Human Resources Manager

Charles River School is a Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 8 independent school that honors the pursuit of academic excellence and the joy of childhood. We nurture each child by igniting curiosity, encouraging creativity, and cultivating intellectual engagement. Our graduates know themselves, understand others, and shape the future of our diverse world with confidence and compassion. Charles River School seeks a thoughtful, organized, and service-oriented Human Resources Manager to support the school’s faculty and staff throughout the employee lifecycle. Reporting to the Director of Finance and the Head of School, the Human Resources Manager will manage day-to-day human resources operations, including recruitment and onboarding, benefits and leave administration, payroll support, employee records, and compliance. The ideal candidate will be a trusted and approachable resource for employees, able to handle sensitive matters with discretion, sound judgment, and professionalism. This role requires strong attention to detail, effective communication, and the ability to balance ongoing responsibilities with the needs of a busy school community. This position reports to the Director of Finance and Head of School. Responsibilities Manage day-to-day HR operations and serve as a confidential resource for faculty and staff regarding policies, benefits, procedures, and workplace questions. Coordinate the full recruitment process, including job descriptions, position postings, candidate communication, interview scheduling, background and reference checks, and employment documentation. Coordinate onboarding for new employees and ensure personnel records and required documentation are complete and up to date. Administer employee benefits, including enrollment, annual open enrollment, employee communications, and coordination with benefits providers and brokers. Support administration of employee leave programs, accommodations, workers’ compensation matters, and unemployment claims in accordance with applicable requirements and school policies. Support payroll administration by maintaining accurate employee data, time-off records, deductions, and other information needed for timely and accurate payroll processing. Maintain accurate and confidential personnel files and HRIS records, and prepare reports as needed. Help ensure compliance with applicable federal and Massachusetts employment laws and regulations, as well as school policies and established HR practices. Serve as a first point of contact for employee concerns, using sound judgment, discretion, and a collaborative approach to help address questions and workplace issues. Maintain and update employee-facing HR materials, including job descriptions, the Employee Handbook, employment agreements, and related documentation, and recommend improvements to HR processes when appropriate. Qualifications And Experience Bachelor’s degree required; professional HR certification or advanced degree is a plus. At least three years of progressively responsible human resources experience, preferably in an independent school, nonprofit, or similarly people-focused organization. Working knowledge of human resources practices, employment regulations, benefits administration, and employee records management. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines. Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills. Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive employee matters. Strong interpersonal skills and a service-oriented approach to working with faculty, staff, and school leadership. Comfortable working with HRIS, payroll, benefits, and other administrative systems; strong Microsoft Office skills. Ability to work collaboratively, respond thoughtfully to unexpected issues, and maintain a calm and professional approach in a busy school environment. Charles River School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, personnel policies, admissions policies, financial aid programs and athletic and other school-administered programs. It is the policy of Charles River School to admit students of any race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin. #J-18808-Ljbffr