Position Summary

The Director of Human Resources is responsible for the oversight and operation of the Human Resources Office including not limited to the hiring, onboarding, and retention processes, compensation and benefits, payroll, employee concerns, evaluation processes, employee handbook, and compliance with applicable laws. The Director of Human Resources reports to the Head of School and supervises the Payroll and Employee Services Specialist and the Director of Administrative Services.

The individual in this position provides support in a manner that advances and upholds the mission and philosophy of Winchester Thurston School. The Director of Human Resources will make decisions and handle most duties and responsibilities independently, though in accordance with established procedures and policies, and will seek direction from the Head of School in unusual or unique situations.

In particular, the Director of Human Resources is responsible for the following tasks:

• Prepare job descriptions/postings, manage the applicant tracking system, and oversee the recruitment and hiring process for employees, working in conjunction with the Head of School, the Assistant Head for Teaching and Learning, Division Directors, Director of Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging, and Department Heads to hire employees

• Supervise the Payroll and Employee Services Specialist in managing payroll, time off, benefits administration, onboarding, clearances, and other personnel-related matters

• Work collaboratively with the Director of Administrative Services to develop standards around workload equity, maintain those standards, and establish an ongoing staffing plan

• Administer the onboarding system and clearance compliance system

• Manage unemployment claims, workers’ compensation claims, COBRA administration, audit requests (403b and payroll), government reporting, etc.

• Serve as a Plan Administrator for the retirement plan, remit funding for contributions, and work with retirement consultant to provide support, information and education to employees; serve as a member of the WT 403b Investment Committee and arrange quarterly meetings to monitor retirement plan investments and performance

• Oversee an evaluation system for staff and administrators and work with the Assistant Head for Teaching and Learning to support an evaluation system for faculty

• Work with the Head of School and the Executive Director of Finance and Operations to prepare budgets for annual compensation and benefits; prepare employment letters, agreements, and total compensation statements, and evaluate and negotiate annual benefits renewals

• Collaborate with the Head of School, other colleagues, and the School’s attorney to conduct investigations and manage employee concerns, performance issues, and other disciplinary actions/communications including offering support with student discipline issues

• Assist employees by providing information and answering questions about benefits, employment, or other concerns

• Update the School’s intranet system to maintain current benefits information and update the School’s website to manage job postings and other employment-related information

• Work with the Assistant Head for Teaching and Learning to plan new employee orientation and assign mentors

• Manage and communicate updates to the employee handbook, health & welfare plan, and retirement plan, including acquiring employee acknowledgements

• Review processes and procedures periodically in collaboration with other school administrators, providing recommendations for improvements or changes, related to human resources and other areas, as requested

• Ensure that the school is up to date on new and evolving laws and regulations that may require policy change or compliance

• Provide guidance for document retention and destruction and oversee document retention for personnel-related files, student concerns, and other issues

• Support the Head of School’s Office and Assistant Head for Teaching and Learning’s Office in planning employee events, as requested

• Serve as a member of the Head’s Council (senior leadership team)

• Perform other tasks, as necessary

Requirements

A Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or Human Resource Management is required. An advanced degree or certification in human resources management is desirable. A minimum of five years of experience in human resources and benefit management is required. An understanding of accounting, experience in a school or other educational institution, along with supervisory experience, is preferred.

Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and problem-solving skills are required. Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, are necessary. The ability to diplomatically and confidentially interact with employees is critical. The Director of Human Resources must be able to multi-task in a fast-paced environment. An ability to pay close attention to detail, meet inflexible deadlines, remain calm during difficult situations, work under pressure, and work with frequent interruptions is essential.

Supervisory Responsibility

The incumbent supervises the Director of Administrative Services; Payroll and Employee Services Specialist

Organizational Chart

Head of School; Director of Human Resources; Director of Administrative Services; Payroll and Employee Services Specialist

Position Information

Job Classification - Administrator, Exempt, Salaried

FT/PT Status - Regular Full-Time

Work Schedule - Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Supervisor - Head of School