Job Description

The Organization

Prospect Schools is a high-performing, intentionally diverse ("diverse by design") K-12 college preparatory charter network serving more than 2,700 students in seven (soon to be nine!) schools in Brooklyn. Prospect Schools models its curriculum on the renowned International Baccalaureate Program, a rigorous program that raises the level of academic responsibility for students while also preparing them to be global citizens.

Our experienced team is dedicated to our mission to prepare a diverse student body to have a positive impact on society and develop a lifelong passion for learning, and guided by our Core Values:

• Curiosity : Develop sound judgment and intellect by asking questions confidently and thinking critically

• Care : Support others by grounding every action in empathy while championing equity and inclusion

• Persistence : Grow and learn by solving problems with determination, creativity and tenacity

• Passion : Succeed by approaching challenges with excitement, enthusiasm and self-assurance

We have a vision to become, by 2030, the leading network of intentionally diverse schools where all students and educators can learn, work and thrive. Find out more about who we are and what we believe by spending a few minutes reading our 2024 Annual Report.

The Role

The Director of HR Operations plays a critical role in ensuring Prospect Schools’ People systems are compliant, efficient, and employee-centered. Reporting to the Chief People & Equity Officer (CPEO), this role leads day-to-day HR operations and manages two Specialists who execute across generalist functions and are focused on benefits, onboarding/offboarding, compliance, and systems.

This role serves as the organizational lead for HR policy administration, benefits operations, employee data systems (including ADP), and compliance protocols such as onboarding documentation, employment verification, unemployment filing, and leave tracking. The Director of HR Operations partners closely with several teams and key stakeholders across the Prospect network to ensure aligned and timely employee data management. They also hold primary ownership over mission-critical, employee-facing documents and processes, including the employee handbook, stipends policies, and other high-stakes materials, ensuring these resources are accurate, accessible, and reflective of Prospect’s values and legal obligations.

This is a great opportunity for a systems-minded HR professional who thrives in the details, centers employee experience, and is excited to build out policies and processes that help a growing school network run smoothly. The Director of HR Operations works in partnership with the CPEO to oversee and evolve Prospect’s HR systems, compliance, and operational procedures while striving for excellence. They collaborate regularly with People & Equity Directors and cross-functional leaders to ensure seamless processes and aligned priorities across teams.

Key Responsibilities

Team Management & HR Systems Oversight

• Directly manage two HR Specialists and ensure clarity, consistency, and effectiveness in core HR operational workflows

• Serve as the internal owner of the HRIS (ADP), ensuring clean employee data, effective reporting, and regular collaboration with ADP consultants to optimize system use

• Lead projects to streamline and strengthen HR processes, particularly in onboarding, offboarding, and employee data management

• Manage and respond to high-priority or escalated employee support issues, particularly those involving system access, compliance, pay, or benefits

Policy, Compliance & Documentation

• Develop, maintain, and communicate key HR policies and procedures in collaboration with the CPEO, Director of Employee Relations, and General Counsel

• Lead all staff-facing policy communications, including updates to the Employee Handbook, leave policies, and disciplinary guidelines

• Lead the annual review and dissemination of the Employee Handbook and associated policy materials (code of conduct, PTO, leave policies, etc.)

• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws related to employment, documentation, benefits, and leave

• Manage and maintain employee records and personnel files in alignment with internal protocols and legal requirements

• Oversee unemployment claims and act as liaison for any related documentation or hearing preparation

• Ensure regular oversight and audits of key HRO systems to verify the accuracy of employee information, payroll and bonus payouts, benefit contributions, and deductions that are uniquely distributed across members of the organization

Benefits & Leave Management

• Oversee all employee benefits administration in partnership with the specialist who executes the work, including annual open enrollment, life event changes, and vendor relationships

• Partner with benefits brokers and vendors to ensure data accuracy, timely enrollment, and ongoing plan compliance, and ensure we are offering competitive, high-quality, comprehensive benefits options to our employees every year

• Track and manage employee leaves of absence, ensuring coordination with payroll, benefits continuation, and compliance with FMLA or other applicable policies

Payroll Coordination & Reporting

• Serve as a liaison between the People Team and Finance Team to ensure accurate and timely payroll processing

• Audit employee data for payroll accuracy, manage corrections, and respond to discrepancies or escalations

• Maintain a clear calendar of payroll and benefits deadlines, ensuring all stakeholders are aligned and deliverables met

• Lead the administration of special payrolls such as stipends, signing bonuses, and longevity bonuses, including policy alignment, budget tracking, and accurate payouts

Internal Support & Customer Service

• Ensure timely and thorough responses to employee support tickets and HR questions, partnering with Specialists to maintain high-quality service

• Hold regular HR office hours and collaborate with school-based operations teams and people managers to resolve common issues

• Track support trends and identify areas where tools, resources, or system adjustments could improve employee experience

• Lead HR communications by drafting clear, timely updates and disseminating information through multiple platforms and modalities to ensure all staff receive critical HR information and updates regarding their employment.

Collaboration & Strategic Alignment

• Work closely with the CPEO, People & Equity Directors, and other leaders to align HR operations with broader People Team and organizational priorities.

• Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure HR operations processes support equity, compliance, and operational excellence.

• Perform other relevant duties as assigned in support of Prospect’s mission and operational effectiveness.

About You

You are a detail-oriented HR leader who brings structure to complexity and centers both compliance and care in your work. You are energized by building and refining systems, enjoy collaborating across teams, and are passionate about delivering a consistent and reliable HR experience for all staff. You love a good checklist, but also know when to step back and redesign a process from scratch. You are a capable manager who brings clarity and organization to your team’s work, and you believe HR operations are the foundation of a healthy, thriving organization. You thrive in collaborative environments and actively seek out partnerships with colleagues across teams to build efficient, employee-centered systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; HR or Business-related field required

• 5+ years of experience in Human Resources or HR Operations, preferably in a school network, nonprofit, or multi-site organization

• 2+ years of people management experience, with demonstrated success in coaching, supporting, and developing direct reports

• Deep knowledge of HRIS platforms, including reporting, benefits modules, and employee data maintenance

• Familiarity with core HR compliance areas, including unemployment, COBRA, I-9 verification, leave administration, and personnel file management

• Strong understanding of federal, state, and city employment laws, especially those applicable to New York City-based employees

• Experience managing benefits programs and working with external brokers, carriers, and vendors

• Strong project management skills, including the ability to map processes, build systems, and track work to completion

• Exceptional communication and customer service skills, with the ability to resolve issues with empathy and clarity

Salary

Employees at Prospect Schools are provided with a competitive salary. Our salaries are set through a lens of equity, and based on an individual’s skills, education, and years of experience relevant to the role. The salary range for this role is from $123,700-$167,359.

Compensation and Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance

• Paid Time Off (PTO) and Vacation Days

• 401(K) and Roth 401(K) with a 4% employer match with a 3-year vesting schedule

• Flexible spending accounts, including Transit Commuter Options, Health Care FSA and Dependent Care FSA options

• Ancillary insurance, including Basic Life Insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance, and Short-Term & Long-Term Disability Insurance

• Employee Assistance Program with free expert support services to assist with a variety of life issues, from family care to mental health services

EEO and ADA Statement

EEO and ADA Statement Prospect Schools is an equal opportunity employer. We actively recruit, hire, and retain a diverse and inclusive staff. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, age, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, citizenship, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Prospect Schools is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at: careers@prospectschools.org.

The critical features of this job are described above; they may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons.

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