Director of Human Resources

Milton Academy•Milton, MA

10d•Onsite

About The Position

Milton Academy seeks an experienced Director of Human Resources to lead the School’s HR function and support a community of more than 500 employees. Reporting to the Chief Financial and Operating Officer, the Director serves as a trusted advisor to School leadership and oversees HR programs and operations that advance the School’s mission and foster a positive employee experience. The Director leads and develops an HR team and oversees recruitment and hiring, compensation and benefits, payroll, performance management, employee relations, compliance, HR systems, and workforce planning, including HR support for The Mountain School. A key priority is strengthening recruitment and workforce planning to anticipate and meet the School’s evolving needs. The Director will also support the upcoming implementation of Workday, integrating it into existing HR workflows and responsibilities, refining processes, and supporting employee training and adoption. In partnership with leaders across the School, the Director helps ensure HR programs and personnel decisions align with Milton’s strategic priorities, long-term plans, and resources. Milton Academy is an independent college preparatory K–12 school, with boarding and day programs in grades 9–12, located in Milton, Massachusetts. The School cultivates a passion for learning and respect for others, embracing diversity and the pursuit of excellence. This is a full-time, 12-month staff position on the Milton Academy campus. The role offers an annual salary range of $120,000 to $150,000, based on experience and qualifications, and requires flexibility to work nights and weekends.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required.
At least 10 years of progressive professional experience, including a minimum of 7 years in human resources.
Experience managing a team.
Demonstrated leadership and people-management experience, including supervising and developing HR staff, leading cross-functional initiatives, and partnering with senior leaders to advance organizational goals.
Proven experience leading organizational change and guiding teams through transitions with effective communication, collaboration, and constituency engagement.
Knowledge of employment law, HR compliance, and HR best practices.
Proficiency in Workday, ADP, or similar HRIS platforms.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to prioritize multiple projects and tasks in a fast-paced work environment.
Ability to work collaboratively with internal and external constituencies.
Understanding of confidentiality and related issues.
Demonstrated computer expertise, including Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, and Adobe Creative Cloud.
Must be able to work at a computer for up to 8 hours each day in conjunction with OSHA requirements.
Must be able to move around the Milton Academy campus without restriction.
Must be able to lift up to 10 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s or master’s degree in human resources or business administration.
HR certification such as PHR/SPHR or SHRM-CP/SCP.
Experience working in an independent school or higher education.
Experience working with educators.
Experience with Massachusetts compliance requirements.
Receptive to supervision and professional development.
Desire to be part of a dynamic educational community.

Responsibilities

Lead the HR Office and oversee core HR programs and operations, including payroll, employee benefits, retirement plans, compensation, performance reviews, recruitment and hiring, onboarding, training, policies, employee departures, wellness programs, compliance, audits and filings, records, background checks, and HR systems including Workday.
Lead, supervise, and mentor the HR team by setting priorities, supporting professional growth, and ensuring clear responsibilities and responsive service to the Milton community.
Lead recruitment, hiring, and workforce planning with the HR team, principals, department leaders, and hiring managers; anticipate staffing needs, attract qualified candidates, strengthen recruitment practices, and oversee hiring through offers and onboarding.
Oversee development, coordination, and delivery of annual employee training, including compliance and schoolwide professional development.
Partner with the Leadership Team to foster workplace culture, employee engagement, and retention, and advise managers on employee relations, performance, and personnel matters.
Lead employee relations matters, including conflict resolution, performance and conduct concerns, and workplace investigations, ensuring fair and consistent practices.
Partner with the Benefits Administrator to manage employee leaves, disability accommodations, and workers’ compensation in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Work with the Chief Financial and Operating Officer and the Business Office on competitive and financially responsible compensation and benefits programs.
Develop and manage the annual HR budget for operational needs and strategic initiatives.
Keep HR policies and procedures current, clear, accessible, consistently applied, and compliant with employment laws and sound HR practices.
Partner with the Controller’s Office to ensure compensation, benefits, payroll, and personnel information is accurate and shared promptly.
Oversee workforce data and reporting on staffing, recruitment, retention, compensation, benefits, employee engagement, and compliance; use findings to inform decisions and organizational planning.
Monitor federal, state, and local employment laws and relevant HR developments; assess their impact on Milton and advise School leadership on appropriate actions.
Work closely with the Chief Legal Counsel on employment matters, employee relations, HR policies, and personnel decisions involving legal or institutional risk.
Review HR processes, systems, and programs and recommend practical improvements that increase efficiency and improve employee experience.
Perform other related responsibilities as assigned.