Job Description: Human Resources Specialist
Employee Group: Non-affiliated
School Year: 2026/27
FLSA status: Exempt, full time
Position Summary:
The Human Resources Specialist will play a key role in supporting retention and development of high-quality staff for a K-12 educational institution. This position focuses on compensation and benefits, compliance with state and federal regulations, and fostering a positive workplace culture that aligns with the institution's mission to provide excellent education to students.
Key Responsibilities:
Payroll Administration:
- Track employee changes for step increases, tenure, longevity, stipends, bonuses and any other special payments
- Prepare personnel transaction forms for changes that affect payroll/benefits and send to business office
- Maintain and update employee databases and HR systems, ensuring accuracy and accessibility
Benefits Administration:
- Administer all employee benefits, including health insurance, workers compensation, retirement plans, employee assistance program and leaves of absence.
- Conduct benefit orientations and ensure employees understand available options.
- Coordinate open enrollment with brokers and recommend timelines and processes for compliance and completion.
- Answer benefit-related questions and troubleshoot/resolve problems.
- Track and process leave requests, certifications, and licensure renewals for district staff.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for employee inquiries regarding benefits and related procedures.
- Audit benefit enrollment, invoices and employee selections for accuracy
Compliance and Record-Keeping:
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local labor laws, including FMLA, ADA, EEO and MDE requirements.
- Maintain accurate employee records, including contracts, certifications and background checks.
- Prepare and submit reports as required by regulatory agencies and district leadership including the REP report
Special Projects:
- Collaborate with leadership on HR initiatives, such as organizational restructuring or policy development.
- Lead or assist with special projects to support the institution's strategic goals.
Qualifications:
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Education Administration, or a related field preferred or equivalent education and experience
- At least three years of payroll and/or benefit administration experience, preferably in education or a nonprofit organization.
- MSBO, PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP certification preferred
Skills and Competencies:
- Strong knowledge of HR practices, employment law, and K-12 education operations.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- High proficiency in HR software and Microsoft Office Suite required
- Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion required
- Strong problem-solving and organizational skills required
- Excellent math and Excel/Google sheet skills required
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy required
- Experience with operational efficiency and process improvement preferred
Work Environment:
- This position is based in an office environment but may require occasional travel to schools within the district.
Pay: $44,000.00 - $66,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
