Human Resources Specialist

At Academy of Hope Adult Public Charter School (AoH), we believe in second chances and lifelong learning. Every day, adults across Washington, DC walk through our doors determined to earn their high school credential, gain career-ready skills, and change the trajectory of their lives. We walk beside them, celebrating progress, and ensuring equitable access to opportunity.

We are seeking a Human Resources (HR) Specialist to join our growing team in Washington, DC (hybrid eligible). This professional-level position offers a salary range of $43,495 – $99,651, commensurate with experience and placement within AoH's HR Specialist levels. The HR Specialist will play a vital role in building a thriving, mission-driven workplace by supporting and leading work across key HR functions—with a primary focus on Payroll and Recruitment. As part of a collaborative HR team, this individual will ensure accurate and compliant payroll processes, coordinate inclusive hiring and onboarding practices, and contribute to HR systems, benefits, and employee engagement efforts.

This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated HR professional who values equity, accountability, and service, and who is ready to grow within a supportive organization that invests in its people as deeply as it invests in its mission.

The Opportunity

The HR Specialist is a dynamic professional-level role designed to provide both operational and strategic support across multiple areas of HR—particularly Payroll and Talent Acquisition/Recruitment—while contributing to a culture of excellence, accountability, and equity.

This role is ideal for a high-performing HR professional who thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment and is eager to grow into a specialized HR function (such as Payroll, Employee Relations, or Talent Acquisition) as AoH's HR structure continues to evolve.

What You'll Do

The HR Specialist will support a broad range of HR functions with a strong focus on recruitment and payroll administration. Key responsibilities include:

Recruitment & Onboarding

• Partner with hiring managers to design and implement inclusive, equity-centered recruitment strategies.
• Manage the full lifecycle recruitment process in Paycom, ensuring an exceptional candidate and hiring manager experience.
• Coordinate job postings, screenings, interviews, reference checks, and pre-employment requirements.
• Develop outreach pipelines through community partnerships, workforce networks, and professional organizations.
• Support new hire onboarding, orientation, and engagement activities.
• Contribute to employer branding and candidate communications that reflect AoH's mission and CARES values.

Payroll & HR Operations

• Assist with biweekly payroll processing to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with wage and hour laws, DC regulations, and internal policies.
• Serve as a point of contact for employee payroll questions and troubleshooting in Paycom.
• Support payroll audits, reporting, and reconciliations in coordination with HR and Finance.
• Maintain accurate personnel and payroll records, ensuring confidentiality and data integrity.
• Collaborate with HR leadership on process improvements, data reporting, and policy implementation.

Generalist & Collaborative HR Support

• Assist in benefits administration, leave tracking, and compliance activities as needed.
• Participate in the development and implementation of HR policies, procedures, and systems.
• Support employee engagement, recognition, and wellness initiatives.
• Ensure HR compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws (EEO, FMLA, ACA, etc.).
• Partner cross-functionally with managers and staff to promote a positive, equitable, and mission-aligned workplace.

Qualifications

What You'll Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field.
• 2+ years of professional experience in HR, preferably with exposure to both recruitment and payroll functions.
• Knowledge of HRIS platforms (Paycom experience preferred).
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and follow-through.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and continuous learning.

Preferred Qualifications:

• SHRM-CP, PHR, or equivalent certification (required for Specialist III or within 6 months of hire).
• Experience in education, nonprofit, or public sector settings.
• Specialized credential in recruitment or payroll administration.
• Bilingual in Spanish or Amharic is a plus.

Why You'll Love Working Here

At Academy of Hope, you'll find a workplace that invests in people as deeply as it invests in its mission. We offer:

At Academy of Hope, we believe in taking care of the people who make our mission possible. We offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and work-life balance.

Our benefits include:

• Health Insurance: 100% employer-paid base plan with additional buy-up plan options available.
• 403(b) Retirement Plan: Employer-sponsored with organizational contributions to help you plan for your future.
• Employer-Paid Life and Disability Insurance: Peace of mind knowing core protection is fully covered.
• Supplemental Insurance Options:
• Accident insurance through Aflac (employee-paid).
• Supplemental life insurance for dependents (employee-paid).
• Paid Time Off: Generous leave policy, including 14 paid holidays and 2 floating holidays to use at your discretion.
• Hybrid Work Flexibility: A balanced approach that values collaboration and autonomy.
• Professional Growth: Opportunities for training, certification reimbursement, and advancement within the HR career path.

At AoH, your benefits go beyond the basics — they're part of our shared commitment to creating an equitable, caring, and supportive workplace for all.