DANIELLE JOHNSON

Highlights: Created an AI-powered, tech-for-good company’s full HR, compliance, and DEI infrastructure, including but not limited to: a digital Employee Handbook; an HR intranet hub on Confluence to store all HR policies/ procedures; a multi-state employment law management system; two performance management systems; an HR strategy to support employees in 13 different states; a digital Diversity Toolkit for diversity appreciation and cultural competency; six executive leadership training modules; and remotely planned and facilitated in-person three 4-day full company retreats in Washington, DC. Hired and onboarded professionals across the tech industry such as machine learning & remote sensing scientists, software & DevOps engineers, product managers, business managers and executive leadership.

• Creates strategies and functions as lead for all HR disciplines.
• Monitors staff turnover, and develops strategies to maintain or enhance employee morale and retention.on
• Collaborates with senior management to develop succession planning strategies.
• Collaborates with CEO and senior managers to establish goals, plans and performance benchmarks.
• Coordinates interdepartmental efforts to streamline onboarding and ensure a comprehensive orientation.
• Maintains employee records and executes termination processes, including conducting and analyzing exit interviews.
• Guides, manages, and communicates the Company’s compensation and benefits practices and procedures; including management of the annual process for benefits provider renewal and employee open enrollment.
• Studies benefit needs and trends; recommends new benefits programs to management; obtains and evaluates benefit contract bids for implementation.
• Serves as primary contact for staff, management, vendors and legal counsel related to employee services, benefits, counseling, grievances, discipline actions, risk mitigation and personnel related litigation.
• Ensures that all federal, state, and municipal personnel and payroll reports and filings are made timely and accurately.
• Monitors all federal, state, and municipal tax compliance & ensure company registration in good standing with all relevant jurisdictions.
• Ensures legal compliance by monitoring and implementing applicable federal and state employment requirements.
• Coordinates with senior management to assist with employee training and development including: leadership training and professional development seminars and workshops opportunities for staff.
• Coordinates management training in interviewing, hiring, terminations, promotions, employee goal setting, performance review, safety, and sexual harassment and discrimination prevention.
• Ensures planning, monitoring, and appraisal of employee work results by training managers to coach and inspire employees, and administering the Company’s employee performance review and PIP program.

Highlights: Created the company’s first Performance Improvement Policy (PIP). Spearheaded recruitment efforts to secure talent for two critical high-priority positions.

• Administered end-to-end talent acquisition process supported by BambooHR platform.
• Facilitated structured phone screenings to assess applicant qualifications.
• Oversaw and evaluated background checks and drug screenings for new hires.
• Facilitated issuance of offer documents.
• Advised senior leadership on compensation strategy as needed.
• Advised senior staff on employee issues and concerns.
• Acted as employee liaison to payroll & accounting to ensure timesheets, PTO, salaries, benefits deductions, garnishments, taxes, retirement contributions and reimbursements were processed correctly and in a timely manner.
• Facilitated employee enrollment in company benefits plans by working alongside an insurance broker.
• Supervised goal progress and performance reviews using BambooHR.
• Served as advisor and mediator facilitating resolution in employee conflict situations.
• Supported leadership with actionable advice on development and performance enhancement processes.
• Presented detailed analysis of monthly HR & Compliance KPIs directly to CEO.
• Supervised allocation of funds within HR and Compliance.
• Conducted monthly OIG verifications.
• Maintained compliance with labor laws and federal regulations, including ADA and ACA.
• Examined and revised internal policies to ensure compliance.
• Verified validity and recency of employee licenses, certifications, and training.
• Oversaw the Talent LMS training platform.
• BambooHR as the administrator.
• Facilitated initiatives designed to enhance employee engagement.
• Oversaw the operation of the company compliance hotline.
• Organized content related to HR and employee engagement for dissemination in the weekly company update.

Highlights: Drafted the inaugural diversity, equity, and inclusion policy within initial two months. Recruited, hired, and onboarded 10 employees remotely amid a public health emergency. Redesigned employee handbook to enhance usability and compliance. Led seamless execution of open enrollment period within 2.5 months, encompassing RFP management, negotiations, and enrollment strategy.

• Executed strategic planning for staff recognition events including award distributions and interactive engagements.
• Managed administration of FFCRA Leave, ARPA policies, and Covid-19 operational protocols.
• Coordinated posting of job vacancies to attract suitable candidates.
• Conducted interviews and gathered information from previous employers and references to evaluate candidate acceptability.
• Oversaw hiring process while briefing candidates on workplace policies, responsibilities, compensation, and growth opportunities.
• Executed thorough criminal background evaluations and 10-panel drug screenings along with MVA verifications.
• Coordinated new hire integration with Paylocity.
• Managed implementation of employee benefits programs.
• Oversaw execution of termination activities.
• Collaborated with external IT firm to ensure seamless onboarding for new employees.
• Managed payroll processing and associated activities during staffing gaps.
• Directed setup and execution of diverse training programs while maintaining the My Learning Point platform.
• Spearheaded development and oversight of a comprehensive performance tracking framework.
• Facilitated on-time completion of annual employee evaluations and merit increases.
• Managed resolution of employee complaints, grievances, and disputes.
• Supervised disciplinary actions.
• Executed exit interview process for departing employees.
• Advised on structuring severance agreements.
• Monitored current and future obligations related to COVID-19 and ARPA within the HR department.
• Performed thorough evaluation of workforce data including turnover, transfer, and absenteeism trends annually.
• Prepared and submitted annual filings such as 1099, OSHA 300, ACA, Form 5500, and NDT on schedule.
• Achieved adherence to CARF standards within workforce development.
• Suggested enhancements for HR policies and procedures to the executive team.
• Coordinated worker's compensation plans.
• Developed and implements human resources policies and procedures
• Managed the monthly newsletter and organized corporate events.
• Designed targeted training modules to boost employee and managerial efficiency.
• Collaborated with the Safety Committee to revise safety protocols.
• Collaborated with Policy Review Committee to revise organizational policies across operations, HR, and CARF compliance.
• Managed operations covering negotiations, property upkeep, fleet utilization, and vendor concerns.
• Developed and administered employee satisfaction surveys.
• Oversaw and analyzed monthly department budgets.
• Monitored monthly HR expenses, reporting irregularities to CFO.

Highlights: Developed organization's firsr Telework, Flexible Work Arrangement, and Accommodations Policies within 6 months of employment. Automated timekeeping and leave management system by transitioning from Excel to Kronos. Developed a 12-month Operational Improvement Plan to address operational inefficiencies. Coordinated HR for 40+ remote and onsite staff, interns, fellows, consultants, and volunteers.

• Directed the responsibilities of an Administrative Assistant.
• Oversaw direct reports in planning and executing meetings and events.
• Facilitated onboarding processes and assisted in orientation sessions for staff, fellows, and interns.
• Ensured compliance with federal, state, and local legal requirements by studying relevant legislation.
• Delivered a wide range of training sessions covering DEI, accessibility and accommodations, cultural intelligence, and conflict resolution.
• Orchestrated annual employee benefits refreshers with Carefirst, Dominion, Advantica, Nationwide and Mutual of Omaha.
• Oversaw plan administration, open enrollment processes, compliance checks and renewals for HDHP with PPO & HMO, dental, vision, STD, LTD and life insurance.
• Administered management of insurance plan compliance for workers' compensation and external liabilities.
• Managed both the 403(b) and 457(b) retirement programs through Nationwide & TPA Uniglobal, plan enrollment, annual plan audits and valuations, Form 5500, 8659-SSA and RMD statements.
• Supervised tracking and application of PTO and CTO through Kronos.
• Created, executed, revised and maintained HR policies and procedures.
• Approved and processed semi-monthly timesheets in Kronos.
• Verified bi-weekly and quarterly payroll reports using Paychex.
• Coordinated prompt submission of multi-state tax forms and annual reports.
• Provided guidance on compliance, compensation, internal equity, and accommodations.
• Updated frameworks to ensure efficiency in managing employee performance.
• Developed and executed strategies for compensation planning and training programs in partnership with senior leaders.
• Designed human resource interventions through data analysis and action plans.
• Boosted performance levels through evaluation, implementation of solutions, and coaching.
• Contributed to initiatives such as mentorship program development, piloting system implementations, and diversity toolkit creation.
• Compiled comprehensive HR and operational improvement data into quarterly reports.
• Engaged in strategic planning, mentorship, and fundraising initiatives.
• Managed all logistical, and some programmatic aspects, of the 5 –day AUCD Annual Conference (1000+ attendees), the AUCD 4-All Gala (400 attendees), and a number of other network-wide & staff events.
• Assisted AUCD Board of Directors and managed the coordination of annual AUCD awards program.