VP, Payroll & HRIS Strategy

namename·Remote(United States)
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Excel

WFA Digital Insight

The demand for strategic payroll and HRIS leaders has soared in recent years, with a 25% increase in job postings for these roles in the non-profit sector. As companies navigate complex regulatory requirements and multi-platform environments, experts with deep knowledge of HRIS systems and payroll operations are in high demand. Covenant House, a renowned organization dedicated to supporting youth and young families, is seeking a seasoned VP to drive its payroll and HRIS strategy forward. With the opportunity to shape the organization's approach to technology and data, this role is ideal for a strategic thinker with a passion for leveraging innovation to drive social impact. Candidates should be prepared to showcase their expertise in HRIS systems, payroll compliance, and change management, as well as their ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders and drive continuous improvement.

Job Description

About the Role

The Vice President, Payroll & HRIS Strategy is a critical leadership role at Covenant House, responsible for developing and implementing the organization's payroll and HRIS strategy across its federation. This role requires a seasoned professional with deep expertise in HRIS systems, payroll operations, and compliance, as well as excellent consultative and influencing skills. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work closely with site leaders, People & Culture, and Finance teams to drive operational excellence, optimize HRIS systems, and support implementation efforts.

As a key member of the People & Culture team, the VP will serve as a trusted advisor and internal consultant, providing strategic guidance on payroll operations, HRIS systems, and system-related decision-making. This role will also involve managing the Payroll Manager and collaborating with sites to assess, select, implement, and optimize HRIS, payroll, applicant tracking, and performance management systems.

The organization is looking for a leader who can balance strategic thinking with operational expertise, driving continuous improvement in payroll and HRIS processes while ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

What You Will Do

  • Serve as a strategic advisor to site leaders on payroll operations, HRIS systems, and system-related decision-making
  • Partner with sites to assess, select, implement, and optimize HRIS, payroll, applicant tracking, and performance management systems
  • Provide consultative guidance across platforms such as ADP, Paycom, and PEO models (e.g., TriNet), ensuring effective and compliant use
  • Establish and promote federation-wide standards for payroll accuracy, reporting, system utilization, and data integrity
  • Support payroll governance across sites, ensuring compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies
  • Lead HRIS and payroll-related reporting strategy, enabling sites to leverage data for decision-making and performance insights
  • Identify trends, risks, and opportunities across sites and translate findings into actionable recommendations
  • Support implementation and integration of performance management and applicant tracking systems to align with organizational priorities
  • Develop and deliver training, tools, and documentation to empower site HR and payroll teams to effectively navigate and maximize their systems
  • Promote a customer service mindset, ensuring responsive, practical, and empowering support to sites

What We Are Looking For

  • Deep expertise across multiple HRIS and payroll platforms (e.g., Paycom, ADP, PEO models such as TriNet)
  • Strong consultative and influencing skills with the ability to partner effectively across diverse sites and leadership levels
  • Ability to operate strategically while maintaining strong attention to detail and operational excellence
  • Demonstrated experience leading HRIS implementations, system optimization efforts, and technology-driven change initiatives
  • Strong understanding of payroll regulations, compliance requirements, and audit processes across multiple jurisdictions
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to communicate complex technical information to non-technical stakeholders
  • Experience managing and developing high-performing teams

Nice to Have

  • Experience with data analytics and reporting tools
  • Knowledge of emerging technologies and trends in HRIS and payroll
  • Certification in HR or payroll (e.g., SHRM, HRCI, CPP)
  • Experience working in a non-profit or social services organization
  • Familiarity with project management methodologies (e.g., Agile, Waterfall)

Benefits and Perks

  • Competitive salary and benefits package
  • Opportunity to work with a renowned organization making a significant social impact
  • Collaborative and dynamic work environment
  • Professional development and growth opportunities
  • Flexible work arrangements and remote work options
  • Access to cutting-edge HRIS and payroll technologies
  • Comprehensive health and wellness programs
  • Generous paid time off and holiday schedules

How to Stand Out

  • Tip: Showcase your expertise in HRIS systems, payroll operations, and compliance, highlighting specific examples of how you've driven operational excellence in previous roles.
  • Develop a strong understanding of the organization's mission and values, and be prepared to discuss how your skills and experience align with its goals.
  • Emphasize your consultative and influencing skills, providing examples of how you've partnered with diverse stakeholders to drive change and improvement.
  • Demonstrate your ability to communicate complex technical information to non-technical stakeholders, using plain language and avoiding jargon.
  • Be prepared to discuss your experience with data analytics and reporting tools, and how you've used data to inform decision-making and drive performance insights.
  • Highlight your experience managing and developing high-performing teams, and your ability to drive continuous improvement in payroll and HRIS processes.
  • Research the organization's culture and values, and be prepared to discuss how you would contribute to and thrive in its dynamic and collaborative work environment.

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