Director of Human Resources

Organization Description

PAVE is a K-8 college-preparatory charter school that lays the foundation for a productive and choice-filled life. We build our students brick by brick; equipping them with the academic, social, and emotional skills that they need to become critical thinkers, problem solvers, overcomers, and leaders in their communities.

Founded in 2008, PAVE’s college preparatory school model prepares students to gain access to the competitive high schools that will place them on a path of expanded opportunities, and empower them to access lives of choice. PAVE educates 400 Kindergarten – 8th-grade scholars each school year. Across our student population, 87 percent of our students are eligible for the Free and Reduced Lunch Program (FRLP); 25 percent are students with special needs, and 11 percent are English Language Learners (ELL). 

Opportunity Summary

The Director of Human Resources will oversee the administration of the school’s human resources functions as well as its efforts to recruit and retain top talent. Ideal candidates will have a demonstrated understanding of HR administration; success recruiting talent in the education sector; the ability to manage multiple critical work streams concurrently; and alignment with PAVE’s core values and educational philosophy. The Director of HR will be a thoughtful, energetic leader responsible for building and maintaining personnel-facing systems that support PAVE’s mission.

How You’ll Contribute

Human Resources and Payroll

• Manage and execute PAVE’s semi‑monthly payroll process; oversee time & attendance and ensure time‑off records feed correctly into payroll.
• Design, implement, and maintain core HR processes and end‑to‑end operations, including onboarding/offboarding logistics, background checks, workers’ compensation intake, HRIS maintenance, personnel records (I‑9s, contracts, tax and required health/leave documentation, certification records), and record retention; ensure data integrity for reporting and compliance.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for staff benefits and retirement plans; manage enrollment, open enrollment, administration, and related HR inbox inquiries.
• Manage vendor relationships for HR services (HRIS/payroll provider, benefits brokers, background‑check vendors).
• Support teacher certification and compliance: track certification status, collect required documentation, assist teachers with renewals, and coordinate with state certification bodies.
• Partner with leadership on employee relations and accommodations: investigate complaints, mediate conflicts, coordinate accommodations, and recommend resolutions.
• Produce HR reports and analytics from HRIS to support leadership decision‑making and compliance.
• Lead the annual employee contract and compensation renewal process.
• Own HR policies and the Employee Handbook; review and update annually.
• Ensure compliance with federal and New York employment and insurance laws (e.g., FLSA, FMLA, NYSPFL, PPACA, NYC Sick Leave, ERISA).

Talent Acquisition

• Partner with school leadership to assess staffing needs, set hiring priorities, and define success metrics (e.g., time‑to‑fill, diversity of hires).
• Create and execute an annual talent‑acquisition plan to meet staffing needs.
• Maintain clear, current job descriptions and ensure accurate posting across channels.
• Coordinate recruitment marketing to attract a diverse candidate pool; manage LinkedIn corporate page.
• Manage candidate communications and the full offer cycle: intent‑to‑return, offer letters, and new‑hire contracts.
• Maintain ongoing coordination with hiring managers throughout the recruitment process and provide regular status updates.

What You’ll Bring to the Team

• Strong commitment to PAVE’s mission and vision.
• Minimum 2 years of HR experience with demonstrated experience in payroll, benefits, HRIS, compliance, or talent acquisition.
• Required: advanced spreadsheet skills, HRIS experience, and ability to analyze HR data.
• Strong interpersonal skills; collaborative, solution‑focused, and an effective problem solver.
• Ability to design efficient processes and drive cross‑functional communication.
• Strong judgment and decision‑making, with the ability to manage competing priorities under tight deadlines.
• Knowledge of federal and New York employment and benefits regulations.
• SHRM‑CP, PHR, or equivalent certification preferred.
• Charter school and/or nonprofit HR experience preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree required; equivalent combinations of education and experience considered.

Our Core Values

More than a School: At PAVE, we are more than a school, we are a family. Staff members, families and community organizations work as partners to create a warm, safe and joyful learning environment. Here, students will persevere through any obstacle and blossom into the best version of themselves.

No Limits. At PAVE, the possibilities are endless, and we will not settle for less than our best. PAVE classrooms focus deeply on the academic growth and achievement of our students, as well as their social and emotional development. We maintain high expectations for our students and for ourselves and commit to providing the care, coaching, and communication needed for students and staff to learn, grow, and shine.

Bright Starts. Vibrant Futures. At PAVE, our classrooms are bright in aesthetic and vibrant with learning. Our teachers and students engage with one another enthusiastically and embrace the challenge and rigor of the work with joy. Fun is not an add on; it is an essential component of the PAVE experience. We believe that a life and love of learning starts here.

Lift every Voice. At PAVE, every voice matters. We value diverse perspectives and insights within our community. We encourage our students to engage with one another and express themselves with both power and respect. As our students prepare to enter the world beyond PAVE, it is our responsibility to ensure that our students are equipped with excellent character and are empowered to use their voice effectively to advocate for themselves and others.

Love is Justice: At PAVE, we acknowledge that systemic racism and bias have had their grips on our community for far too long. We create inclusive and equitable spaces where everyone belongs, everyone matters, and everyone is loved. 'Hate cannot drive out Hate. Only Love can do that' (King, 1963). We endeavor to bring out the best in our students and each other by, with, and through love. This, we believe, is justice in action.

Non-Discrimination Statement

PAVE Schools, Inc. does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and clients.