Human Resources Manager

UPrep is seeking a talented and compassionate Human Resources Manager. We look for staff and faculty who share our belief that a culturally rich and inclusive school community provides students with the best possible environment for a quality education. We need a leader who has passion for creating healthy and inclusive cultures and thrives on working independently as well as part of a team. If that sounds like you, we’d like to hear from you.

Who We Are:

UPrep is a 6–12 independent school in northeast Seattle, WA, one of the country’s most dynamic cities. We offer an intellectually rich education that fosters deep inquiry and critical thinking that is powered by student engagement. Our students graduate prepared for college and life. UPrep is a strong and vibrant community of students, families, faculty, staff, and alumni that joins together to support our students in becoming caring and productive adults. UPrep is a place where all students and families have equitable access to all the school has to offer, and we aspire for all community members to feel like they belong. We believe that our shared values of integrity, respect, and responsibility are essential to accomplish our mission to develop each student’s potential to become an intellectually courageous, socially responsible citizen of the world.

Job Summary:

Under minimal supervision, is responsible for Human Resources, ensures best practices are in place, and acts as a thought partner to leaders, supervisors, and others across the UPrep community.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Oversees all aspects of the employee lifecycle, from recruitment and onboarding to performance management and employee relations to offboarding, ensuring a positive and consistent experience for all employees
• Collaborates with hiring managers on recruitment strategies and manages recruitment processes for faculty and staff positions, including updating job postings, and advising on best practices
• Maintains and updates job descriptions as necessary for all roles
• Meets regularly with the Head of School and advises on HR issues and topics
• Champions and integrates DEI principles into HR policies, hiring practices, and workplace culture to foster an inclusive and equitable environment for all employees
• Provides manager and employee training on topics ranging from respectful workplace, performance management, giving and receiving feedback, and recruitment
• Partners with the Assistant Head of School for Finance & Operations to conduct regular compensation reviews for faculty and staff to ensure the School remains competitive
• Develops and reviews all employee benefit plans to ensure they meet the needs of the school, and joins the Assistant Head of School for Finance & Operations in benefit renewal discussions and negotiations
• Designs and administers channels for employee voice and feedback through new employee interviews, employee surveys, and exit interviews. Summarizes findings and works to make improvements and inform retention strategies
• Oversees performance management process, including performance reviews and performance improvement plans
• Provides guidance on employee relations issues, including grievances, disciplinary actions, and conflict resolution
• Conducts investigations into harassment, discrimination, and other claims when it is deemed necessary; involves employment law attorney or third-party investigators to assist as needed
• Develops, reviews, and updates HR policies and procedures to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal employment laws and any legislative changes
• Partners with the Payroll Manager & Human Resources Specialist on benefits administration, leaves, and accommodations
• Vigorously engages in their own professional advancement; is a life-long learner who enhances their skills, using state-of-the-art technologies to maintain high standards of performance
• Establishes and cultivates community relations by maintaining open and candid dialogue with all of the school’s constituencies
• Is familiar with and complies with all policies and regulations as put forth in the school’s documents
• Since safety and security are everyone’s responsibility, takes all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, faculty, staff, equipment, materials and facilities
• Performs other duties as assigned

Education & Experience:

• Bachelors’ degree from a four-year college or university in Human Resources or a related field required
• Masters’ degree preferred
• 5+ years’ experience in Human Resources required
• Experience working in independent schools preferred

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Understanding of employee engagement strategies and best practices to foster a positive workplace culture
• Experience using HR metrics and analytics to inform strategy and decision-making
• Demonstrated skill in conflict resolution, mediation, or alternative dispute resolution techniques
• Strong knowledge of local, state, and federal employment laws and HR best practices
• Ability to assess and mitigate employment-related risks, including knowledge of appropriate documentation practices
• Impeccable oral and written communication skills with all levels and constituencies and strong listening and interpersonal skills
• Strong attention to detail and organizational and project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
• Ability to maintain confidential information
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusivity
• Flexibility, maturity and a sense of humor
• Ability to work collaboratively in team situations
• Ability to work and communicate well with other employees, vendors, and specialists within the community
• Demonstrated ability to learn and stay current with HR trends
• Proficient at working in a Microsoft Windows environment and Google apps; ability to master common HRIS systems and confidently learn new technology
• Ability to sit and keyboard up to eight hours per day
• Ability to talk on the phone