Human Resources Manager (Immediate)

Company Description

Our Mission

The mission of all of KIPP Massachusetts schools is to create an environment where students develop the academic skills, intellectual habits and character traits necessary to maximize their potential in high school, college and the world beyond. Our program is based on:

• A focus on high-quality instruction supported by rigorous professional development to ensure that our students develop the academic skills necessary to pursue the life they choose.
• A high regard for character development to ensure that our students and staff celebrate and develop their character and identity strengths.
• An emphasis on family engagement, because we believe that our students are most likely to be able to maximize their potential when we work in partnership with our students and their families.
• A focus on college readiness for all students so that all students can make choices about their post-secondary education and future.

What We Do

We seek to provide a world-class education for students from educationally underserved communities in Lynn and Boston. Our student demographics mirror those of neighborhood schools in terms of race, socioeconomic status, Multilingual Learners (MLL), and students who receive special education services.

Our promise to families is that their children will enter college and the professional world able to thrive academically due to their literacy, numeracy, and core knowledge in science and social studies. We also promise that our students will develop the zest for learning and grit necessary to persevere as they climb the mountain to and through college and career. Our graduates will be prepared to return to their community as teachers, leaders, and architects of continued growth in Lynn and Boston.

Our Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity Vision

At KIPP Massachusetts, we believe that Knowledge is Power. Every day, our team and family have the opportunity to either perpetuate systems of oppression or disrupt them. We are compelled by the ideals of diversity, equity, and inclusivity. Therefore, we continuously commit to operating as an anti-racist organization.  Read more at Diversity Equity Inclusivity Vision.

Who We Are

KIPP Massachusetts began enrolling students in 2004. We currently hold two charters, operating two “districts.” Our first district, KIPP Academy Lynn Charter School, is based in Lynn, MA.  Our second district, KIPP Academy Boston Charter School, is based in Mattapan, MA. Each district is housed on one or more “campuses,” which we use to refer to different grade spans, for example, elementary grades, middle school grades, or high school grades.

In Lynn, KIPP Academy Lynn Elementary (serving grades K-4), KIPP Academy Lynn Middle (serving grades 5-8), and KIPP Academy Lynn Collegiate (serving grades 9-12), are all under our Lynn charter.  Admission to any grade in the Lynn district is admission to all remaining grades in the Lynn district K-12. 66% of our students in Lynn are Hispanic, 23% are African American and 11% are other races/ethnicities.

In Boston, KIPP Academy Boston Elementary (serving grades K-4), and KIPP Academy Boston (serving grades 5-8), are both under our Boston charter.  Admission to any grade in the Boston district is admission to all remaining grades in the Boston district, K-8. 68% of our students in Boston are African American, 30% are Hispanic and 2% are other races/ethnicities.

Across both districts, in 2022-23 KIPP Massachusetts serves over 2,200 students.

KIPP National

KIPP Massachusetts partners with the KIPP Foundation, or KIPP National, which is a non-profit national network of college-preparatory public charter schools serving elementary, middle and high school students.  KIPP National has a 25-year track record of preparing our students in educationally underserved communities for success in college and life.

There are 242 KIPP schools in 20 states plus the District of Columbia educating over 100,000 students on their path to and through college and career.  We believe that excellent academic, safe and structured schools, empowered teachers, an emphasis on character development and support through college are the foundation for student success, and we strive to provide this for every student.

All KIPP schools, whether they are in Massachusetts or in other states, are part of the free public school system in their respective states and enrollment is open to all students.  KIPP public charter schools are given more academic and budgetary flexibility than traditional public schools, and in exchange commit to deliver high-quality academic results for students.

Job Description

One of KIPP MA’s highest strategic priorities is supporting its diverse, hard-working staff in all aspects of their well being and effectiveness at work. The Human Resources Manager (HRM) plays a critical role in this priority by managing effective Human Resources systems, procedures, and policies while providing outstanding customer service to leaders and staff in our schools and regional office. The HRM is passionate about supporting KIPP MA’s mission and people, and embraces continuous improvement and innovation, thrives on a high performing team, and relishes the challenge of finding ways to work more efficiently and effectively.

As a member of the Regional Office Human Resources team, the HRM reports to the Director of Human Resources. The HRM works closely with the Human Resources team as well as other regional office and school-based staff, contributing to our organizational culture in a way that deepens our commitment to our employees, students, staff, and community.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

General Human Resources Responsibilities

• payroll
• parental and medical leaves
• employee onboarding, internal transfers, renewals and separations 
• accommodations
• unemployment compensation claims
• retirement accounts (MTRS, OBRA and 403b)
• employment verifications
• workers’ compensation

Employee Relations and Supports

• Project manage annual HR processes, such as benefits open enrollment, recommitment and audits.
• Assist employees with benefits-related questions throughout the year; provide benefits materials and/guidance.
• Support employees in work-life matters
• Case manage difficult situations and disciplinary action, including dispute resolution and employee relations
• Design, coordinate, conduct and/or review exit interviews and synthesize data
• Manage and ensure accuracy of staffing data in our HRIS (ADP Workforce Now) and trackers, pulling data reports as requested
• Support HRD with tracking and reporting on data for the MTEL/SEI/Licensure program, and respond to employee questions on MTEL/SEI/Licensure requirements, financial and study support, etc.
• Collaborate closely with the team’s other HRM and delegate work to the team’s HR Coordinator, as appropriate.

Regional Responsibilities

• Embody KIPP MA’s Code of Conduct by acting with integrity, leading with humanity, centering self-awareness and critical consciousness, taking personal responsibility, and engaging productively
• Participate and engage in regional professional development and community events as required

KIPP MA staff are supported in their demanding work by experienced and dedicated leadership and staff who have themselves proven successful in their role. Our KIPP MA Executive Leadership Teams maintain consistent systems and procedures designed to permit staff to do their best work. 

In addition to the responsibilities listed above, there will occasionally be other duties as assigned that staff will engage in to help promote a positive and safe learning environment and culture.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

• Love and unwavering belief in the high potential of all students
• Commitment to anti-racism and equity
• Bachelor’s Degree required or comparable educational experience (degree or certificate in human resources, business, management, public administration, or related field)
• PHR/SPHR or SHRM-CP/SCP certification preferred
• Experience in managing human resources related functions or people-related process/project management
• Experience in nonprofit setting or K-12 education preferred
• Experience using and managing ADP preferred
• Mid to High proficiency knowledge in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) required
• Familiarity with MA educator licensing requirements a plus
• KIPP MA requires that all staff be fully vaccinated with an FDA or WHO authorized vaccine (or approved by KIPP MA for an exemption as a reasonable accommodation due to a medical reason or sincerely held religious belief). 
• Pass Criminal Background Checks

KIPP MA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe in the importance of being a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization that enables all of our students and staff to thrive. We are committed to building an exceptional team that reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our students. We also strive to ensure an inclusive community by creating a space for meaningful dialogue about issues of race and identity for our staff and students. We hire without consideration to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, or disability.

Additional Information

What We Offer

The starting base salary range for this exempt position is $50,000 to $65,000 (per 1.0 FTE/45 hours per week) with a $1,000 signing bonus—and $2,000 retention and $3,000 longevity bonuses in subsequent years. We offer a comprehensive tiered benefits plan, with a competitive employer contribution toward premiums for health insurance, including coverage for spouse/domestic partner and/or children. Other benefits include dental and vision plans, flexible PTO, life insurance, work-life balance benefits, paid family and medical leaves, flexible spending account options, parenting and elder care benefits, free access to financial coaching and services, commuter benefits, 403(b) plans, individualized coaching, and referral bonuses. KIPP MA may offer a relocation stipend to help defray the cost of moving for this role, where applicable.

All staff and educators at KIPP MA are committed to anti-racism and inclusion, are part of a close-knit diverse community, and are encouraged to show up authentically, inspiring our children to do the same. For more information on the benefits of joining KIPP MA, please view our Employee Value Proposition. 

Application process

Internal candidates: If you are currently a member of the KIPP MA team, please apply by emailing your resume to the Recruitment Team at [email protected]  Be sure to indicate to which position you wish to apply.     

External candidates: If you do not currently work for the KIPP MA team, please visit our job board at https://careers.smartrecruiters.com/KIPP/massachusetts and complete an online application.

1. The KIPP MA Recruitment Team will select candidates to move forward to the video/phone screen interview stage.
2. Following the phone interview, the KIPP MA team will invite qualified candidates to interview with KIPP MA School or Regional Office Teams.