Human Resources Manager

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. The Human Resources Generalist provides comprehensive human resources support as a key member of the Operations team. This position is responsible for the day-to-day administration of HR functions, including recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, benefits administration, compliance, recordkeeping, and employee engagement initiatives. Working closely with the Director of Operations, the HR Generalist supports the development and implementation of HR programs, assists with personnel matters, and helps ensure that employment practices align with the school's mission, values, and policies. As a primary resource for employees and managers, the HR Generalist promotes consistent application of policies and procedures, maintains accurate and confidential employee records, and supports compliance with applicable employment laws and regulations. The position requires sound judgment, professionalism, strong attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities while building positive working relationships across the school community. This is a full-time, year-round, non-exempt staff position reporting directly to the Director of Operations. Dawson 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 At Dawson, you will: Shape the region’s strongest college-preparatory program through academic excellence and experiential learning. Collaborate with talented colleagues in a supportive and respectful environment. Engage in meaningful professional development to refine your craft and advance your career. Challenge and support students in a learning community that values curiosity, resilience, and purpose. Be part of a school that recognizes and invests in the well-being of its educators through competitive compensation and benefits, along with a culture that nurtures both personal and professional fulfillment. What You’ll Love About Us Retirement: 401(k) plan with employer contribution. Healthcare: medical, dental, and vision plans with HSA/FSA options, plus free telehealth services. Wellness: access to an employee assistance program, on-site gym, outdoor swimming pool, and certified athletic trainer. Enjoy free, chef-prepared lunches and a walkable, secure campus. Life Insurance and Voluntary Benefits: group life insurance with additional voluntary coverage options. Time-off: flexible sick time and paid time off. Career and Personal Development: support and encouragement for continuous learning and growth, ensuring faculty and staff remain knowledgeable, skilled, and effective in their roles. Sustainability: free parking with access to EV charging stations and ECO Pass for RTD. Strong Faculty/Staff Culture and Sense of Belonging: welcoming, positive, supportive, and engaged colleagues. 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 human resources professional who will lead and coordinate the school’s recruitment and hiring efforts while also supporting key HR functions, including 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. This role requires strong interpersonal skills, sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a collaborative and fast-paced environment. We are looking for an enthusiastic, service-minded, and collaborative colleague who embodies Dawson School’s commitment to excellence and community. As a trusted resource for faculty and staff, the Human Resources Generalist will help attract, hire, and retain exceptional employees while supporting a positive and inclusive workplace culture. The school community is engaged, collaborative, and committed to the healthy development and education of all its students, making this an exciting opportunity for an HR professional who enjoys building relationships and contributing to a mission-driven organization. Reporting to the Director of Operations, the Human Resources Generalist will play a key role in supporting employees throughout the employment lifecycle and ensuring the effective delivery of human resources services that help faculty, staff, and students thrive. Key Responsibilities Human Resources Administration Collaborate with the Professional Employer Organization (PEO) and Director of Operations to administer human resource 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 regulations and recommend updates to policies and procedures as needed. 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. Job Opening: June 22, 2026 Salary range: $60,000 -$67,000 Employment Type: Full-time, Year-round, On-Site #J-18808-Ljbffr