Job Description
Human Resources Manager Organization: San Diego Jewish Academy Location: Carmel Valley, San Diego, CA Status: Full-Time | Exempt Salary Range: $80,000 – $90,000 annually About Us For more than 40 years, SDJA has been a leader in education as a pluralistic preschool - 12th grade school serving the Jewish community on our beautiful 56-acre campus. Our mission is to empower each student to learn for life, guided by Jewish values and rooted in the strength of community. We are shaping the foundation of future thinkers, creators and community leaders by blending modern education with deeper purpose and meaning. Students are inspired to embrace creativity, innovation and entrepreneurial thinking in their learning, shaping them to become leaders of integrity, social responsibility, and architects of change. Position Overview We are seeking an experienced, professional, and people-centered Human Resources Manager to serve as the operational and strategic HR partner for our school community. Reporting to the CFO/COO/CSO, this role is responsible for the full spectrum of HR functions — from employee relations and compliance to hiring, policy, and organizational development. This is a hands-on role that requires both technical expertise and genuine care for people. While our school is rooted in Jewish tradition and culture, we welcome professionals of all backgrounds who are committed to our mission. What You'll Do Employee Relations Serve as a trusted, approachable resource for employees and managers across all divisions Counsel supervisors on performance management, workplace conduct, and conflict resolution Navigate sensitive employee situations with discretion, professionalism, and sound judgment Guide and support termination processes — assessing risk, coordinating with legal counsel as needed Hiring & Talent Acquisition Manage full-cycle recruiting — job postings, candidate communication, offer process Draft and execute Employment Agreements and offer letters Coordinate New Hire Authorization process with school leadership Build positive candidate experiences that reflect our school's culture Compliance & Legal Ensure compliance with California and federal employment law — staying current as laws evolve Serve as liaison with legal counsel on employment matters Oversee workers compensation process Support annual audits — workers comp, 401k, and fiscal Policy & Handbooks Own and maintain the Employee Handbook and Parent/Student Handbook Develop, communicate, and enforce HR policies and procedures Team Leadership Directly supervise both the HR Coordinator and the Payroll & Benefits Specialist Foster a collaborative, professional, and confidential HR department culture Define and maintain clear functional touchpoints with the Controller - including payroll register review, benefit cost reporting, GL support, and audit collaboration - to ensure Finance has the visibility and information needed Systems & Operations Serve as HRIS administrator — ADP Workforce Now expertise required Maintain data integrity across all HR systems Collaborate with Payroll & Benefits Specialist and HR Coordinator Training & Development Coordinate and track annual employee training compliance requirements What We're Looking For Required: 5–7 years of progressive HR experience, including generalist and employee relations responsibilities Proficiency in ADP Workforce Now Strong working knowledge of California employment law and wage/hour regulations Demonstrated ability to handle confidential information with the highest level of discretion Excellent interpersonal skills — approachable, calm, and trustworthy Strong written and verbal communication skills Ability to manage competing priorities in a dynamic school environment Preferred: Experience in a K–12 independent school or nonprofit setting SHRM-CP or PHR certification Experience with DocuSign, Asana, and Google Workspace What This Role Is Not This role requires someone who understands that confidentiality is not optional in HR — it is foundational. We are looking for a professional who can build trust across a close-knit school community and who takes that responsibility seriously.