Strategic HR Director for a Mission-Driven School

JOB TITLE: Human Resources Manager/Director REPORTS TO: Chief Operating Officer JOB STATUS: FLSA Status: Exempt 1.0 FTE ABOUT ATHENIAN The Athenian School is an independent college preparatory boarding and day school that serves students in grades 6 - 12, from throughout the East Bay, California, the US and the world. Since our founding, we have been dedicated to educating students through experiential, collaborative and interdisciplinary learning. We foster critical thinking and value reasoned discourse and mutual respect. Please read through our site to learn more about our community. We look forward to meeting you as you consider Athenian! PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES The Athenian School seeks a Human Resources Manager/Director to serve as the strategic and operational leader of the School’s Human Resources function. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, this role oversees the full employee lifecycle—from recruitment and onboarding through performance management, benefits administration, and offboarding—while ensuring compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations. The HR Manager/Director partners closely with divisional and administrative leaders to develop, implement, and continuously refine policies, practices, and systems that support a high-performing, inclusive, and mission-aligned workplace. This leader administers HR operations including employment agreements, personnel records, regulatory reporting, employee relations, and leave management, and oversees the development and communication of the Employee Handbook and related policies. In addition, the role serves as a trusted advisor to supervisors, guiding performance management and workplace matters with discretion and sound judgment, while advancing initiatives that strengthen employee engagement, professional growth, and a culture of belonging consistent with Athenian’s values. CORE REQUIREMENTS Successful candidates are experienced HR professionals who combine technical expertise with strong relational leadership and a deep appreciation for independent school communities. The ideal candidate brings progressive responsibility in human resources operations, compliance, recruitment, and employee relations; strong knowledge of California employment law and HR best practices; and the ability to balance strategic thinking with careful attention to detail. A bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field is required, with advanced degree or HR certification preferred. We seek a collaborative and culturally competent professional who demonstrates exceptional organizational, written, and verbal communication skills; high emotional intelligence; and the ability to navigate complex and confidential matters with fairness and discretion. Above all, the HR Manager/Director will show a clear commitment to Athenian’s mission and values and an understanding of human resources as both a strategic function and a relational practice that strengthens the entire school community. BENEFITS, COMPENSATION, PROFESSIONAL GROWTH & COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT Athenian provides excellent benefits and salaries are competitive and commensurate with work experience and education. Community members enjoy meals on campus and use of athletics facilities, including a pool, gym and fitness center. We seek candidates who can start on or before July 1, 2026; the salary range for this role is $120,000-$175,000, depending on experience. All employees participate in school wide professional development, and have the opportunity to pursue a range of additional professional growth opportunities. These include, but are not limited to, funded participation in professional conferences and continuing education opportunities. Athenian provides needed training for CPR/AED certification. All employees are expected to attend all-school functions relevant to their role and to participate in supporting the student experience with other school duties as requested by their direct supervisor. Interested candidates should apply directly through our site for consideration. NON DISCRIMINATION COMMITMENT The Athenian School is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to basing judgments concerning the employment of individuals upon their qualifications and abilities. The School is firmly committed to equal employment and advancement opportunities for all employees and applicants in all areas of employment. The School does not discriminate on the basis of an individual’s sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, race, color, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, military or veteran status, genetic characteristic or genetic information, physical or mental disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. #J-18808-Ljbffr athenian