Human Resources Generalist

The Met, founded by the non-profit Big Picture Learning, began in 1996 as a groundbreaking new school with a student-teacher ratio of 16:1, high standards and strong family engagement. With more than 20 years in education, the Met has expanded to a network of six small high schools throughout the state of Rhode Island. The Met empowers its students to take charge of their learning, become responsible citizens and life-long learners. Met milestones include internships, individual learning plans, advisories, and a breakthrough college transition program. Position Overview: The Human Resources Generalist leads the human resources function; ensuring smooth and efficient business operations. The role requires both administrative and strategic responsibilities. This position performs and administers a variety of HR activities such as payroll, recruitment, and employee relations. The ideal candidate will be a versatile HR professional adept at managing diverse responsibilities, leveraging their experience and strong communication skills to foster a positive, compliant, and productive work environment aligned with The Met's values. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: HRIS Systems • Manage HRIS systems including Payroll and Benefits systems to ensure a seamless and cohesive employee experience from onboarding to career development. • Establish and maintain ongoing feedback channels, such as listening sessions, survey tools, suggestion boxes to ensure employees have a voice in the organization and feel heard. • Track and analyze employee engagement metrics, using data to identify trends, inform strategy, and improve workplace satisfaction. • Maintain RIDE report database (PAS, Educator Attendance, etc.) HR Strategy and Operations • Oversee internal communication strategies to ensure employees are informed and engaged with organizational updates, goals, and initiatives. • Partner with leadership to align culture and people strategies with organizational goals. • Design and implement a comprehensive onboarding program that ensures new hires are integrated smoothly and effectively, promoting early engagement and alignment with Met values. • Conduct exit interviews to gather insights on employee experience and identify areas for improvement, using feedback to inform future engagement strategies. • Perform customer service functions by answering employee-related requests and questions • Attend and participate in employee grievances meetings and disciplinary meetings as needed • Assist with investigations and resolve employee concerns when needed • Ensure personnel and confidential files are maintained and compliant • Log and manage FMLA process to ensure proper accounting for leaves, missed deductions, and other considerations. Recruitment and Staffing • Plan and execute hiring activities and events • Coordinate and schedule interviews. • Partner with senior leadership on recruitment and hiring processes, including posting positions, reviewing resumes, setting up interviews, corresponding with candidates, and reviewing new hire paperwork and Assists onboarding of new hires, including supporting new hire orientations, creating new hire folders, and any other necessary tasks • Responds to unemployment, employment verification, and other related requests • Submits workers compensation claims to a third-party administrator • Stay up-to-date on HR best practices and compliance requirements • Support social media and branding initiatives (eg. LinkedIn) • Performs other tasks and duties as required by the Director of Schools and the School Business Office Manager. Payroll • Process bi-weekly payroll through ADP Workforce Now. • Review timecards, attendance, and leave balances to ensure accuracy before payroll submission. • Enter and maintain payroll data such as new hires, terminations, pay rate changes, stipends, and additional pay, • Manage employee direct deposit setup, wage garnishments, and benefit deductions. • Audit payroll reports prior to approval to ensure accuracy and compliance. • Run and customize reports as needed. • Provide support to employees on ADP self-service features such as pay statements, W-2s, and time-off balances. • Support annual budgeting and financial audits with payroll data and analysis • Work collaboratively with the ADP service and tax teams to ensure ADP accurately files all required payroll taxes, including Form 941, state withholding, and unemployment taxes, on the school's behalf. • Ensure ADP processes and distributes employee W-2s and vendor 1099s in accordance with IRS deadlines. • Raise any payroll or tax filing issues immediately and work collaboratively with ADP to research and resolve them. Required Qualifications & Skills: • Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred or equivalent work experience • 4+ years of experience in an HR Manager, Generalist, or similar role • Substantial experience managing payroll; experience with payroll software is required. • Proficiency in utilizing HRIS, coworking platforms, collaboration tools, and Google Workspace. • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills • Excellent verbal and written communication skills • Organizational and time management skills • Must be self-motivated and willing to learn • Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion • Flexible and positive attitude with the ability to build positive relationships. Preferred Qualifications: • Experience with ADP and/or Tyler Technologies software is strongly preferred. • Experience working in a public school or non-profit environment. • SHRM-CP and/or PHR certification is a plus • Experience with Labor Relations is a plus Equal Opportunity Employer: The Met encourages applications from candidates who reflect the increasing diversity present in our community and student body, and who will enhance and promote engagement with The Metropolitan Regional Career & Technical Center is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally, we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose such discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation. others. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, and any other protected status as required by applicable law. Additionally, we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose such discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation. A background check is required for this position.