HR Support Specialist

HR Support Specialist

Reports To

CEO & Executive Director

Department

Operations

Location

Corporate Office, with required onsite work for events, job fairs, and center visits as needed

Status

Full-time, non-exempt

Travel

Regular travel among Sunshine Schools locations and project sites

Role Type

Administrative

POSITION PURPOSE

The HR Support Specialist manages all HR functions, including benefits administration, payroll management, onboarding, offboarding, employee relations, training and development, compliance with NC labor laws, and COBRA regulations.

This role requires a self‑directed, efficient, proactive, highly organized HR professional who can independently manage multiple HR functions while supporting recruiting needs.

Reports directly to the Executive Director for HR items and the CEO and CFO for finance items.

This job description is not all‑inclusive; responsibilities may change as needed, and employees are expected to demonstrate flexibility by supporting other teams, assisting with operational needs, and temporarily filling in for open positions. Employees are not permitted to alter, redefine, or self‑assign duties outside their designated role without prior written authorization from the Executive Director of Organizational Leadership.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Hiring, Screening & Onboarding

• All hires and terminations must be pre‑approved by the CEO.
• Screen applicants daily with immediate follow‑up.
• Schedule in‑person second interviews unless pre‑approved otherwise.
• Complete all hiring paperwork before Day 1.
• Maintain accurate staff and student files.
• Enter all information into BambooHR immediately.

Benefits Administration

• Manage benefits enrollment, changes, and terminations.
• Ensure COBRA compliance and timely communication.

Payroll Management

• Process payroll accurately and on time.
• Maintain payroll records and adjustments.

Onboarding & Offboarding

• Oversee full onboarding process.
• Conduct offboarding procedures and exit documentation.

Employee Relations

• Address employee concerns with professionalism and confidentiality.
• Document all employee relations matters.
• Escalate issues immediately to the Executive Director.

Compliance & Regulation

• Ensure HR practices comply with NC labor laws and federal regulations.
• Maintain accurate staff files and licensing documentation.
• Ensure job descriptions and postings are accurate and current.

Recruiting

• Support recruiting efforts through screenings and interview coordination.
• Maintain accurate job postings.
• Build a strong candidate pool.

HR Documentation

• Maintain accurate HRIS records and compliance documentation.
• Prepare HR documents, letters, and reports.

HR Reporting

• Provide weekly HR updates to the Executive Director.
• Support CEO and CFO with finance‑related HR reporting.

Follow‑Through & Communication

• Respond to all HR and finance requests immediately.
• Track all open tasks and deadlines.

Collaboration with Leadership

• Partner with the Executive Director, CEO, and CFO.
• Support Site Administrators with hiring and documentation.

BambooHR Utilization & Documentation Requirements

The HR Manager must use BambooHR to its full capacity and document every HR‑related action, including:

• Payroll Issues
• Employee Relations & Complaints
• Onboarding
• Job Postings
• Phone Screenings
• Scheduling Second Interviews
• Hiring (after CEO approval)
• Terminations
• Attendance Issues
• Call‑offs
• Policy Violations
• Coaching Conversations
• Corrective Actions
• Licensing Updates
• Staff File Audits
• Communication with Site Administrators
• Communication with Leadership
• If it happens, it gets documented. No exceptions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Leadership, or a related field.
• HR certification preferred (SHRM‑CP, PHR).
• 3+ years HR management experience, preferably in an educational or childcare setting.
• In-depth knowledge of early childhood education credentials
• In‑depth knowledge of North Carolina labor laws and COBRA regulations.
• Strong understanding of HR best practices, including benefits administration, payroll processing, and employee relations.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; able to handle sensitive and confidential information professionally.
• Highly organized, proactive, and self‑directed.
• Strong time‑management skills and ability to manage multiple HR functions.
• Proficiency in HRIS systems (BambooHR) and Google Workspace.

Work Environment

• Hybrid role with required onsite work for occasional center visits, and job fairs.
• Requires occasional statewide travel for job fairs, community engagement, and creative projects.
• Flexible scheduling based on company needs, enrollment priorities, and HR deadlines.

Work Schedule

• This is an hourly, non-exempt position (Eligible for overtime in accordance with FLSA and NC Wage & Hour Act).
• Standard work hours: Monday–Friday, up to 40 hours/week.
• Occasional evening or weekend work may be required (e.g., Family Nights or staff training, etc.).

Additional Expectations

• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to all organizational policies.
• Demonstrate initiative, reliability, and strong follow-through.
• Ensure all responsibilities are completed personally unless written approval for delegation is granted by the CEO, CFO or Executive Director.
• Uphold professional communication with all staff and leadership.

Compliance & Equal Opportunity Statement

Sunshine Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and organizational need. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law. This position is governed by North Carolina’s Wage and Hour Act and the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and is eligible for overtime pay.