Director of Administration

Organizational Mission: Our mission is to bring out the limitless potential in young leaders through extraordinary experiences and nurturing relationships. 

Position Mission: To ensure that PEAK has stability in resources and talent to effectively deliver on our long-term promise to young people and the community. 

REPORTING AND RELATIONSHIPS

You will report to the Executive Director and serve on cross departmental teams and committees.  

Supervising the Finance & Operations Team including the Finance & HR Generalist and Operations Manager,  you provide guidance and support across the organization in the areas of finance and operations as defined in this description.

POSITION AVAILABILITY
This is a full time, exempt position working a minimum of 40 hours per week, traditionally Monday through Friday, with occasional nights and/or weekends to attend and support organizational events and program activities. Due to the nature of PEAK programs, limited time off is available in summer months during preparation for and execution of summer programming.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Director of Administration is a key member of the PEAK leadership team, providing strategic leadership and stewardship across Human Resources, Finance, and Operations. This position ensures that PEAK has the people practices, financial systems, operational infrastructure, and organizational resources needed to advance its mission effectively, sustainably, and in alignment with its values.

As the organization’s Human Resources lead, this position champions fair, equitable, and values-aligned people practices, supporting PEAK in attracting, developing, retaining, and rewarding a strong and engaged team. The position uses research and data to inform staffing, compensation, benefits, and other workforce decisions that promote both organizational effectiveness and team member well-being.

As a leader overseeing Finance and Operations, this position safeguards PEAK’s financial health, physical infrastructure, technology, and organizational assets, ensuring resources are managed responsibly and systems are in place to support staff and program success. The position provides leadership with the information and insight needed to make sound financial and operational decisions and serves as a steward of organizational integrity and sustainability. 

BASIC FUNCTION AND RESPONSIBILITY

HUMAN RESOURCES

• Create, revise, document, and communicate HR policies, procedures, and practices in collaboration with the Executive Director and leadership team.
• Train and advise leadership and staff on personnel matters, ensuring recruitment, hiring, performance management, and termination practices are ethical, equitable, legally compliant, and aligned with PEAK’s values.
• Serve as the primary human resources leader in all employee relations matters, ensuring coaching, corrective actions, conflict resolution, and termination decisions are carried out ethically, equitable, compliant, and aligned with PEAK’s values.
• Lead PEAK’s staff performance accountability and success process.
• Maintain accurate employee data and personnel files for annual and seasonal staff.
• Facilitate PEAK’s Strategic Compensation Plan by maintaining salary information and supporting research and analysis related to compensation.
• Manage payroll processes and employee benefits, including annual benefits analysis, plan administration, enrollment, and employee education.
• Monitor compensation and benefits practices to support equitable and competitive offerings.
• Serve as the primary administrator for PEAK’s HRIS ensuring it is accurate and used to its fullest potential.
• Stay informed of changes in applicable employment requirements and implement necessary updates to policies and practices.

FINANCE

• Lead the annual organizational budgeting process in collaboration with the Executive Director.
• Develop and maintain budget tracking, reporting, and forecasting tools.
• Support staff in developing financial knowledge and confidence related to their program and departmental responsibilities.
• Oversee the organization’s use of QuickBooks Online for financial reporting, budgeting, and related functions.
• Prepare regular financial reports, budget updates, and forecasts for department heads, the Executive Director, and Board of Directors.
• Supervise and support the Finance & HR Generalist in the execution of accounting functions.
• Oversee PEAK’s contracted financial services who manage accounts payable and receivable, banking, cash management, forecasting, and monthly financial review and close.

OPERATIONS

• Manage PEAK’s property and liability insurance policies, including premiums, renewals, and claims.
• Maintain and oversee organizational emergency procedures and staff education related to safety and emergency preparedness.
• Oversee the general management of PEAK’s Milwaukee facility and maintain a long-term facilities  maintenance plan.
• Oversee vendor contracts and relationships.
• Ensure PEAK’s facilities, technology, vehicles, and office equipment are maintained, functional, and sufficient to support staff and program operations.
• Identify and implement operational improvements that increase reliability, efficiency, and staff and participant satisfaction.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Key team competencies: Resilience, Growth Mindset, Self-Management, Communication, Collaboration, Empathy, Self-Awareness, Problem Solving

Deeply connect and align with PEAK’s Four Beliefs:

1. Every living being has inherent value.
2. The community is better when everyone contributes.
3. We can only grow when we’re honest about our mistakes.
4. Everyone has the power to change their world.

Belief that with the right support systems and involvement in high-quality program offerings all young people are able to grow and achieve.

Analytical and detail-oriented individual with a track record of success in achieving organizational objectives, including the conception and implementation of new ideas that maximize effectiveness. 

Able to prioritize and manage your time to oversee the successful execution of multiple projects simultaneously, often involving various team members and external stakeholders.

Understand how to effectively introduce and apply policy and/or procedural standards in a way that translates into reliable and consistent team member implementation. 

Committed to developing others and building a goals-focused, highly skilled and high performing team.

CERTIFICATIONS

Certifications in HR and Organizational Leadership (SHRM-SCP or SPHR, CNAP, CPA) are highly preferred.

Must have a driver’s license valid in the State of Wisconsin.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s Degree or Master’s Degree strongly preferred - Business, Human Resources, Administration, Organizational Leadership or other applicable fields preferred.  May be replaced with significant demonstrated experience.

Minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience and progressive leadership in Human Resources or closely related fields.

Knowledge of non-profit Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, as well as federal and state financial, employment and administrative regulations, such as FMLA, ADA, OSHA, Worker’s Compensation, Wage & Hour, FLSA, ERISA, etc.

Familiarity with and regular use of QuickBooks Online or similar accounting software is required. Familiarity and comfort working within Google (G) Suite is preferred.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Competitive salary, typical starting range for a director is $74,039 - $92,549, commensurate with experience. For a highly qualified candidate with an emphasis on strategic HR, salary can be negotiated.

Generous PTO package (starts at 17 vacation days & 6 personal/sick days, 10 organizational holidays, 3 personal holidays, and 2 weeks of organizational shut down each year).

Comprehensive health, vision, and dental insurance package.

Employer contribution to organizationally sponsored retirement fund (IRA, no match required).

Monthly cell phone reimbursement.

PHYSICAL & MENTAL DEMANDS & WORKING CONDITIONS 

The mental and physical requirements and work environment conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.

• Must be able to work on a computer for extended periods of time.
• Willingness and ability to travel to PEAK’s overnight camp, Lake Valley Camp in Boscobel, WI for staff training, performing HR functions, and organizational support. 
• Understanding that summer programming for PEAK is extensive and multifaceted and willingness to be present and fully engaged during this critical time. 
• Must be comfortable working in an office/program center situated in the Milwaukee County Park and community we serve. 
• All PEAK Initiative properties, including Lake Valley Camp and the Milwaukee Program Center, are substance-free environments. Smoking, vaping, alcohol consumption, and the use of illicit drugs are strictly prohibited on all property regardless of whether or not staff are on break. 
• May be required to drive long distances in an organizational vehicle.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: 

The above job description is not intended as, nor should it be construed as, exhaustive of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.

PEAK Initiative is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status.