HR Generalist

Montgomery-Public-Schools; Alabama; On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Legacy Prep is seeking a Director of Human Resources to lead all HR functions for our charter school. You will oversee recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, benefits administration, compliance, payroll support, and HR systems management to sustain a positive, compliant workplace culture.

The role partners with school leaders to address staffing needs, implement board-approved policies, and develop talent across the organization, ensuring exceptional service to staff, students, and

Qualifications

• Associate or higher degree in HR or related field.
• Experience advising leaders on performance management and policy matters.
• Knowledge of federal/state employment laws.
• Experience with HRIS and payroll systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead recruitment, onboarding, and background checks.
• Manage employee relations, investigations, and policy updates.
• Oversee benefits, time off, and payroll support.
• Maintain HR records and compliance documentation.
• Develop performance and talent management processes.

Skills

Staffing strategy

Employee relations

HR policies

Recruitment

Communication

HRIS

Payroll

Compliance

Policy development

Data analysis

Education

Associate degree in HR or related field

Bachelor's degree in HR, Business, or related field

SHRM-CP / SHRM-SCP / PHR / SPHR certification preferred

Tools

ADP

HireTrue

Paylocity

BambooHR

Oracle

Frontline

Job description

Human Resources Generalist

Job Title: Director of Human Resources

Role Type: Administration Start Date: Immediate

Department/Subject: District Position Type: Full-Time (12 months)

Grade: N/A

Reports to: Legacy Prep Board of Directors

Position Overview

The Director of Human Resources is responsible for leading and managing all human resources functions for the charter school, including recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, benefits administration, compliance, payroll support, and HR systems management. This role supports school leaders and staff by ensuring effective HR practices, maintaining accurate employee records, and promoting a positive, professional, and compliant workplace culture. The Director of Human Resources serves as a trusted partner to leadership in addressing staffing needs, performance management, implementation of Board-approved policies, and employee development. This position requires strong discretion, organization, communication, and a commitment to supporting the school’s mission, staff, students, and families.

Primary Roles and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Hiring & Onboarding

• In partnership with school leaders, develop and maintain a strategic staffing plan to identify, attract, and retain qualified employees aligned with the school’s needs and mission.
• Post job openings, coordinate interviews, and communicate with candidates throughout the hiring process.
• Prepare and issue offer letters, coordinate required background checks, and coordinate new hire paperwork.
• Manage onboarding logistics, including onboarding schedules, coordination of system access, and welcome communications.

Employee Relations

• Advise and partner with school leaders to address performance concerns, resolve workplace conflicts, and interpret and apply HR policies consistently.
• Lead timely and impartial employee investigations, maintain documentation, and recommend appropriate follow-up actions as needed.
• Maintain and update the employee handbook and HR policies, recommend revisions for required review and approval, and communicate and implement approved changes.
• Provide guidance to employees and managers to promote a positive and complaint workplace.

Benefits & Leave Administration

• Guide employees through questions related to benefits, health insurance, 401(k), time off, and wellness programs.
• Manage leave administration, including FMLA, parental leave, disability claims, and return-to-work coordination.
• Track employee time off and ensure accurate leave documentation.
• Coordinate with benefits vendors to resolve employee issues and maintain accurate records.

HR Compliance

• Ensure the school practices align with federal, state, and local labor laws.
• Maintain required HR documentation, employee files, and audit-ready records.
• Support internal audits, compliance reporting, and policy updates.
• Develop training or communication related to workplace compliance requirements.

Performance & Talent Support

• Develop a framework to support a consistent performance review process, including timelines, communication, and system updates.
• Partner with leaders to execute promotions, coaching conversations, development plans, and succession planning activities across the organization.
• Partner with managers to track talent development needs and employee growth opportunities.
• Coordinate training programs, career development initiatives, and feedback processes.

HR Systems & Records

• Maintain accurate employee data in the school’s HR, payroll, applicant tracking, and related systems.
• Process employee changes, including new hires, terminations, transfers, promotions, and reporting structure updates.
• Generate HR reports and support data audits to ensure system accuracy.
• Maintain confidential employee records in accordance with school policies and applicable legal requirements.

Payroll Administration & Compensation Support

• Collaborate with Finance and Payroll team to review and validate timekeeping, deductions, earnings, leave balances and approved employee changes for each payroll cycles
• Partner with school leadership and Finance to evaluate and recommend salary changes, position changes, market adjustments, and organizational updates, consistent with approved budgets and required authorizations.
• Partner with Finance or Payroll teams to resolve payroll discrepancies and employees pay questions.
• Assist with compensation data tracking, reporting, and annual compensation review processes.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Other duties as assigned by the Board of Directors

Employment Qualifications

EDUCATION

• Associate’s degree in Human Resources, Business, Education or related field required
• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related, or an equivalent combination of relevant education and substantial progressive HR experience.,. SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR certification preferred

EXPERIENCE

• Experience advising leaders on performance management, workplace investigations, employee concerns, and policy matters.
• Knowledge of federal and state employment laws, including FMLA, ADA, FLSA, Title VII, EEO, wage and hour requirements, and applicable leave laws.
• Experience maintaining confidential employee records and HR compliance documentation.
• Experience using HRIS and payroll systems such as ADP, HireTrue, Paylocity, BambooHR, Oracle, Frontline, or similar platforms.

SKILLSET

• Demonstrates initiative and works independently with sound judgement
• Detail oriented; excellent organizational and time-management skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skillsAbility to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and perspectives
• Demonstrated commitment to responsive, professional service to employees and school leaders
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to develop productive working relationships with stakeholders across functional and organizational lines
• Self-aware: Aware of own strengths and areas of growth, work relentlessly to improve upon areas of growth, are open to feedback, willing to take personal responsibility, show balance in confidence vs. humility, and behave professionally
• Strong commitment of Legacy Prep’s mission and educational model, with an understanding of how effective HR practices support staff effectiveness, scholar success, and a positive school culture.
• Demonstrates integrity, professionalism, and ethical judgement
• Values and supports a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace

MINDSET

• Exhibits a growth mindset and a commitment to lifelong learning
• Collaborates effectively while maintaining objectivity and addressing difficult issues constructively
• Communicates clearly and professionally, listens actively, and builds trust through effective verbal and written communication.
• Prioritizes responsibilities, manages competing deadlines, and consistently demonstrates punctuality, preparedness, and attention to detail
• Demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement.