Manager/Associate Director of People Operations (Benefits Administrator)

Zeta Charter Schools; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Zeta Charter Schools is seeking a dynamic Manager/Associate Director of People Operations to join their team. The role involves managing benefits administration and compliance in a mission-driven environment focused on delivering excellent education. Ideal candidates possess a Bachelor’s Degree and substantial HR experience. This position offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and various perks for personal and professional growth.

Benefits

Monthly stipend for wellness and lifestyle expenses

Access to live therapy sessions and Headspace subscription

MacBook Air and mobile phone reimbursement

Fully stocked teacher workrooms with snacks

Books for professional development

Qualifications

• 5-7+ years of work experience in Human Resources, specifically in benefits administration.
• Experience with compliance in federal, state, and local regulations.
• Preference for familiarity with K-12 schools.

Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of benefits programs, including medical, dental, and retirement plans.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for all leave types and manage the end-to-end leave process.
• Ensure compliance with all benefits regulations and maintain documentation for audits.

Skills

Benefits Administration

Analytical Skills

Team Collaboration

Compliance Knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Tools

Paycom

Zoho

Job description

Follow your passion

Are you looking to make a BIG impact? At Zeta, we pursue an unprecedented combination of high academic achievement and social-emotional development for our students. We insist that every student receives a world-class education while fostering a love for learning. We are passionate about changing the landscape of public education in New York City and beyond, and we are uncompromising in our mission.

Currently, we operate multiple elementary and middle schools in the Bronx and Upper Manhattan, and are opening three new elementary schools in Queens for the 2025-26 school year. We plan to grow and open 1-2 schools each year because children in every community deserve excellent, equitable education. Join our growing team today, and be a change agent for children.

Our Network office is located at 401 W. 218th St., New York, NY 10034. Our Network team follows a hybrid work schedule: we work in-person from our office on Tuesdays and Thursdays with optional remote days on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, if your team’s scope of work permits.

Deliver powerful results

To achieve our vision, we are searching for a stellar Manager/Associate Director of People Operations with a Bachelor’s Degree and 5-7+ years of work experience in Human Resources, specifically in benefits administration to join our team. The position title will be commensurate with candidate experience relative to Zeta’s organizational levels.

Responsibilities:

• Benefits Administration:
  • Manage all aspects of Zeta’s benefits programs, including medical, dental, and vision plans, retirement, leaves of absence, unemployment, etc.
  • Lead the annual open enrollment process from end to end; develop trainings and materials, communicate plan changes and updates with clarity, and track progress across the organization to ensure completion
  • Continuously evaluate benefits programs with a strategic and analytical lens; identify gaps and opportunities, propose enhancements, and drive implementation in partnership with carriers and brokers to maximize employee satisfaction
  • Build and maintain strong, productive relationships with benefits brokers and carriers to ensure service excellence, cost-efficiency, and rapid problem resolution
  • Oversee our benefits module in Paycom, including the coordination of data feeds and integrations with carriers, and proactively identify ways to streamline and improve system operations
• Leave of Absence Administration and Worker’s Compensation:
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for all leave types including FMLA, ADA, STD, parental leave, personal leave, military leave, and other applicable leave programs
  • Manage the end-to-end leave process: eligibility verification, documentation tracking, approvals, extensions, and return-to-work procedures
  • Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local leave laws and organizational policies
  • Coordinate the intake and documentation of work-related injuries and illnesses
• Reports and Audits:
  • Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local benefits regulations (e.g., ERISA, COBRA, ACA, HIPAA, FMLA) and maintain accurate documentation necessary for reporting and audits

• Collaborate with a team of fast-paced, goal-driven strategizers who are constantly improving systems to provide a “Wow” employee experience
• Wear multiple hats as a part of a lean scale-up team, supporting the work of others on the team and taking on new projects and tasks as needed
• Preference for those with experience in Zoho and Paycom
• Preference for those with familiarity with K-12 schools

Join our purpose-driven community

Zeta teammates are lifelong learners who live with child-like joy and a deep sense of purpose. We disrupt the status quo and tackle problems together. Our team stands united by our commitment to a limitless future for every child. Our Zeta team is comprised of top talent with incredible schooling and private sector experience. At Zeta:

• We are passionate about our mission of providing world-class education to all students
• We bring a mindset of growth, flexibility, and openness to feedback
• We are hungry and determined to not only meet your goals, but surpass them
• We are humble, willing to put the team’s needs ahead of your own, and committed to contributing to a collaborative work environment
• We have a high bar for excellence and sweat over the details
• We are caring and put team over individual at all times

We are accepting applications on a rolling basis. The salary range for this position is between $75,000 and $100,000. New hires can expect to be brought into the organization at a salary at or near the start of the range, depending on relevant experience and internal equity. Compensation is based on our salary scales.

How does Zeta invest in you?

We offer great benefits:

• Comprehensive and affordable medical, dental, and vision plans
• Flexible spending accounts for eligible medical purchases and commuter expenses
• 403(b) retirement plan; Zeta offers matching contributions toward your savings
• Competitive compensation

We provide awesome perks:

• Monthly stipend for wellness and lifestyle expenses (Gym memberships, salon appointments, concerts – it’s up to you!)
• 4 live therapy sessions per month through Talkspace, and a free Headspace subscription
• MacBook Air, and specified monthly reimbursement for use of mobile phone
• Fully stocked teacher workrooms with favorite snacks and Nespresso machine
• Zeta swag, team outings, and NYC’s finest sweet treats
• Books for professional development

We care deeply about your personal and professional growth:

• Clear pathway to professional growth
• Consistent feedback and support from managers and teammates
• Community Circle practice to build and strengthen our sense of team
• Interactive Mindfulness and DEIJ programming

Apply Now!

Equity is at the heart of our mission. We have a deep commitment to pursuing diversity and striving for equity. Zeta is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Work authorization is required (candidate must have permanent authorization to work in the U.S.).