Human Resources and Payroll Coordinator

HR & Payroll Coordinator

The HR & Payroll Coordinator oversees day-to-day human resources, benefits administration, and semi-monthly payroll operations for the district. Key responsibilities include managing employee recruiting and onboarding, PELSB licensure tracking, statutory reporting, and semi-monthly payroll processing. This role ensures full compliance with federal and state regulations, PERA/TRA retirement systems, and district policies.

Key Responsibilities

• Human Resources & Onboarding
• Coordinate recruitment efforts, job postings, and application tracking.
• Facilitate onboarding and orientation for new hires, including background checks, Form I-9, direct deposit, and benefit setup.
• Verify educator licensing status through the Minnesota PELSB system
• Maintain confidential employee personnel files and electronic records in compliance with data privacy laws (Minnesota Government Data Practices Act).
• Payroll & Benefits Processing
• Process semi-monthly payroll for all staff accurately and on schedule.
• Administer state retirement plans, submitting timely reports and contributions to PERA (Public Employees Retirement Association) and TRA (Teachers Retirement Association).
• Manage district benefit programs (medical, dental, life, HSA/FSA, 403b), handling open enrollment, qualifying life events, and carrier billing reconciliations.
• Coordinate workers' compensation claims, injury reporting, and leave integration
• Prepare quarterly/annual payroll reports, W-2s, and ACA compliance reporting (1095-C).
• Compliance & Reporting
• Assist with state and federal reporting requirements, including MDE Staff Automated Reporting (STAR) data submissions.
• Support union contract and master agreement administration; track wage lane changes, step increases, and longevity pay.
• Manage district unemployment insurance processes.
• Assist with annual district fiscal audits by providing payroll, benefit, and personnel documentation.

Qualifications

Education: Associate or Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field (or equivalent work experience). Experience: Minimum of 24 years of experience in HR and/or payroll processing. Prior experience in a Minnesota public school district or government entity strongly preferred. Technical Skills: Proficiency with school HR/Finance software (SMART Finance preferred), MS Excel, and online reporting portals (TRA, PERA, MDE). Knowledge: Familiarity with Minnesota labor laws, PELSB licensing rules, FMLA, FLSA, and public sector retirement systems. Key Competencies High level of integrity, discretion, and strict maintenance of confidential information. Strong attention to detail and accuracy under tight payroll deadlines. Excellent communication and customer service skills when assisting staff with payroll and benefit questions.

Compensation and Benefits

Annual Salary Range: $68,000-$75,000 Enrollment in the Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) Access to 403(b) retirement account with district match Health, Dental and Vision insurance Paid time off