THE ORGANIZATION 

Braille Institute is a nonprofit organization that has been positively transforming the lives of those with vision loss for more than 100 years since its founding in 1919 by J. Robert Atkinson. Braille Institute offers a broad range of free programs, classes, and services both in person and virtual to more than 20,000 children, youth, and adults each year. The Strategic Plan and its Mission Magnified vision anticipate exciting growth, expansion, and innovation throughout its next phase of development.  

Braille Institute serves the community from its current base of seven centers, and hundreds of community outreach locations throughout Southern California with a full array of services: low vision consultations, technology training, daily living skills classes, arts & healthy living classes, orientation & mobility training, and library services.  Braille Institute also hosts nationally and internationally recognized programs like Braille Challenge and Cane Quest.   

Braille Institute also offers fully online and hybrid offerings and plans to significantly grow its virtual services to provide its life-changing services and expertise to exponentially more people who are blind or visually impaired, currently estimated to be eight million in the US.  

Braille Institute’s staff (185 FTE) and several hundred in-person and virtual volunteers are fully committed to the mission of Braille Institute -- “To positively transform the lives of those with vision loss.”   They have a passion to serve and are highly professional in their day-to-day responsibilities. More specifically, they provide an individualized range of services designed to meet a person’s specific visual challenges and personal goals. They strive to serve the whole person by meeting a range of physical, social, intellectual, and emotional needs. Many of Braille Institute’s students receive multiple services and there are no limits on age or length of service.  

Braille Institute’s current annual operating budget is approximately $32 million with an endowment totaling approximately $290 million.  

For more information, please visit www.brailleinstitute.org.  

THE OPPORTUNITY  

Braille Institute seeks a team-oriented and forward-thinking professional for the position of Vice President of People & Culture (VPPC). Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer and CFO and serving as a member of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT), the VPPC will partner across the organization to build on Braille Institute’s legacy and help advance it into its next century as a model, best-practices-driven workplace defined by innovation, shared values, and a client-centered approach. 

The VPPC will lead the continued transformation of Braille Institute’s people function, culture, structure, and policies by driving key human resources best practices and initiatives. This role provides strategic leadership across all aspects of the function, including HR operations, talent acquisition, organizational development and learning, culture, internal communications, and accessibility.  

As a member of the ELT, the VPPC will develop and execute a comprehensive people strategy that supports organizational goals. In partnership with leadership, they will shape and implement frameworks for talent acquisition, employee engagement, leadership development, performance management, compensation, organizational design, and change management. The VPPC will also oversee a team, including the Director of People & Culture, as well as the Volunteer Impact Program team. This includes providing leadership, mentorship, and oversight to ensure effective day-to-day operations and a high-performing, service-oriented team.  

A collaborative team-builder and engaged leader, the VPPC will maintain a strong presence throughout Braille Institute’s footprint in Southern California, traveling regularly to its various locations and participating in key events. In this role, they will champion a positive, inclusive culture, fostering strong, trust-based relationships across the organization.  

Key responsibilities will include but not be limited to: 

Leadership & Talent Development  

• Design and implement leadership development programs to strengthen capabilities at all levels of the organization. 

• Develop and support a high-impact middle management cohort, leveraging this group as a key driver of culture, engagement, and performance. 

• Coach and advise senior leaders and managers to enhance leadership effectiveness, team performance, and employee engagement. 

Culture and Organizational Development 

• Build relationships with employees across Braille Institute and serve as a trusted resource for advice and counsel on HR, cultural, and organizational matters.  

• Facilitate the integration of diverse workgroups, cultures, and newly acquired assets. 

• Drive a culture that embodies Braille Institute’s values and promotes, rewards, and encourages high performance throughout the organization.  

• Champion leadership development for all people leaders; lead development planning initiatives and secure resources to support individual and group growth. 

• Counsel, coach, and guide managers and staff in addressing concerns and complaints to ensure fair and equitable treatment. 

• Coach and mentor colleagues and managers to build leadership capability and strengthen the organization’s leadership bench. 

• Lead succession planning initiative, in partnership with the ELT, across all leadership roles and critical positions.  

• Mediate employee relations and performance issues and advise managers on effective performance management practices. 

• Model Braille Institute’s core values and demonstrate consistent, values-based leadership across the organization. 

Operational 

• Proactively manage resource allocation and maintain a competitive approach to recruiting and integrating high-potential talent; advise on people programs and processes to enhance diversity, talent acquisition, onboarding, development, retention, and succession planning.  

• Oversee compensation practices, ensuring regular salary benchmarking and participation in market surveys.  

• Develop and implement HR initiatives and systems supporting performance management, talent acquisition, learning and development, engagement, benefits, rewards, policy, and compliance. 

• Lead initiatives that advance accessibility and inclusion, including Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). 

• Respond to HR needs across the organization, including support for seven regional centers and the expansion of virtual services. 

• Oversee the continued automation and enhancement of HR systems, protocols, and capabilities. 

• Oversee Volunteer Impact Program (VIP) Team and the expansion of volunteer programs, both in-person and virtually (including beyond California).  

• Ensure organizational compliance with all federal, state, and local labor and employment laws; anticipate and mitigate potential risks.  

TRAITS AND CHARACTERISTICS DESIRED 

The Vice President of People & Culture will be an inclusive leader who approaches their work with a growth mindset and strong emotional intelligence. The ideal candidate will be a results-driven, agile change agent with the confidence and commitment to lead at a high level. They will be empathetic, approachable, and engaging, with strong listening skills, and will be responsive, solution-oriented, and focused on achieving results.  

Preferred candidates will also demonstrate: 

• The ability to drive initiatives with limited resources, coupled with a hands-on, “roll-up-your-sleeves” approach to achieving results.  

• Unquestionable personal integrity and fairness, along with the credibility needed to gain the trust and commitment of individuals at all levels of the organization. 

• A proven ability to cultivate strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders and collaborate effectively across the organization to achieve results.  

Above all, the VPPC must be passionate about Braille Institute’s mission to positively transform the lives of those with vision loss, inspired by the organization’s opportunities and challenges, and committed to achieving goals through a collaborative, team-oriented approach.  

CAREER TRACK LEADING TO THIS POSITION 

Competitive candidates will have a track record of progressive human resources experience, including a solid foundation in leadership development and employee relations at a senior level.  

The following skills and experiences will be valued: 

• Demonstrated success in driving change and shaping organizational culture. 

• Strong project management experience and problem-solving skills, including the ability to gather, organize, analyze, and present data effectively.  

• Proven success in fostering inclusive work environments. 

• Exceptional communications skills - written, verbal and interpersonal – with the ability to tailor messaging to diverse audiences.  

• Deep knowledge and practical application of HR disciplines, including leadership development, organizational design, recruitment, compensation philosophy, performance management, employment and labor law, and employee relations. 

• Current knowledge of emerging HR trends and best practices. 

• Knowledge of California labor laws is strongly preferred. 

• A bachelor’s degree is required. A master's degree in Human Resources, Organizational Development, or a related field and/or SHRM-CP/SCP or PHR/SPHR certification is preferred.  

While experience in a mission-driven, multifaceted nonprofit organization is preferred, candidates from both nonprofit and for-profit environments with transferable skills and a desire to make an impact are encouraged to apply. 

COMPENSATION & ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS 

The annual salary range for this position is $220,000 - $265,000, based on experience. A comprehensive and competitive benefits package will be provided.  

This is a full-time, exempt position with the expectation of four (4) days per week in the office, based on business needs. This role requires regular travel to Braille Institute locations and events throughout Southern California, including to the Los Angeles Center, where the ELT is currently based.