Job Description

People Operations Partner - Organizational Effectiveness

Help Us Work Smarter, Not Harder

East Bay Community Action Program | Riverside, RI

WHO WE ARE


East Bay Community Action Program (EBCAP) is where healthcare meets human services. We're a comprehensive nonprofit organization operating as an FQHC, Community Mental Health Center, and Community Action Program serving Rhode Island's East Bay. Our 521 employees deliver integrated primary care, behavioral health, early childhood education, and essential community services to families navigating poverty, health challenges, and systemic barriers.


We're in the middle of an organizational transformation--shifting from legacy practices to data-informed, professional operations that better serve our community. This role is central to that transformation.

THE OPPORTUNITY


We're not looking for someone to just "do HR." We're looking for a

critical thinker who uses data to solve people problems and loves developing others.

Our Family Development programs--food pantry, energy assistance, housing support, senior services--operate across 10 East Bay municipalities. These programs work, but they've evolved organically over decades. Processes vary by location. Some managers are burning out. Others are thriving. Turnover happens but we don't always know why. Staff work hard but we lack systems to help them work smarter.

You'll partner with Family Development leadership to:

Figure out what's actually happening (not what we assume is happening) Coach managers to use data in their decision-making Build accountability systems that help people improve, not just track metrics Streamline processes that create unnecessary friction Help long-tenured staff navigate our shift to more professional operations

Co-create and co-facilitate Manager School--our new leadership development program

This isn't a pure HR generalist role.

Yes, you'll support recruitment, employee relations, and compliance. But

60% of your time

is coaching, process improvement, and organizational effectiveness work. If that excites you, this is your role!

WHAT YOU'LL DO

Drive Organizational Effectiveness (60% of your time)

Partner with managers to improve how programs operate:

Analyze workforce data to identify patterns (Why does the Newport site retain staff but East Providence doesn't? Why do absences spike on certain days? What's causing delays in hiring?) Coach managers to use insights for decision-making, not just reporting Facilitate difficult conversations using data as the starting point: "Here's what the numbers show. What do you think is happening?" Build simple, useful dashboards and reports that create natural accountability Design and implement process improvements that actually stick

Co-create and co-facilitate Manager School:

We're building a comprehensive leadership development program from the ground up. You'll help design it, refine it, and deliver it. Work with the Chief People Officer to develop curriculum that addresses real management gaps: giving feedback, using data to make decisions, accountability without micromanagement, coaching not just directing Facilitate monthly sessions with managers across all divisions (not just Family Development) Create practical tools and resources managers can actually use Continuously improve the program based on participant feedback and observed outcomes If you've never designed training or facilitated adult learning, but you're excited to learn how--that's fine.

Ask better questions:

Not "What's your turnover rate?" but "What are we doing that makes people want to stay or leave?" Not "Are you following policy?" but "What's preventing you from being effective?" Not "What do you need from HR?" but "What patterns are you seeing that we should pay attention to?"

Provide Strategic HR Partnership (40% of your time)

Support Family Development programs with:

Full-cycle recruitment when needed (we don't have volume hiring needs right now) Employee relations support--investigating concerns, coaching managers through difficult conversations, ensuring fair and consistent practices Performance management--helping managers give meaningful feedback, document issues properly, and support employee growth Compliance--ensuring grant-funded programs meet federal/state HR requirements without making it bureaucratic Policy interpretation and application in real-world situations

We're hiring you because you can see the bigger picture, help others see it too, and develop their capability to lead more effectively.

WHO YOU ARE

You think systemically:

You see patterns others miss You connect dots across programs and ask "why is this happening?" You understand that individual problems often point to systemic issues You're curious about root causes, not just symptoms

You develop others naturally:

You've coached, trained, mentored, or taught people--formally or informally--and you loved it You help people find their own answers instead of always having the answer You can give direct feedback with empathy You know when to teach, when to coach, and when to just listen You get excited about designing learning experiences that actually change behavior You believe people can grow and your job is to create conditions for that growth

You use data to drive change:

You're comfortable with Excel and can create reports that people actually use You know how to present information so non-technical people get it You understand data tells you where to look, but conversations tell you what's actually happening You've used metrics to identify problems and track improvement

You build trust across differences:

You can work with a 25-year veteran resistant to change AND a new supervisor eager to prove themselves You adapt your approach based on who you're working with You respect institutional knowledge while pushing for improvement You're comfortable with conflict and see it as information, not failure

You operate independently:

You see what needs doing and figure out how to do it You know when to escalate and when to handle things yourself You're resourceful when you don't know something You ask good questions instead of waiting for answers

You're mobile, local, and authorized to work:

Valid driver's license and reliable personal vehicle This is an in-person role requiring regular travel to program sites across East Bay municipalities (East Providence, Newport, Bristol, Warren, Barrington, Tiverton, Portsmouth, Middletown) Many program sites are not accessible via public transportation You'll need to drive independently to various locations throughout the workweek for coaching sessions, meetings, site visits, and Manager School facilitation Must be authorized to work in the United States. Employee sponsorship is not available for this role.

Required Experience & Credentials

Education:

Background in HR, organizational development, social work, education, training & development, or related field

Experience:

Minimum 3-5 years of relevant experience (HR, operations, program management, organizational development, training/facilitation) Demonstrated experience coaching, teaching, training, or developing others Experience creating and using data/reports to drive decisions Experience working in complex organizations with multiple stakeholders Process improvement experience (you've identified problems and implemented solutions that worked)

You don't need nonprofit experience, but you need to understand that mission-driven work is different than corporate environments. Staff are here because they care deeply about the people we serve. That matters in how you approach everything.

Highly Valued (But We Can Teach You)


Experience designing or facilitating training programs Adult learning principles and instructional design knowledge Grant-funded program experience Social services background Progressive discipline and employee relations documentation SHRM or HRCI certification (or willingness to pursue within first year)

Technical Skills

Must have:

Strong Excel skills (pivot tables, formulas, data analysis) HRIS experience (we use ADP for now) Ability to create clear, visual presentations of data Comfortable presenting to groups and facilitating discussions Survey design and analysis

Nice to have:

Tableau, Power BI, or other visualization tools Advanced Excel or database skills

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE


In Your First 90 Days:


You've built genuine relationships with Family Development managers You understand each program's unique challenges and strengths You've identified 2-3 process improvement opportunities You're handling routine HR questions independently Managers are starting to see you as a thought partner, not just "HR" You've co-facilitated at least one Manager School session and received constructive feedback

In Your First Year:


You've implemented process improvements that managers actually use Manager School is running consistently with positive participant feedback and observable skill development You've created accountability dashboards that help us make proactive moves You're coaching managers through difficult situations effectively Turnover or engagement metrics show improvement in at least one program You've documented processes so institutional knowledge isn't just in people's heads Managers are asking for more Manager School sessions because they find them valuable

What We'll Hear About You:


"They ask questions that make me think differently" "He helped me see patterns I was missing" "She doesn't just tell me what to do--she helps me figure it out" "The data actually makes sense now" "I trust them to handle difficult situations" "Manager School actually made me a better supervisor--it wasn't just another training"

WHAT WE OFFER

Compensation & Benefits:

Salary: $75,000 - $80,000 (based on experience and capabilities) Comprehensive benefits package (health, dental, vision, life insurance) 403(b) retirement plan with up to 3% employer match after one year of employment Generous PTO (15 days vacation, plus sick time, personal days, and 12.5 holidays) Professional development budget and tuition reimbursement

Development & Growth:

Weekly 1:1s with Chief People Officer for first 3 months Clear growth path Training to support your professional development SHRM/HRCI certification support

Work Environment:

Hybrid eligible after onboarding (we're building trust and relationships first) Collaborative People Operations team of six Fun, supportive teammates where your voice matters Direct partnership with Director of Compliance & Credentialing (30 years of institutional knowledge) Organization in transformation--your ideas and insights will be valued Opportunity to build something new (Manager School) rather than just maintain existing programs

WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS


Family Development programs are the foundation of EBCAP's mission--helping families meet basic needs so they can focus on thriving, not just surviving. The managers running these programs are deeply committed, but they need support to operate more effectively.

You'll help them:

Make better decisions with better information Focus their energy where it matters most Build teams that stay and grow Navigate organizational change without losing what makes their programs special Develop their leadership skills through Manager School and coaching so they can better support their teams

This role is for someone who:

Gets energized by complexity, not overwhelmed by it Wants to solve real problems, not just implement policies Sees people as the solution, not the problem Believes data should help people, not judge them Gets genuinely excited about helping others grow and develop Wants to build something (Manager School) that will have lasting organizational impact Wants their work to directly improve how families are served

HOW TO APPLY

If this sounds like you, here's what we want to know:

Before you apply, confirm you meet these non-negotiable requirements:

? Valid driver's license and reliable personal vehicle


? Authorized to work in the US without sponsorship now or in the future (employee sponsorship is not available)


? Able to work in-person with regular travel across East Bay sites


? Compensation expectations align with $75,000-$80,000 range

Include your resume

highlighting experience most relevant to organizational effectiveness, coaching/developing others, and data-informed decision making.

Interview process:

Phone screen with People Operations Partner (30 minutes) Teams or Zoom interview with Chief People Officer (30 minutes) In-depth interview with People Operations Partners focused on coaching approach, analytical thinking, and facilitation experience (90 minutes) (in person) Introductory meeting with VP of Family Development to discuss programs (30 minutes) Final conversation with Chief People Officer (60 minutes)

We review applications on a rolling basis. Strong candidates will be contacted within one week of application.

IMPORTANT REQUIREMENTS

--------------------------

Please read carefully before applying:

Work Authorization:

Must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship now. Employee sponsorship is not available for this role.

Transportation:

This in-person role requires a valid driver's license, reliable personal vehicle, and regular travel to multiple program sites across Rhode Island's East Bay. Many sites are not accessible via public transit. You must be able to drive independently to various locations throughout the workweek.

Physical Presence:

While hybrid work is available after onboarding, this role requires significant in-person presence for coaching, facilitation, relationship-building, and site visits. Fully remote work is not an option.

OUR COMMITMENT


EBCAP provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. We actively work to build a workforce that reflects the communities we serve.


We value different perspectives and lived experiences. If you're not sure you meet every qualification but this role resonates with you, apply anyway. We're looking for the right person, not the perfect resume.

Why This Matters

At East Bay Community Action Program, your work to improve organizational effectiveness directly supports our ability to serve families and strengthen communities. When we work more efficiently, we can help more people. When we make better decisions, our programs have greater impact. When our processes run smoothly, our staff can focus on what they do best.

This is where operational improvement meets community impact.

Ready to Help Us Become More Effective?


We want to meet professionals who are curious about how organizations work, enjoy solving operational puzzles, and get energized by helping teams work better together. You don't need to be a consultant or expert - you just need to care about making things work well.


This role is perfect for someone who wants to grow their organizational effectiveness skills while making a real difference in mission-driven work.

Join us in building a more effective organization that better serves our community.