Human Resources Manager

Job Description 

KIPP Atlanta Schools is part of the KIPP (Knowledge is Power Program) national network of free, open enrollment, college-preparatory schools dedicated to ensuring that every child grows up free to create the future they want for themselves and their communities. There are 280 KIPP schools in 21 states and the District of Columbia serving more than 175,000 scholars and alumni. KIPP Atlanta currently operates 11 schools including five primary schools, six middle schools and one high school, as well as KIPP Forward which supports scholars on their journey to a choice-filled life. We are a social justice organization and our vision and mission require the work of dedicated, bold and skilled leaders, educators, and support staff who are committed to serving as the catalyst for joyful, academically excellent schools and the foundation for building a more just and equitable world for our scholars. 

What We Value:

• Good Decision-Making: “I make thoughtful decisions in alignment with my school’s and organization’s values.”
• Peer Accountability: “I hold all Big KIPPsters accountable to our schools’ and organization’s values, standards, and expectations.”
• Excellence Always: “I do all aspects of my work with excellence - the big and the little things, the parts being monitored as well as those not monitored.”
• Communication is Key: “I communicate with both honesty and love. How I communicate nurtures courage, belonging, partnership, and progress toward our promise to KIPPsters and families.”
• Scholars Over Everything: “I put our scholars first, 100% of the time, without fail. I quickly resolve any and all adult-centered concerns and qualms to reserve my individual and our collective time and attention for our KIPPsters.”
• Walk Trumps Talk: “I chose this social justice career. And so, I behave in alignment with my choice. My behaviors match our promise to our scholars and families.”
• “Us” Only: “I belong to every member of our organization, and every member of our organization belongs to me. I choose unity always - in both the good times and hard times.”

The Human Resources Manager supports and executes key human resources functions across KIPP Atlanta Schools. Reporting to the Director of Human Resources, this role partners closely with school and regional leaders to ensure strong employee relations, compliance, and people practices that support staff engagement, retention, and organizational goals.

The Human Resources Manager also provides direct supervision to the HR Associate, ensuring high-quality execution of HR operations and responsive employee support. This role supports a portfolio of schools and serves as a trusted advisor to leaders and employees on employee relations, performance management, policy implementation, training, and compensation. This role requires a high level of discretion, sound judgment, and a restorative, solutions-oriented approach.

Job Responsibilities:

• Serve as the primary Human Resources partner for a portfolio of schools, providing timely, ethical, and restorative support on employee relations and engagement matters.
• Advise and coach school-based and regional leaders on HR processes, performance management, and employee conduct issues.
• Investigate, mediate, and resolve employee concerns, complaints, and grievances in accordance with organizational protocols and employment law.
• Provide consultation to employees regarding workplace concerns and escalate matters appropriately based on risk, policy, and judgment.
• Support leaders in addressing performance concerns and applying corrective action consistently and equitably.

• Provide direct supervision, coaching, and performance management to the HR Associate, including prioritization of work, quality control, and professional development.
• Delegate and oversee HR transactional and operational tasks completed by the HR Associate, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance.
• Oversee and manage Human Resources operational processes.
• Serve as a point of contact for employee questions related to HR policies and general HR inquiries.
• Serve as an escalation point for complex employee inquiries and operational issues handled by the HR Associate.
• Partner with payroll to process salary adjustments, stipends, and resolve complex compensation matters.
• Support the annual compensation review process in collaboration with the Director of Human Resources.
• Ensure compliance with all internal policies and external federal, state, and local employment regulations.
• Implement and communicate policy and procedure updates, including employee handbook revisions, and ensure consistent application across schools and teams.
• Maintain accurate, confidential employee records and ensure HRIS data integrity. 
• Conduct compliance observations and meetings to ensure school-based adherence; escalate potential legal or compliance risks to the Director of Human Resources.
• Stay current on employment legislation, HR best practices, and industry trends to ensure ongoing compliance.

• Build manager capability through proactive consultation, coaching, and targeted training on employee relations, compliance, and people management practices.
• Provide ongoing staff development and compliance-related training to portfolio schools, including risk management topics.
• Support staff retention and engagement initiatives, including staff appreciation events and recognition programs, in collaboration with the Director of Human Resources
• ​​Coach and support the HR Associate in developing training materials, documentation, and employee-facing resources.

Candidate Qualifications:

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred; Associate’s degree with additional relevant experience may be considered.
• Minimum of five (5) years of Human Resources experience, with a strong focus on employee relations and compensation
• Experience with HRIS platforms and records management.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong attention to detail and proofreading ability.
• Demonstrated strategic thinking and analytical skills, with the ability to manage both high-level priorities and detailed execution.
• Proven ability to meet deadlines, adapt to changing priorities, and thrive in a fast-paced, high-accountability environment.
• Exceptional interpersonal and customer service skills, with the ability to build trust and credibility quickly.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
• Demonstrated commitment to confidentiality, professionalism, and ethical decision-making.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Preferred:

• Experience in a school district, charter network, or education-based organization 
• Prior experience supervising or mentoring HR staff
• Professional HR certification (PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP)
• Strong working knowledge of employment law and experience managing complex employee relations matters

Compensation & Benefits:

Compensation for this role is aligned to Level 4 within the KIPP Atlanta compensation structure. Starting pay will depend on various factors, including but not limited to professional experience, education, training, and certifications. The current Level 4 band is $60,000 to $97,500. Most offers are in the lower to mid range and are at the company’s sole discretion, based on the candidate's experience aligned with the role expectations. This allows us to provide a fair and equitable approach to compensation when setting pay and maintaining internal pay equity. New hires should not expect to come in at the top of the band.

KIPP Atlanta Schools offers a competitive benefits package that includes:

• 20 days of Paid Time Off, in addition to identified holidays
• Comprehensive health insurance (medical and dental), life insurance and optional short and long term disability
• Counseling and Telehealth Options
• Paid Parental Leave 
• Participation in Georgia retirement plan and an optional 403(b) retirement plan.

Location & Work Conditions:

This position requires:

• This role requires schedule flexibility; work hours vary based on campus needs and may include evenings and occasional weekends.
• This position has hybrid flexibility but does require regular presence on campus and in schools and in required meetings around the region; Must be based in Atlanta
• This position requires routine physical activity associated with normal office environments. 
• This position may require the ability to lift and carry objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to engage in school-based activities requiring standing, walking, and mobility

KIPP Atlanta Schools is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities. Duties may be adjusted based on school and organizational needs.