HR Payroll & Benefits Specialist

Old Sturbridge, Inc. is seeking a detail-oriented and experienced HR Payroll & Benefits Specialist to join our team in a role that sits at the heart of our people operations. Reporting to HR leadership and based on-site at Old Sturbridge Village, this position is responsible for managing payroll processing, benefits administration, leave programs, and HR compliance across a portfolio of approximately 300 employees spanning two museums and two schools. This role requires someone who finds genuine satisfaction in getting the details right, can manage competing deadlines across multiple entities, and brings a service-oriented approach to every employee interaction. Experience in public education HR — including familiarity with school-specific compliance requirements and regulatory bodies — is a significant plus. What You'll Do Payroll Administration Process biweekly payroll for multiple entities across two payroll systems, managing staggered payroll cycles with accuracy and timeliness. Ensure all payroll activities are compliant with applicable federal and state regulations. Oversee retirement plans and submissions with each entity's payroll cycles." MTRS is not 403b but, rather, a mandatory pension plan. Maintain accurate payroll records and support HR-related audits across the museums and schools. Benefits Administration Own and manage the full lifecycle of employee benefits from onboarding through separation, including health, dental, vision, wellness, and retirement plans. Serve as the primary point of contact for all benefit-related inquiries, responding promptly and thoroughly. Partner with finance and external benefits brokers to support annual plan selection, renewals, and open enrollment. Ensure a seamless, compliant, and employee-centered experience at every stage of the benefits process. Maintain and update benefits records in HRIS and benefits administration systems. Retirement & MTRS Compliance Administer all aspects of the Massachusetts Teachers' Retirement System (MTRS), including new hire enrollment, terminations, monthly reporting, and leave of absence processing. Ensure full compliance with all applicable retirement regulations and reporting requirements across school entities. Leave of Absence Management Administer and manage leave programs including

PFML, FMLA, ADA

accommodations, and Workers' Compensation. Ensure compliance with all federal and state leave regulations across entities. Coordinate communication and documentation throughout all leave processes, maintaining clear records and timely follow-through. Audit & Compliance Support Support HR and benefits audits across both museums and both schools, ensuring documentation is accurate, complete, and audit-ready. Maintain employee records and HRIS data with a high standard of accuracy and confidentiality. Partner with finance and leadership on compliance reporting and organizational initiatives. Identify and recommend process improvements to enhance accuracy, efficiency, and compliance across HR operations. Employee Relations & Support Maintain a visible, approachable, and service-oriented HR presence across all entities. Respond to employee inquiries within 24 hours, same day whenever possible. Support and process employee separations, including offboarding documentation and benefits coordination. General HR Operations Maintain and update employee records and HRIS systems across all entities. Participate in various projects or tasks as assigned by HR leadership. Understand and observe all organizational policies. Other duties as required. What You'll Bring Education and Experience Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field required. 3 or more years of progressive HR operations experience, preferably within public education, nonprofit, or another highly regulated environment. Demonstrated experience managing multi-entity payroll, benefits administration, and employee lifecycle processes. Strong knowledge of public education compliance requirements, including experience with MTRS, DESE, and related regulatory bodies; school-sector HR background is a significant plus. Solid understanding of PFML, FMLA, ADA, Workers' Compensation, and other federal and state leave programs. Hands-on experience with HRIS and payroll platforms; familiarity with Harpers, iSolved, Employee Navigator, MTRS Portal, and OneCall is a plus. Certifications HR certification (PHR, SHRM-CP, or equivalent) preferred. Skills and Attributes Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy — this role directly supports payroll and benefits audits across multiple entities, and precision is essential. Strong organizational skills with demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines across multiple organizations and payroll cycles. Proven ability to maintain strict confidentiality, exercise sound judgment, and handle sensitive employee information with discretion. Collaborative, service-oriented approach with the ability to build trust and rapport across all levels of the organization. A growth mindset and comfort working in a fast-paced, evolving environment; willingness to take initiative and lead process improvements. Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to respond to employee inquiries clearly, promptly, and professionally. Physical Demands and Work Environment (Essential Functions) The physical demands and work environment characteristics described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Physical Demands Frequently required to remain in a stationary position (seated or standing) for extended periods while performing computer-based and administrative work. Occasionally required to move between office locations and across the museum campus. Must be able to operate standard office equipment including a computer, phone, and printer. Occasionally required to lift or move materials up to 25 pounds. Work Environment & Schedule This is an on-site position based primarily at Old Sturbridge Village in Sturbridge, MA, with occasional work at our Worcester location. Must be able to meet payroll deadlines reliably, which may occasionally require flexibility in scheduling. Individuals in this position are subject to a Criminal Conviction Record check upon hire and every other year thereafter. Old Sturbridge, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of Old Sturbridge, Inc. to provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons without regard to race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or membership in the uniformed services.

Benefits:

Dental insurance Employee assistance program Employee discount Flexible spending account Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Retirement plan Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person

Salary:

$55,000-$65,000 commensurate with experience