Human Resources Generalist

Company Overview The Metropolitan Regional Career and Technical Center (The Met) is an innovative educational institution founded by the non-profit Big Picture Learning. Established in 1996, The Met has grown into a network of six small high schools across Rhode Island, dedicated to empowering students through personalized learning experiences and strong community engagement.

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. 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. Attend and participate in employee grievances meetings and disciplinary meetings as needed. Serve as a point of contact for employee relations matters and assist with investigations, conflict resolution, and responding to employee concerns as needed. Maintain human resource records and information systems (paper and electronic), ensuring personnel and confidential files are accurate, secure, and compliant with applicable policies and regulations. Administer PTO, workers' compensation, unemployment compensation, and leave of absence programs (including FMLA), ensuring accurate tracking, compliance, and timely processing of documentation. Serve as the Met's Title IX Coordinator. Review, maintain, and update Job Descriptions and Employee Handbook as needed to ensure accuracy, compliance, and alignment with current policies and practices. 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, conducting phone screenings, setting up interviews, corresponding with candidates, reviewing new hire paperwork, and providing follow-up communication throughout and at the conclusion of the recruiting process. Assists onboarding of new hires, including supporting new hire orientations, creating new hire folders, and any other necessary tasks. Coordinate and confirm retirement plan enrollment for new hires. 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). Perform 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 HR as a Generalist or similar role Experience using ADP for payroll and HR functions 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 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 Why Join The Met? At The Met, you're not just taking a job—you're joining a community where your efforts in shaping a positive and inclusive culture have a tangible impact. As our Human Resources/Payroll Generalist, you'll lead initiatives that enhance employee engagement, drive our DEI goals, and create a seamless and cohesive experience for our team from onboarding through career development. We value diverse experiences and encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply, even if you don't meet every qualification.

Job Type:

Full-time Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Employee assistance program Flexible spending account Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Parental leave Retirement plan Vision insurance Ability to

Commute:

Providence, RI 02905 (Required) Ability to

Relocate:

Providence, RI 02905: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location:

In person