Executive Brief

Senior Director of Human Resources
Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation

The Organization: Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation

The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation (MCSF) is the Nation’s oldest and largest provider of need-based scholarships to military children, helping cover the cost of attending post-high school, undergraduate, and career and technical education programs. The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation was established to honor the service and sacrifice of Marines and their families.

The MCSF has awarded scholarships valued at more than $220 million to honor the families of those who have served.

Today’s generation of Marines have made unprecedented sacrifices. And while there are many ways to honor our Nation’s heroes, there is no organization closer to the intersection of real need and lasting impact than the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation.

MCSF Leadership Spotlight

Ted Probert
President and CEO


Ted Probert joined the Scholarship Foundation in 2018. Serving in the Marine Corps Reserves for 21 years, he retired as a LtCol in 2014. Ted brings more than 30 years of development experience to MCSF, highlighted by his time at Phillips Exeter Academy as both campaign director for The Exeter Initiatives, which raised $352 million, and the Director of Institutional Advancement. Currently the President and CEO of the Scholarship Foundation, Ted works closely with the Board of Directors on strategic direction, attends events across the Nation and manages all business affairs. A large part of his work is heightening the visibility of the Scholarship Foundation in order to serve more Marine families. Ted and his wife, Andi, reside in Alexandria, VA and have two children, Campbell and Tanner.

The Opportunity: Senior Director of Human Resources

MCSF - Senior Director of HR - Job Description (PDF Download)

Position Summary

The Senior Director of Human Resources will serve as a strategic thought partner to MCSF’s President and CEO and Executive Management Team in the development and execution of MCSF’s Human Resource operations and organizational culture. This role combines administrative human resource responsibilities and strategic human resource leadership. The Senior Director of Human Resource will help the organization develop a high-performing, accountable, and collaborative workplace centered on MCSF’s core values and aligned with MCSF’s mission to Honor Marines by Educating Their Children. They will operate at the intersection of strategy, culture, leadership development, compliance and risk management, and organizational performance.

Key Responsibilities

  • Develop, execute, and lead MCSF’s Human Resource function and design innovative programs that reflect industry best practices and align with MCSF’s goals and organizational priorities.
     
  • Serve as a liaison between the executive leadership team and staff to communicate and implement policies.
     
  • Monitor Human Resource effectiveness and impact, make data-driven decisions to improve outcomes, and communicate related analysis through reporting to Executive Leadership, Board of Directors, and other applicable audiences.
     
  • Communicate Human Resource initiatives and support the President & CEO in communicating organizational changes and updates.
  • Execute recruitment and hiring strategies in support of MCSF’s workforce planning strategy. Support staff in identifying staffing gaps, develop position descriptions, oversee interview and hiring strategies, and manage compliance requirements.
     
  • Develop and execute onboarding, offboarding, and termination processes to ensure a seamless employee experience.
  • Serve as the primary contact for the organization’s PEO (Professional Employer Organization), including transition planning and ongoing relationship management.
     
  • Manage employee benefits programs, including healthcare, paid time off, disability, and retirement. Serve as a resource and knowledgebase to staff on employee benefit programs and offerings.
     
  • Research and recommend additional benefit opportunities.
     
  • Manage systems and select vendors (as needed) for healthcare and retirement selection platforms.
     
  • Conduct analysis to ensure internal equity and market competitiveness of MCSF’s compensation packages.
  • Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, and ensure all filings (PCORI Filings, Section 125 compliance and filing, and ALE Status) required by each are maintained.
     
  • Maintain and enforce the employee handbook and organization Human Resource policies. Research and recommend modifications to policies as needed.
  • Serve as a trusted resource to staff, demonstrating confidentiality and integrity. Provide counsel, navigate complex people dynamics, and uphold organization’s core values while driving performance, accountability, and promoting a collaborative workplace.
     
  • Coach managers in effective leadership and communication practices.
     
  • Establish clear performance management and performance review systems focused on accountability, growth, feedback, and the incorporation of MCSF’s core values.
     
  • Partner with leadership to identify learning and professional development opportunities.
     
  • Develop a workforce planning strategy that aligns with MCSF’s strategic plan and business priorities.  
  • With the President and CEO and all staff, foster a positive and inclusive workplace culture.
     
  • Develop a cogent plan to operationalize MCSF’s core values into everyday performance.
     
  • Provide support, structure, and guidance to the Employee Engagement Committee. Ensure all staff are heard and represented regardless of their involvement on the committee.
     
  • Develop and execute employee recognition programs.
  • Develop and execute the Human Resource infrastructure, ensuring process documentation, project timelines, and managing the department budget and resource planning.
     
  • Develop data standards and reporting systems.
     
  • Maintain confidential personnel records and data reporting.
     
  • Manage (select, if needed) Human Resource technology platforms (HRIS, ATS, performance systems).

Qualifications and Expectations

  • Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s degree preferred.
     
  • 10+ years of progressive Human Resource experience.
     
  • Demonstrated success in building Human Resource functions and programs.
     
  • Strong knowledge of employment law, compensation structures, and benefits administration.
     
  • Proven ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
     
  • Excellent interpersonal, communications, and conflict resolution skills.
     
  • Human Resource certifications such as SHRM-SCP, SPHR, and certifications in meeting facilitation, mediation, or other related industry certifications preferred.
     
  • Experience managing a PEO preferred.
  • Demonstrates strong executive presence with the confidence and discretion to represent Human Resources effectively within the MCSF executive leadership team.
     
  • Commitment to the Foundation’s mission and core values of teamwork, trust and integrity, and drive and enthusiasm for results.
     
  • Ability to offer flexible thinking, work in a team environment with autonomy, take initiative, and be proactive.
     
  • Manage multiple projects and assignments while achieving organizational priorities.
     
  • Excellent interpersonal and analytical skills with an ability to engage effectively with a wide range of audiences through written and verbal communication.
     
  • Discretion and ability to handle confidential information.
  • Candidate must demonstrate the ability to connect strategy to organizational outcomes.
     
  • Must be able to operate confidently with C-Suite executives, senior leadership, and Board of Directors with the ability to communicate difficult decisions, challenge team members, and engage in professional disagreement.
     
  • Able to navigate sensitive issues, cultural challenges, and conduct difficult conversations.
     
  • Have a clear understanding and demonstrated experience with understanding how people, structure, motivations, and accountability interact.
  • Working conditions are normal for an office environment.
     
  • Position is located in Alexandria, VA; and reimbursement of relocation expenses are not offered.
     
  • Position is eligible to participate in hybrid telework policy after onboarding period, with up to two days per week.
     
  • Must be able to work outside normal working hours (evenings and weekends) as needed to accomplish the Foundation’s mission, with some work-related travel 1-2 times a year.

Applications & Nominations

The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation has partnered with Boyden Executive Search. For more information about this opportunity or to submit a cover letter and resume, please email:

Lisa Vuona
Managing Partner, Boston
lvuona@boyden.com
LinkedIn

Lisa Vuona has decades of experience in executive search and human resource management, primarily in the non-profit, healthcare and education sectors. She is distinguished by her track record and network, and by her approach, which combines the strategic power of data with a finely tuned ability to understand the client’s organization and identify high-caliber leaders who fit the culture.

George Cangiano
Principal, Boston
gcangiano@boyden.com
LinkedIn

George Cangiano has a background of more than 30 years in HR and operations leadership including C-level, consulting, and executive coaching roles within the higher education sector. His strategic and innovative approach, strong business acumen, and proven track record of aligning human capital management with organizational goals have made him a trusted advisor to C-level executives and boards.

Holly Wolk
Senior Associate, Boston
hwolk@boyden.com
LinkedIn

Holly Wolk has nearly 25 years of leadership experience in human resources, recruitment, and talent management. As an executive and public speaker, she has brought transformational practices and strategies to various organizations, including renowned institutions within higher education. Clients benefit greatly from her expertise in talent acquisition and alignment with organizational goals.

Don’t check off all the boxes or meet every single requirement? We have learned that potential candidates hesitate when applying for a job unless they meet every single requirement. Boyden Boston is dedicated to inclusivity and valuing diversity and equity in the workplace. If this opportunity excites you, but your background may not be a perfect match, we still encourage you to apply.

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