Human Resources Manager Woodward Academy is Atlanta at its very best. We intentionally bring together students from diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, creating a richer learning community and exceptional academic opportunities. Our students and graduates are caring and compassionate global citizens who are a microcosm of what the world should be. Position Summary The Human Resources Manager is a key leadership role responsible for overseeing core HR operations and supporting the Academy's faculty, staff, and leaders. Reporting to the AVP for Human Resources, this position provides leadership across employee relations, benefits, talent acquisition, compliance, leave administration, HR systems, and workforce data. The HR Manager leads and develops HR team members while ensuring accountability, consistency, and effective execution of departmental priorities. This role requires sound judgment, strong HR knowledge, technological proficiency, and the ability to operate independently while managing both day-to-day responsibilities and broader HR initiatives. The successful candidate will be a collaborative and solutions-oriented leader who embraces technology, data, artificial intelligence (AI), and process improvement to strengthen HR operations and organizational decision-making. Specific Duties and Responsibilities Lead and develop assigned HR team members by establishing expectations, delegating responsibilities, providing feedback, and ensuring accountability. Serve as a trusted HR partner to Academy leaders, providing guidance on employee relations, performance management, policies, organizational needs, and HR best practices. Manage complex and sensitive employee relations matters, including workplace concerns, performance issues, conflict resolution, and corrective action. Oversee HR operations, including recruitment, onboarding, benefits administration, compliance, employee records, leave administration, and employment transactions. Manage employee benefit programs, including enrollment, employee education, eligibility, vendor relationships, audits, reconciliations, and issue resolution. Administer employee leave programs, including FMLA, workers' compensation, disability, and other applicable leaves. Oversee talent acquisition processes, including applicant tracking, candidate review, hiring workflows, offer letters, and onboarding. Supervise faculty contract renewals and employment agreements, ensuring accurate and timely distribution, tracking, and execution. Manage unemployment claims and required communication with applicable state agencies. Partner with Payroll to ensure accurate employee data, effective processes, and appropriate HR/payroll reconciliation. Monitor compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and recommend appropriate policy or process changes. Evaluate HR workflows and implement improvements that increase efficiency, accuracy, and consistency. Support the effective use and optimization of the Academy's HRIS and related technology, including workflows, reporting, data integrity, and automation. Identify and responsibly implement opportunities to use AI, automation, and emerging technologies to improve HR operations while maintaining appropriate confidentiality, data security, and human oversight. Develop and analyze dashboards, reports, queries, and workforce metrics to identify trends and support decision-making. Lead employee and manager education related to benefits, HR policies, systems, compliance, and HR programs. Maintain strong working relationships across the Academy and with external HR partners and vendors. Travel between Woodward Academy campuses, including Woodward North, as business needs require. Perform other duties as assigned by the AVP for Human Resources. Required Skills and Competencies Strong leadership and people-management skills, including the ability to delegate, coach, develop, and hold team members accountable. Comprehensive knowledge of HR practices, including employee relations, benefits, talent acquisition, leave management, compliance, and performance management. Strong understanding of employee benefits administration and vendor management. Demonstrated proficiency with HRIS platforms and technology-enabled HR processes; Paycom experience preferred. Ability to effectively leverage AI, automation, analytics, and emerging technology within an HR environment. Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, and proficiency with Google Workspace. Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret HR data, identify trends, and translate information into actionable recommendations. Sound judgment and demonstrated ability to manage sensitive and complex employee matters with professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality. Strong organizational and project-management skills with the ability to manage competing priorities. Ability to build credibility and effectively influence and communicate with employees and leaders at all levels. Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and facilitation skills. Forward-thinking and solutions-oriented approach with a commitment to continuous improvement. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Leadership, or a related field required. Master's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Leadership, or a related field or a recognized professional HR certification such as PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or

SHRM-SCP

required. Minimum of five years of progressive professional human resources experience required. Minimum of three years of HR leadership, supervisory, or people-management experience preferred. Demonstrated experience with employee benefits administration required. Demonstrated experience with HRIS platforms, HR reporting, and technology-enabled HR processes required. Experience using AI, automation, or other emerging technologies in an HR or business environment preferred. Independent school or education experience preferred. This is a 12-month, exempt position offering a comprehensive benefits package. Compensation is commensurate with experience and qualifications. EOE