Human Resources Generalist

School Overview Inspire. Innovate. Belong. At Dawson, we believe that exceptional education is rooted in the strength, expertise, and dedication of our community. We seek passionate and collaborative professionals who are committed to excellence, innovation, and building meaningful connections with students, colleagues, and families. As a student‑centered, college‑preparatory school serving grades K–12, Dawson provides a dynamic and supportive environment in which every member of our community works to inspire students to reach their fullest potential. Mission Statement Dawson School is dedicated to excellence of mind, body, and character. We prepare students, through challenging and relevant learning, to become creative, resilient problem‑solvers who bring their best to the world. What You’ll Love About Us 401(k) plan with employer contribution. Medical, dental, and vision plans with HSA/FSA options, plus free telehealth services. Employee assistance program, on‑site gym, outdoor swimming pool, certified athletic trainer, free chef‑prepared lunches, and a walkable, secure campus. Group life insurance with additional voluntary coverage options. Flexible sick time and paid time off. Support and encouragement for continuous learning and growth. Free parking with access to EV charging stations and ECO Pass for RTD. Welcoming, positive, supportive, and engaged faculty and staff culture. Position Overview Dawson School is seeking a highly organized, proactive, and people‑centered Human Resources Generalist to join our dynamic team. The ideal candidate is a detail‑oriented professional who will lead and coordinate the school’s recruitment and hiring efforts while also supporting key HR functions such as onboarding, payroll support, benefits administration, compensation, employee records management, compliance, employee engagement initiatives, and special projects that contribute to a positive and productive work environment. The Human Resources Generalist reports directly to the Director of Operations and plays a key role in supporting employees throughout the employment lifecycle. Key Responsibilities Human Resources Administration Collaborate with the Professional Employer Organization (PEO) and Director of Operations to administer HR programs including compensation, benefits, leaves of absence, performance management, employee recognition, and training and development initiatives. Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and recommend updates to policies and procedures. Collaborate with the PEO on new hire onboarding, employee separations, exit interviews, benefits administration, and employment documentation. Monitor unemployment claims and coordinate responses and appeals when necessary. Manage workers’ compensation claims and return‑to‑work processes to minimize organizational risk and financial loss. Maintain accurate and confidential employee records in accordance with legal and organizational requirements. Review and recommend updates to the Dawson Employee Handbook annually to ensure compliance and alignment with school practices. Maintain and update job descriptions, performance evaluation processes, and compensation programs. Talent Acquisition and Employee Development Partner with the Director of Operations to understand organizational goals and workforce needs related to staffing, recruiting, and retention. Develop and coordinate recruitment and retention activities while implementing best practices in hiring and talent management. Coordinate all phases of the hiring process, including posting positions, screening candidates, scheduling interviews, conducting reference checks, and facilitating onboarding. Assess organizational training and development needs and design, coordinate, and implement programs that support employee growth and performance. Support employee recognition initiatives and professional development opportunities. Employee Relations Investigate employee concerns and formal complaints, ensuring timely, fair, and confidential resolution. Determine and recommend employee relations practices that foster a positive work environment, strengthen employee engagement, and promote high morale. Serve as a trusted resource for employees and administrators by guiding HR policies, procedures, and workplace concerns. Payroll and Operational Support Provide support for payroll administration and ensure timely and accurate processing of employee information. Provide support for Summer Camp employment administration, including hiring, onboarding, and personnel record management. Coordinate employee recognition programs, staff appreciation events, and other faculty and staff engagement activities. Participate in school events and support faculty, staff, students, and families in alignment with the school’s mission and community values. Administrative and Project Coordination Coordinate HR‑related reporting, data collection, and recordkeeping. Prepare reports and presentations related to staffing, compensation, benefits, and workforce trends. Manage HR calendars, training schedules, and compliance deadlines. Coordinate travel and accommodations for employment candidates when necessary. Order and maintain employee‑related materials, including name badges and onboarding resources. Record meeting notes and maintain confidential HR files and documentation. Professional Growth Seek out and participate in ongoing professional development opportunities related to human resources, employment law, and independent school administration. Stay current on HR trends, best practices, and legal developments affecting schools and nonprofit organizations. Professional Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred. Three to five years of proven human resource generalist experience, preferably in an educational or nonprofit setting. SHRM or HRCI certification preferred but not required. Working knowledge of employment law, employee relations, benefits administration, recruitment, performance management, and HR best practices. Experience working with a PEO and HRIS systems preferred. Advanced proficiency in Google Workspace and demonstrated ability to work effectively on a Mac platform. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare, edit, and proofread correspondence, reports, and presentations. Excellent organizational, project management, and time‑management skills, with the ability to prioritize competing responsibilities, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing priorities. Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to navigate complex employee and organizational matters effectively. Proven ability to work independently, anticipate needs, and successfully manage multiple projects and initiatives. Personal Qualifications Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality, exercise sound judgment, and handle sensitive information with discretion and professionalism. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build positive, collaborative relationships with faculty, staff, administrators, parents, trustees, and external partners. Commitment to fostering a positive, inclusive, and service‑oriented workplace culture aligned with Dawson School’s mission and values. Professional, approachable, and collaborative demeanor, with a sense of humor and a genuine commitment to supporting a thriving school community. Demonstrated flexibility, integrity, and a customer‑service mindset in supporting employees and organizational needs. Passion for education, lifelong learning, and contributing to a welcoming and engaged school environment. Salary and Employment Type Salary range: $60,000 – $67,000 per year. Employment type: Full‑time, Year‑round, On‑Site. Dawson School Diversity Statement Dawson is united in nurturing a culture of belonging that embraces diversity of thought, experience, identity, and passion. We actively promote and embrace the exchange of diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds through curricular design, community involvement, and the integration of our four virtues – respect, compassion, courage, and integrity – into every aspect of our community life. It is our responsibility to provide a safe and inclusive learning environment for all members of our community, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, age, ability, or religion, as well as to cultivate in each student the ability to make empathetic, socially responsible decisions. Equal Opportunity Employment The School is an equal opportunity employer and provides equal consideration to all applicants and employees based solely on job‑related qualifications, in compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws. #J-18808-Ljbffr