Human Resources Manager/Director

Athenian School • Danville, CA

40d • $120,000 - $175,000

About The Position

The Athenian School seeks a Human Resources Manager/Director to serve as the strategic and operational leader of the School’s Human Resources function. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, this role oversees the full employee lifecycle—from recruitment and onboarding through performance management, benefits administration, and offboarding—while ensuring compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations. The HR Manager/Director partners closely with divisional and administrative leaders to develop, implement, and continuously refine policies, practices, and systems that support a high-performing, inclusive, and mission-aligned workplace. This leader administers HR operations including employment agreements, personnel records, regulatory reporting, employee relations, and leave management, and oversees the development and communication of the Employee Handbook and related policies. In addition, the role serves as a trusted advisor to supervisors, guiding performance management and workplace matters with discretion and sound judgment, while advancing initiatives that strengthen employee engagement, professional growth, and a culture of belonging consistent with Athenian’s values.

Requirements

• Experienced HR professionals who combine technical expertise with strong relational leadership and a deep appreciation for independent school communities
• Progressive responsibility in human resources operations, compliance, recruitment, and employee relations
• Strong knowledge of California employment law and HR best practices
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with careful attention to detail
• A bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field is required
• Exceptional organizational, written, and verbal communication skills
• High emotional intelligence
• Ability to navigate complex and confidential matters with fairness and discretion
• Clear commitment to Athenian’s mission and values
• Understanding of human resources as both a strategic function and a relational practice that strengthens the entire school community

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree or HR certification preferred

Responsibilities

• Oversees the full employee lifecycle—from recruitment and onboarding through performance management, benefits administration, and offboarding
• Ensuring compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations
• Partners closely with divisional and administrative leaders to develop, implement, and continuously refine policies, practices, and systems that support a high-performing, inclusive, and mission-aligned workplace
• Administers HR operations including employment agreements, personnel records, regulatory reporting, employee relations, and leave management
• Oversees the development and communication of the Employee Handbook and related policies
• Serves as a trusted advisor to supervisors, guiding performance management and workplace matters with discretion and sound judgment
• Advancing initiatives that strengthen employee engagement, professional growth, and a culture of belonging consistent with Athenian’s values

Benefits

• Excellent benefits
• Salaries are competitive and commensurate with work experience and education
• Community members enjoy meals on campus and use of athletics facilities, including a pool, gym and fitness center
• All employees participate in school wide professional development, and have the opportunity to pursue a range of additional professional growth opportunities
• Funded participation in professional conferences and continuing education opportunities
• Athenian provides needed training for CPR/AED certification

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager