Chief People & Operations Officer (Austin)

The CPOO will serve as a key strategic leader, ensuring that TFNs people, policies, and operations align with our mission, values, and legal obligations. This role oversees HR strategy, compliance, labor relations, employee engagement, and operational effectiveness to drive efficiency, fairness, and organizational excellence.

Description

Job Description

The CPOO will serve as a key strategic leader, ensuring that TFNs people, policies, and operations align with our mission, values, and legal obligations. This role oversees HR strategy, compliance, labor relations, employee engagement, and operational effectiveness to drive efficiency, fairness, and organizational excellence.

Reports to: President

Direct Reports: HR Director, Office Operations Team

About Texas Freedom Network (TFN)

TFN is a progressive advocacy organization dedicated to protecting civil rights, religious freedom, and public education in Texas. As we continue to grow and strengthen our internal operations, we are seeking a Chief People & Operations Officer (CPOO) to lead our HR, compliance, and workplace infrastructureensuring a strong, equitable, and legally compliant organizational culture.

Primary job responsibilities for this position center on:

HR & Compliance Leadership Strengthening HR policies, compliance, and employment law adherence:

Oversee TFNs HR strategy, ensuring policies, procedures, and practices align with legal and organizational standards.

Ensure compliance with federal and state employment laws (EEO, ADA, FLSA, FMLA, OSHA, etc.).

Develop and maintain legally required HR policies, ensuring they are clearly documented, communicated, and consistently applied.

Lead employee relations efforts, investigations, and conflict resolution to maintain a legally sound and supportive workplace.

Serve as the primary liaison to the Board of Directors on any formal staff grievances involving the President & Executive Director, ensuring a clear, neutral, and confidential channel for communication and resolution.

Collective Bargaining & Labor Relations Leading union negotiations and labor compliance:

Serve as one of TFNs lead negotiators in collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiations.

Ensure fair and constructive labor relations, aligning CBAs with TFNs operational priorities.

Develop internal labor relations strategies, including proactive employee engagement and manager training on union agreements.

Oversee compliance with contractual obligations, ensuring adherence to collective bargaining terms.

Employee Engagement & Culture Enhancing workplace culture, equity, and well-being:

Champion equity, inclusion, and belonging (EIB) in policies, decision-making, and workplace culture.

Design and implement performance management systems that support employee growth, accountability, and leadership development.

Lead employee engagement initiatives to strengthen morale, retention, and cross-department collaboration.

Ensure organizational transparency through clear, mission-aligned workplace policies.

Operations & Risk Management Overseeing HR operations, risk mitigation, and internal processes:

Oversee workplace operations, including office administration, facilities, and vendor management, to ensure smooth day-to-day functioning.

Identify and mitigate risks related to HR compliance, labor relations, and employment law (EEO, FLSA, ADA, CBA compliance, etc.).

Partner with the CFO on operational policies related to financial management and workplace administration, ensuring alignment without overlapping responsibilities.

Provide guidance and oversight to the HR Director and Office Operations team to enhance internal systems and workplace efficiency.

Ensure HR and organizational policies align with compliance considerations for 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and PAC activities, particularly as they relate to staff participation in lobbying and political activity.

Who You Are

HR & Compliance Expert You bring 10+ years of leadership experience in HR , labor relations, compliance, or operations.

Skilled in Employment Law & Labor Relations You have deep knowledge of employment laws (EEO, ADA, FMLA, FLSA) and experience navigating union negotiations.

Equity-Driven & People-Centered You lead with fairness and integrity, ensuring workplace policies reflect a commitment to inclusion and belonging.

Strategic & Operationally Minded You optimize HR and operational systems to improve efficiency, transparency, and compliance.

Decisive & Solutions-Oriented Youre skilled at solving complex challenges, managing change, and leading through uncertainty.