People Operations Manager

Southern Arkansas University; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 85,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

A public charter school in Charlotte, NC is seeking a People Operations Manager who will play a crucial role in overseeing hiring processes, payroll administration, and compliance with employment regulations. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree and 5-7 years of experience in People Operations. Responsibilities include managing recruitment, processing payroll, and enhancing employee engagement initiatives. This position offers competitive compensation within a salary range of $85,000–$95,000, based on experience.

Qualifications

• 5-7 years of progressive experience in People Operations or HR.
• Experience in education (pre-school to 8th grade) preferred.
• Strong knowledge of federal and DC employment laws.

Responsibilities

• Oversee hiring systems, processes, and compliance with regulations.
• Manage recruitment lifecycle and ensure a positive candidate experience.
• Process payroll accurately and maintain compliance with wage laws.
• Lead employee engagement events and culture initiatives.

Skills

Project and Process Management

Collaboration and Influence

Equity Lens in Education

Continuous Improvement

Education

Bachelor's degree

SHRM certification

Tools

HRIS systems

Google Workspace

Job description

People Operations Manager, DC Charter School

The People Operations Manager will play a key role in ensuring that the hiring Charter School’s People systems, processes, and policies are executed with excellence. Reporting directly to the Director of People Operations, the Manager will oversee critical operational functions including talent systems, payroll administration, compliance with federal and DC employment regulations (including ADA and FMLA), employee engagement initiatives, and HR data management.

This position is ideal for a professional who thrives on building efficient systems, values collaboration, and is committed to advancing equity and excellence in education. The People Operations Manager will not have direct reports but will serve as a cross‑functional partner to the school’s academic leadership team, the Finance team, and external vendors.

Primary Responsibilities

Talent Systems and HR Operations

• Maintain and optimize HR systems, including HRIS, applicant tracking, and onboarding platforms.
• Partner with hiring managers to ensure smooth and compliant onboarding, offboarding, and employee lifecycle processes.
• Collaborate with the Director of People Operations to streamline workflows and ensure accuracy across personnel data, contracts, and records.
• Maintain personnel files and ensure adherence to OSSE and DC Charter School compliance requirements.

Recruitment & Talent Selection

• Manage the full recruitment lifecycle together with the Charter School's external talent sourcing partner, TenSquare. From initial interviews to offer acceptance, ensure a positive and equitable candidate experience across all roles.
• Develop, maintain, and standardize job descriptions in collaboration with hiring managers to ensure clarity, equity, and alignment with organizational goals.
• Lead all hiring logistics, including scheduling and communication with candidates and internal stakeholders.
• Represent the Charter School at local and regional career fairs, university events, and other strategic recruitment opportunities to strengthen brand visibility and attract diverse talent.
• Partner with the Director of People Operations to design and execute recruitment strategies that reflect the Charter School’s DEI priorities and support long‐term workforce planning.
• Lead onboarding activities for new hires—including background checks, HRIS setup, and orientation coordination—to ensure a smooth transition into the organization.
• Manage offboarding processes, including exit interviews, to identify trends, improve retention, and ensure respectful and compliant employee departures.

Payroll and Benefits Administration

• Process payroll accurately and in a timely manner in collaboration with the Finance team.
• Maintain payroll records and ensure compliance with DC and federal wage and hour laws.
• Serve as a liaison between employees and benefits providers to resolve inquiries efficiently.
• Support open enrollment, benefit renewals, and audits.

ADA, FMLA, and Compliance

• Manage all employee accommodation and leave processes in accordance with ADA, FMLA, DC Paid Leave, and school policies.
• Maintain confidential documentation and ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Communicate updates and coordinate with supervisors to ensure appropriate coverage and support during employee leaves.

Employee Engagement and Culture

• Partner with the Director of People Operations and school leaders to plan and execute network‑wide staff engagement events, recognition programs, and wellness initiatives.
• Coordinate and implement staff appreciation activities, team‑building experiences, and celebrations that reinforce the Charter School’s core values.
• Develop and maintain an annual engagement calendar to ensure consistent visibility of culture‑building initiatives across the network.
• Administer staff engagement surveys and collaborate with leaders to review data, identify trends, and support actionable next steps.
• Collaborate across departments to embed “Culture of Excellence” practices into team meetings, coaching cycles, and leadership development efforts.
• Manage internal communication around staff milestones (birthdays, anniversaries, promotions, new hires) to promote a sense of belonging and recognition.
• Serve as a thought partner and point of contact for employee engagement feedback, ensuring continuous improvement in the overall employee experience.

Project and Process Management

• Lead and/or support cross‑departmental projects that improve People Operations systems, compliance, and employee experience.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and implement streamlined, equitable, and sustainable solutions.
• Ensure that all HR practices align with the Charter School’s mission, values, and DEI priorities.

Other Duties

• Provide ongoing HR policy interpretation and guidance to staff and managers.
• Maintain awareness of trends, legislation, and best practices in HR to keep the Charter School’s policies current and compliant.
• Perform all other duties as assigned by the Director of People Operations.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required; SHRM certification preferred but not required.
• Minimum 5‑7 years of progressive experience in People Operations or Human Resources, with demonstrated leadership and cross‑functional collaboration.
• Experience in education (pre‑school to 8th grade) strongly preferred.

Core Competencies

• Project and Process Management: Skilled at designing, implementing, and improving systems to drive efficiency and consistency.
• Collaboration and Influence: Builds strong relationships across levels; effectively communicates and influences outcomes.
• Equity Lens in Education: Demonstrates cultural competence and a commitment to equity‑centered practices.
• Continuous Improvement: Actively seeks feedback, identifies opportunities for innovation, and adapts practices based on evolving needs.

Additional Skills

• Strong knowledge of federal and DC employment laws (FMLA, ADA, EEOC, DC Paid Leave).
• High proficiency with HRIS systems and Google Workspace.
• Exceptional interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical and organizational abilities with attention to detail and follow‑through.

Salary and Benefits

This Charter School offers competitive compensation and benefits aligned with DC charter sector standards.

Salary range: $85,000–$95,000, commensurate with experience.

Charter School staff also have opportunities to earn additional income through leadership projects and other school‑based initiatives.

HOW TO APPLY

Do you believe that every child deserves the right to a high quality education? Do you want to help build systems that empower others to thrive? Apply today!

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.

This Public Charter School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The School’s EEO policy prohibits discrimination in employment based on race, color, religion, national origin, disability, sex, age, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. The Charter School PCS will reasonably accommodate applicants and employees with disabilities upon request.