HR Generalist

HR Generalist

Position Summary: The HR Generalist is responsible for supporting and implementing a broad range of human resources functions that contribute to an effective, compliant, and positive employee experience. This position serves as a trusted resource to employees and leaders, providing guidance on HR policies, employee relations, performance management, recruitment, onboarding, leave administration, benefits, and other employment-related matters. The position also maintains accurate and confidential employee records, assists with HR compliance requirements, supports employee engagement initiatives, and contributes to the continuous improvement of HR processes and systems.

Reports To: Talent and Leadership Development Officer

FLSA Status: Exempt

School Classification: Confidential, Salaried

Union Status: Non-Union

Starting Pay Range: $65,000

Location: Hybrid/Onsite; requires local residency

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

Human Resources & Employee Relations

• Serve as a primary HR resource for employees, managers, and school leaders.
• Provide guidance regarding HR policies, procedures, employee concerns, and workplace practices.
• Partner with leadership to promote consistent and equitable application of HR policies and procedures.
• Maintain accurate and confidential employee records and documentation.
• Support performance management processes, including performance evaluations, improvement plans, and related documentation

Recruitment & Staffing

• Build talent pools for current and future open roles
• Develop new and creative strategies for building talent pools
• Coordinate recruitment activities throughout the employee lifecycle, from job posting through selection and onboarding.
• Partner with hiring managers to develop job descriptions, identify hiring needs, schedule interviews, and facilitate the hiring process.
• Support candidate communication, reference checks, background checks, and pre-employment requirements.
• Develop and maintain effective recruitment processes designed to attract and retain highly qualified employees.
• Oversee and ensure strong management of all stages of the candidate hiring process, from application review through hiring decision
• Support recruitment strategies that promote a diverse and qualified workforce.

Onboarding & Employee Experience

• Coordinate and facilitate employee onboarding and orientation processes.
• Ensure new employees complete required employment, compliance, payroll, benefits, background check, and licensure documentation.
• Support employee engagement and retention initiatives.
• Provide timely and responsive HR support throughout the employee lifecycle.
• Identify opportunities to improve HR processes, systems, and the overall employee experience.
• Gather feedback from new employees and hiring managers to identify opportunities to improve the onboarding experience.
• Support employee engagement, retention, and workplace culture initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to improve HR processes, systems, and the overall employee experience.

Licensure & Credential Compliance

• Maintain accurate records of employee licenses, certifications, credentials, endorsements, and renewal requirements.
• Monitor employee licensure status and communicate upcoming expiration or renewal requirements.
• Support the hiring and onboarding process by verifying required licenses and credentials.
• Partner with school leaders and appropriate agencies to address licensure questions and compliance requirements.
• Ensure employee records are maintained in accordance with applicable Minnesota requirements and organizational policies.
• Maintain required HR documentation and records to support compliance and organizational accountability
• Assist with HR audits, reporting, policy updates, and compliance initiatives.

Skills & Qualifications

Required

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree
• Three plus years of talent management, or relevant experience
• Commitment to the mission and equity vision of Hiawatha Academies
• Strategic thinker with demonstrated ability to develop systems and processes that achieve efficiency and scalability
• Ability to learn quickly and to be effective in a fast-paced, dynamic, entrepreneurial environment
• Demonstrated success developing and managing effective organization-wide processes; proven ability to invest and train others in new practices
• Demonstrated expertise in talent sourcing and retention strategies
• Knowledge of/familiarity with diversity and inclusion practices
• Experience with employee engagement initiatives and retention programs
• Understanding of employment laws and HR compliance requirements
• Willingness to travel (three-four times per year)

Preferred Experience

• Minnesota teaching license and PELSB experience
• Frontline Central or Similar HRIS/ATS experience
• Recruiting tools: Indeed, LinkedIn, Handshake
• K–12 school experience: charter, private, or public
• New hire onboarding and first-day orientation experience
• Employee relations and performance management experience
• HR compliance, policies, and records experience (CEU's)
• HR support for school leaders and staff experience

Compensation

• The hiring range for this position is $65,000 - $74,999
• Time off and benefits will follow the language provided in the employee handbook and the benefits booklet.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Hiawatha Academies is committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. In accordance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, we do not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), or national origin. We value diversity and strive to ensure equal opportunity for all employees and applicants.