oversee maintenance staff including but not limited to Back-to-School Picnic, Homecoming, Graduation, Schwartz Lecture, and various Board of Trustee events, as determined by the Director of Physical Plant and Director of Operations.
- Position may be required to perform duties outside their normal responsibilities as needed and when requested.
Qualifications
Specific Requirements:
- Minimum of 5-7 years custodial management and supervisory experience.
- A self-starter with a wide degree of creativity and latitude is expected.
- Maintenance/Operations experience with solid knowledge of building systems including, but not limited to, plumbing, electrical, steam, carpentry, renovations/alterations, landscaping, waterproofing, and HVAC.
- Must be able to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, in order to maintain good relations with staff.
- Must be on-call 24 hours and be available to respond to issues as they arise.
- Hands-on and service-oriented with the ability to deal with ongoing demands and remain professional in a stressful, fast paced, and changing environment.
- Ability to self-manage, prioritize and handle multiple tasks with efficiency and accuracy.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, Work Order Ticket Programs, Building Management (BMS)and, Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS), Event Management Systems Programs.
- Will only be allowed to drive the Schools vehicles between campus locations. They should not leave any one of the campuses and return home without express written permission from the Director of Physical Plant or the CFO.
Physical/Environmental Requirements:
- Physical demands include lengthy periods of standing, use of computer and phones, and carrying heavy objects.
- Walking, crawling, climbing may be required to perform and/or inspect work performed.
Facilities Supervisor (NYC Day Shift)
The Windward School is currently seeking a full-time Facilities Supervisor for Manhattan Lower & Middle Schools. This position is a day shift role, 7:00 am to 3:30 pm and located on the upper east side of Manhattan. This role will maintain a safe, clean, sanitary, healthy, presentable, professional building, free of dust, clutter, and trash in all areas. The Facilities Supervisor is also responsible for coordination of building evening events and facilities projects.
Qualified candidates should not only have the experience and expertise listed below but also:
- A readiness to embody Windwards core values of commitment, growth, impact and community
- Display a proven commitment to DEIB (diversity, equity, inclusion & belonging) work and fostering an inclusive culturally competent work environment
Duties and Responsibilities
Building Operations:
- Assists the Director of Physical Plant in compliance with local, state and federal building codes, SDS, OSHA, EPA regulations, and fire codes.
- Conducts regular inspections of life safety systems, including fire extinguishers and sprinkler systems and maintains records.
- Oversees necessary repairs, maintenance and construction on all campuses.
- Adheres with accounting department policies: submission of purchase orders in timely manner, timely reporting/submission of overtime for staff, and drafting of RFP form for projects over $5000.
- Ensures the outside of all Windward property is maintained, including landscaping, snow removal, and garbage/trash removal.
- Oversees inventory control for all general supplies, parts and equipment for necessary repairs and maintenance and keeps records of inventory on Maintenance SharePoint Drive.
- Maintains all required engineering files, floor plans, permits and license files on Maintenance SharePoint Drive.
- Assesses all plumbing, HVAC, and electrical problems within the facilities and determines the best course of action to correct the problem and works within the legal scope of local and state codes.
- Review’s safety data sheets (SDS) as requested for potential exposure to hazardous chemicals used and take necessary precautions. Scans and keeps records in SharePoint.
- Responds appropriately to resident or community emergencies by assisting as needed.
- Schedules, implements, and manages a preventive maintenance program for production machinery and equipment in conjunction with the Director of Facilities.
- Oversees lock and key needs and accounts for distribution of keys and door locks on campus.
- Directs the maintenance and operations of various facility systems to ensure uninterrupted service (including but not limited to electrical, refrigeration, water, steam, and compressed gas).
- Reviews completion times of work orders with staff to efficiently manage the overall process in ZenDesk Ticketing system.
- Assists in the recruitment, interviewing & selection of maintenance personnel.
- Maintains department schedule to ensure adequate staffing. Works with Operations Coordinator to create appropriate staff schedule in shared Outlook Calendar for all facilities staff.
Supervisory Functions:
- Oversees all maintenance employees on assigned campus, mentors, trains, and evaluates all staff.
- Maintains a school-wide Facilities Staff Scheduling calendar within Outlook, with the help of the Operations Coordinator, to determine staff schedule in conjunction with absences and projects taking place across all three campuses.
- Must have remote access and be proficient in assigned campus BMS system.
- Provide appropriate training to appropriate staff in fire alarm and security system protocols for each building.
- Hires, trains, motivates, and evaluates work performance of employees.
- Confirms all staff is trained in OSHA and other training required by the School.
- Establishes and maintains a productive working environment.
- Supervises the work of outside contractors to ensure compliance with contractual agreements, municipal codes, and safety standards.
- Must be present at after-hours school-wide events to oversee maintenance staff including but not limited to Back-to-School Picnic, Homecoming, Graduation, Schwartz Lecture, and various Board of Trustee events, as determined by the Director of Facilities and Director of Operations.
Position may be required to perform duties outside their normal responsibilities as needed and when requested.
Qualifications
Specific Requirements:
- Minimum of 5-7years building management and supervisory experience.
- Possesses or is able to obtain NYC Certificates of Fitness (S-95): Fire Alarm Supervisor, Sprinkler/Standpipe, Fire Guard, Fire Drill Instructor and the (F-07): Fire and Emergency Drill Conductor within 4 months of employment.
- A self-starter with a wide degree of creativity and latitude is expected.
- Maintenance/Operations experience with solid knowledge of building systems including, but not limited to, plumbing, electrical, steam, carpentry, renovations/alterations, landscaping, waterproofing, and HVAC.
- Must be able to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, in order to maintain good relations with staff.
- Must be on-call 24 hours and be available to respond to issues as they arise.
- Hands-on and service-oriented with the ability to deal with ongoing demands and remain professional in a stressful, fast paced, and changing environment.
- Ability to self-manage, prioritize and handle multiple tasks with efficiency and accuracy.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, Work Order Ticket Programs, Building Management (BMS)and, Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS), Event Management Systems Programs.
- Will only be allowed to drive the School’s vehicles between campus locations. They should not leave any one of the campuses and return home without express written permission from the Director of Physical Plant or the CFO.
Physical/Environmental Requirements:
- Physical demands include lengthy periods of standing, use of computer and phones, and carrying heavy objects.
- Walking, crawling, climbing may be required to perform and/or inspect work performed.
Salary Information:
The annual salary range for this position is $75,000.00 to $85,000.00 with an extremely rich benefit plan including a free healthcare option and a 10% employer contribution to retirement fund.
Facilities Associate (Westchester - Night Shift)
The Windward School is currently seeking a full time Facilities Associate for the Westchester Middle School. This position is a night shift role, 3:00 pm to 11:00 pm and located in White Plains, New York.
Qualified candidates should not only have the experience and expertise listed below but also:
- A readiness to embody Windwards core values of commitment, growth, impact and community
- Display a proven commitment to DEIB (diversity, equity, inclusion & belonging) work and fostering an inclusive culturally competent work environment
Duties and Responsibilities
- Performing routine maintenance in school buildings such as fixing structural damage, windows, doors or wall repair.
- Responding to maintenance tickets for repairs and furniture and supply needs of our faculty and staff.
- Repairing broken or leaky plumbing to avoid water damage and restore full use of water fixtures.
- Work on damaged electrical wiring when a shortage or wiring issue occurs.
- Maintaining the building HVAC equipment in order to keep climate control in the facility functioning properly.
- Assisting with preventative measures to the building to reduce the risk of future problems.
- Painting rooms within in building when old paint has become faded or chipped.
- Repairing any potential safety hazards to avoid injuries.
- Sanitizing and thoroughly cleaning all areas of campus, where needed.
- Event services set-up (including but not limited to chairs, tables, technology, and other décor) and tear-down and clean-up post event.
- Parking and traffic duty during morning and afternoon drop-off and pick-up, as well as, at large events.
- Any additional duties & responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor.
Qualifications
Specific Requirements
- 2 3 years of similar facilities/maintenance experience.
- Plumbing, electrical and HVAC knowledge a plus.
- Must be flexible and willing to fill in at other Windward locations if needed
Preferred Requirements (All or any of the following are a plus):
- General carpentry skills:
- Installs, maintains, and repairs building hardware, including but not limited to, doors, windows, floors, and ceilings, adhering to accepted procedures and techniques of the carpenter trade.
- Responds to departmental request which include, but are not limited to securing office equipment (i.e., computers, typewriters, etc.), and installing shelves.
- General electrical skills:
- Isolates defects in wiring, switches, motors and other electrical equipment, Using suitable testing instruments.
- Replaces faulty switches, sockets, plugs, fuses, insulators, and other simple elements of electrical systems, fixes and appliances.
- General HVAC skills:
- Inspects and operates heating and air conditioning units and machinery to determine that all are functioning properly.
- Reads thermometers and gauges, and records readings, and can access and use the Building Management Control System, as necessary.
- General Plumbing skills:
- Inspects installs, repairs and replaces pipes, fittings and plumbing fixtures to maintain the heating water, gas and plumbing systems of the plant.
- Repairs or replaces damaged plumbing fixtures such as sinks, toilets, showers and bathtubs and/or connects them to outlet and inlet pipes by fitting gaskets, couplings, traps and valves, and soldering connections to seal joints where necessary.
More than 400 part-time and full-time faculty and staff members across four divisions and three campuses, giving employees a small, tight-knit community at their campus while feeling part of a larger organization. Two Westchester campuses are located in White Plains, NY, and the Manhattan campus is located on the Upper East Side.
Additionally, two divisions support the School's mission—Windward Teaching Training Program and The Windward Institute.
The renowned Windward Teacher Training Program recruits, hires, trains, mentors, and retains teachers at The Windward School. Teachers entering their second year or beyond of teaching at Windward have the opportunity to pursue a Master's degree program in Education Studies with a focus on Literacy at Manhattanville College. This program was designed exclusively for Windward. The Windward School and Manhattanville College have partnered to cover 70% of tuition costs for participating teachers.
The Windward Institute offers professional development to all educators, forms partnerships with research and educational institutions, and advocates for students with language-based learning disabilities.
The Windward School truly transforms students' lives, and our faculty and staff all contribute daily to the School's mission. The friendly, hard-working, and collegial Windward community provides a supportive professional environment in which all members are encouraged to develop into outstanding education professionals.
Benefits
- Health Insurance Plan - HMO and optional Point of Service (POS)
- Flexible Spending Plans - Medical Spending Account and Dependent Care Account
- Eye Care Plan – Free for staff and free for faculty after two full years of teaching at the School
- 403(B) Pension Plan (TIAA-CREF)
- Group Life Insurance Plan
- Short Term Disability Plan
- Long Term Disability Plan
- Sick Leave Bank
- Lunch Provided to Faculty and Staff
- Graduate Study Assistance
- Continuing professional development training through the Windward Teacher Training Program
- Tuition Remission for Full-Time Faculty and Staff Members' Children
- Cigna Transparency in Coverage
Professional Development
The Windward Teacher Training Program has been cited as a national model by several world leaders in education. Weekly seminars, workshops, and presentations offered by consultants, faculty members, and nationally recognized educators support faculty in their professional growth and provide up-to-date research findings. The Windward Teacher Training Program offers an outstanding array of courses, workshops, and lectures that are available to all Windward faculty and staff. New faculty members are equipped with a mentor teacher, weekly new teacher seminars, and an intensive week-long staff development program.
Beginning in 2020, The Windward Institute has provided faculty and staff with opportunities to learn alongside experts in the field of educational neuroscience. Through the Windward/Haskins Laboratories Collaborative Project, a number of employees received training in electroencephalogram (EEG) so they could lead data collection for the in-school research study, Predicting Literacy Outcomes at The Windward School.
Teachers entering their second year or beyond of teaching at Windward have the opportunity to pursue a Master's degree program in Education Studies with a focus on Literacy at Manhattanville College. This program was designed exclusively for Windward. The Windward School and Manhattanville College have partnered to cover 70% of tuition costs for participating teachers.
All employees are also encouraged to participate in external programs and conferences to enrich themselves as professionals. Windward is represented annually at events such as the International Dyslexia Association annual conference, Everyone Reading annual conference, and NAIS People of Color annual conference, as well as NYSAIS events throughout the year.
Faculty & Staff Annual Awards
Each school year, exemplary members of The Windward School faculty and staff are recognized for their exceptional contributions to the communities of Windward and beyond. The following awards are given annually:
Dr. John J. Russell Award for Advocacy in Education honors someone who has made an impact on helping children with learning disabilities to reach their full potential. Learn more and see past award winners here.
Isabel Greenbaum Stone Master Teacher Award is given to a member of The Windward School faculty for their services as a mentor teacher and for assisting in the professional development of Windward faculty. Award recipients receive a significant grant for study and/or travel relating to their teaching. Learn more and see past award winners here.
Sandi Galst Scholar Award recognizes an outstanding Windward reading teacher. The faculty member recipient is provided with financial assistance through the Sandi Galst Faculty Education Fund to further his/her education through academic course work or other professional experiences related to The Windward School. Learn more and see past award winners here.
Heart of Windward Award was created in 2020 to recognize a faculty or staff member from each campus that is a champion for Windward's core values and exemplary in their commitment to the Windward community. See the first ever award winners here.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The Windward School is an equal opportunity employer and provides equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, national and ethnic origin, citizenship, age, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), religion, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, or any other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local law to all employees and applicants for employment.