Senior Benefits Specialist

  • Full-time
  • Hiring Start Time: Immediate Start (Home Office)
  • HO Team: Human Resources

Company Description

Uncommon Schools is a nonprofit network of high-performing charter public schools that are closing the academic achievement gap and preparing students from historically underserved communities for success in college and beyond. Uncommon currently manages 55 schools serving more than 20,000 students in six cities: Boston, Camden, New York City, Newark, Rochester, and Troy. Uncommon graduates persist in and graduate from college at rates far higher than their peers. We believe that every child deserves an outstanding education, and we are committed to working beyond the walls of our schools to achieve that goal through our professional development workshops, books, and district partnerships. 

Job Description

Job Description

Timeline: immediate

Human Resources Team Overview

The Uncommon Human Resources team (HR) is based in New York City and provides support to 2,500+ staff members across 55 schools and the Home Office (HO). Working in close collaboration with regional and school leaders, as well as HO managers, the team provides high-quality HR operations services as part of Uncommon’s overall investment in our people. The team works closely with other Talent teams, including Recruitment and Talent Development to deliver an outstanding employee experience!

Responsibilities

We are seeking an autonomous, service-focused teammate to join our Human Resources team and support the administration of our HR policies, procedures, and programs! Day-to-day operations include: Leaves and benefits administration, payroll support, workforce planning, employee relations, policy implementation, workforce data analysis, and other related tasks.

Planning and Team Management

  • Partner with the Director of HR Operations and the Benefits Manager to execute and to identify, prioritize, and implement key initiatives
  • Support the HR Leadership Team with the annual planning processes
  • Assist with team management responsibilities, including managing two to three HR associates and/or coordinator-level staff
  • Serve as an outstanding role model, leader, and manager, investing deeply in supporting and developing HR operations and HR benefits team members and growing their capacity to learn, give, and engage in team and organization's work!

Employee Support

  • Provides daily HR support to our employees and managers, utilizing customer service ticketing systems (Zendesk), knowledge library, and other resources.
  • As service ambassador, solicit feedback from schools to inform the work of the HR team at large and ensure employee services are efficient and continue to evolve according to need.
  • Plans and executes on communication and implementation of HR initiatives for schools and regions alongside HR team leaders.
  • Collaborates with the Accounting team and schools to support leaves administration, time and attendance management, and payroll processing, etc.

Process Development and Data Analysis

  • Assist with the documentation and standardization of HR business processes in preparation for new HRIS implementation.
  • Assists with the development, implementation, and monitoring of knowledge management processes across HR functions.
  • Build, lead, and maintain HR team data dashboards and other data analysis tools;
  • Lead, assess, and analyze metrics within the HR team’s service delivery model.

HR Policy Implementation

  • Communicates and documents programs and policies clearly and consistently to staff and managers.
  • Efficiently implements HR policies, programs, and processes. Ensures network-wide adoption of policies and programs by responding to feedback and assisting networks in implementation.
  • Finds opportunities to improve policies and propose solutions to correct inconsistencies and gaps
  • Assesses adherence to HR school-related compliance requirements to achieve operational excellence.

Qualifications

Requirements

  • Experience with ADP Workforce Now and/or Workday preferred
  • Bachelor’s degree required, Professional Human Resources (PHR) certification preferred
  • 4-7 years of progressively responsible HR experience
  • Experience leading small teams (up to 3 reports or long-term project management experience)

Skills and Experience

  • Passion for Uncommon’s mission
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with demonstrated ability to speak and write clearly and persuasively
  • Strong end-user focus and the ability to establish partnerships and work collaboratively with school leaders; strong problem-solving skills
  • Excellent organization, time management, and follow-up skills; ability to prioritize
  • Thrives in evolving, fast-paced, high-change multifaceted organizations
  • Outstanding judgment, sensitivity, and high discretion
  • Self-directed with solid attention to detail and ability to project manage
  • Knowledge of employment law in NY, NJ, and/or Massachusetts
  • Above average knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
  • Willing to travel to our schools throughout our six regions
  • Background working with entrepreneurial or start-up organizations is strongly preferred

Additional Information

Uncommon Schools offers salaries commensurate with experience and a very generous benefits and vacation package. All staff members receive extensive professional development, and are equipped with a laptop computer and all necessary supplies.

Uncommon believes in the importance of being a diverse, equitable and inclusive organization that enables our students and staff to thrive. We are committed to building a talented team that reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our students. At the same time, we work to ensure an inclusive community through creating a space for meaningful dialogue about issues of race and identity for our staff and students.  As an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or disability.