HR Operations and Payroll Manager

Brearley School • New York, NY

8d • Onsite

About The Position

The Brearley School seeks an experienced HR Operations and Payroll Manager to provide operational support across payroll, benefits, and core human resources services. Payroll is the primary execution responsibility. The manager owns semi-monthly payroll processing in Dayforce for hourly and salaried employees, serves as the benefits administration expert, and coordinates defined HR processes in partnership with the Chief Human Resources Officer.

The position is full-time, 12-month, and on campus, and reports to the Chief Human Resources Officer. The role processes payroll for approximately 80 hourly and 200 salaried employees and supports benefits administration, funding, onboarding and offboarding, employment agreements, leave administration, performance review processes, records compliance, and audits.

Requirements

• At least five years of progressively responsible experience in payroll, benefits administration, and HR operations, including direct ownership of recurring payroll processing.
• At least three years of Dayforce experience processing payroll for hourly and salaried employees; ability to process and troubleshoot payroll in the system is required.
• At least three years of benefits administration experience, including open enrollment, carrier billing, contribution reconciliation, and benefits funding processes.
• Proficiency with Google Suite, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft Word.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate with employees, managers, school leaders, and outside providers while handling sensitive information.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in a school or other mission-driven organization.
• A bachelor's degree.
• HR or payroll certification.
• Bilingual Spanish skills.

Responsibilities

• Own and process semi-monthly payroll in Dayforce, including regular and additional pay, deductions, approved adjustments, and off-cycle transactions when needed.
• Maintain payroll checklists and coordinate deadlines, time and attendance inputs, and validation of earnings and employee changes; release payroll only after required review and authorization.
• Maintain and troubleshoot the time-entry system and work with managers to obtain time-entry approvals.
• Respond to employee payroll questions, protect confidential information, and maintain accurate Dayforce records and workflows.
• Identify recurring payroll errors and recommend practical system, training, or process improvements; maintain cross-training and backup procedures with designated colleagues.
• Administer employee benefits plans, maintain accurate records, and confirm elections and deductions are reflected correctly in Dayforce and with benefit providers.
• Support annual open enrollment planning and administration, including system preparation, employee communications, election review, and post-enrollment reconciliation.
• Respond to employee benefits questions and coordinate timely resolution of eligibility, claims, or service issues.
• Review and reconcile monthly invoices, administrative fees, payroll deductions, and contribution reports; coordinate benefits reconciliation and funding.
• Calculate and fund the employer 403(b) retirement contribution.
• Coordinate benefits-related disability and leave documentation with the Chief Human Resources Officer and appropriate providers.
• Coordinate onboarding and offboarding logistics, including Dayforce setup, required forms, I-9s, background checks, orientation, and follow-up with managers and school offices.
• Maintain employment agreement and contract records, monitor renewal and notice dates, and coordinate review, signature, and distribution with the Chief Human Resources Officer and school leaders.
• Monitor assigned HR service requests and support leave administration by tracking requests, notices, documentation, deadlines, and return-to-work steps.
• Coordinate performance review timelines, system steps, reminders, and completion reports.
• Maintain payroll, benefits, and HR records in accordance with applicable federal, New York State, and New York City requirements and school practices.
• Participate in and prepare reports and reconciliations for the annual year-end financial audit, IRS 990, annual year-end 403(b) audit, Forms 5500 and 8955, and other payroll and benefits audits, reviews, and surveys.

Benefits

• A range of health insurance coverage options.
• An HSA plan.
• Pre-tax transit benefits.
• Long-term disability insurance.
• A retirement plan with a school contribution, upon eligibility, starting at 10% of salary with no mandatory employee contribution.
• Support for professional growth and development.
• Opportunity to participate in a community based on collaboration, mutual care, and a commitment to the greater good.
• Faculty may apply for housing in a nearby Brearley-owned building.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed