Human Resources Manager / Director

About the Role

We are seeking a hands-on, mission-driven Human Resources Manager (or Director based on experience) to serve as the sole HR leader for our growing organization. This role will own the full employee lifecycle and play a critical role in fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and people-centered culture aligned with our education-focused mission.

This is an ideal opportunity for an HR professional who enjoys building structure where it doesn’t yet exist, partnering closely with leadership, and supporting a diverse, globally minded workforce.

This is NOT a remote role. Applicants must be able to work three days in-office in Tempe, AZ.

Key Responsibilities

HR Operations & Compliance

• Serve as the primary point of contact for all HR-related matters
• Develop, implement, and maintain HR policies, procedures, and employee handbook
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws
• Manage HR systems, employee records, and reporting
• Provide guidance on employee relations matters with discretion and care

Onboarding & Offboarding

• Manage end-to-end onboarding to ensure a welcoming and organized employee experience
• Partner with hiring managers to support new hires from offer through ramp-up
• Oversee offboarding processes, including exit interviews, documentation, and benefits transitions

Benefits & Compensation

• Administer employee benefits programs and act as liaison with brokers and vendors
• Support benefits education and enrollment for employees
• Assist with compensation planning, benchmarking, and annual review cycles

Talent Acquisition & Recruiting

• Manage full-cycle recruiting across all organizational functions
• Partner with leaders to define hiring needs and develop recruiting strategies
• Maintain an efficient and inclusive candidate experience

Performance Management & Employee Development

• Design and manage performance and goal-setting processes
• Coach managers on performance feedback, professional growth, and corrective action
• Support learning, engagement, and retention initiatives

HR Leadership

• Champion company values, collaboration, and a respectful workplace culture

Qualifications

• 5–10+ years of progressive HR experience (startup or high-growth organization preferred)
• Experience serving as an HR generalist or HR “department of one” strongly preferred
• Strong knowledge of U.S. employment law and HR best practices
• Demonstrated experience in recruiting, benefits administration, and performance management
• Ability to balance strategic planning with hands-on execution
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills
• High level of integrity, discretion, and sound judgment
• Ability to work hybrid; 3 days in the office

Preferred / Nice to Have

• HR certification (SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR)
• Experience in education, education-adjacent, or mission-driven organizations
• International HR experience or exposure to global teams

Why Join Us

• Opportunity to build and shape HR at a growing organization
• High-impact role with visibility and influence
• Collaborative, mission-driven environment with a focus on education and growth