Associate Director of Human Resources

The Philadelphia School (TPS) is excited to announce an opening for an Associate Director of Human Resources! If you are a seasoned HR professional who thrives in an environment where you can both shape high-level strategy and directly impact our day-to-day culture, we’d like to hear from you.

What you will do

As the Associate Director of Human Resources, you will serve as a trusted advisor to the Head of School and the Director of Finance. You will manage the full lifecycle of the employee experience, from recruiting excellent, diverse talent to fostering a welcoming, equitable, and legally compliant workplace aligned with our school’s core values.

Responsibilities include:

• Strategic Advising and Culture : Partner with the leadership team on HR strategy and implement initiatives that recognize and support our mission-driven faculty and staff.
• HR Modernization and Technology : Lead efforts to upgrade our HR technology, optimizing our HRIS to streamline workflows for payroll, recruiting, on and offboarding, certification management, and expenses.
• Compliance and Advocacy : Maintain an up-to-date employee handbook and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws (FLSA, FMLA, ADA, and child protection clearances and training).
• Total Rewards and Payroll : Oversee the semi-monthly payroll cycle and administer our competitive benefits packages (health, retirement, wellness) while building out an engaging HR communication strategy.
• Talent Management : Drive an equitable, consistent recruitment and interview process to attract top-tier talent, while also guiding supervisors on performance management, coaching, and workplace harmony.
• Professional Development : Facilitate and coordinate critical training programs, including mandated reporting, anti-harassment and discrimination, workplace safety, and respectful practices.

Who You Are

The ideal candidate is a thoughtful, practical, and people-centered HR professional who leads with empathy, sound judgment, and professionalism. You are skilled at coaching supervisors, navigating sensitive workplace issues, and supporting employees in a clear, respectful, and solutions-oriented way. You build strong relationships, communicate thoughtfully, and bring both compassion and consistency to your work.

What is Required :

• Education : Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Experience : At least 5 years of progressive HR experience, including generalist or HR leadership roles.
• Core Knowledge : Deep familiarity with federal and state employment laws (FLSA, FMLA, ADA, Title VII) and benefits plan administration.
• Investigations & Compliance : Demonstrated ability to conduct effective, empathetic investigations while maintaining confidentiality, ensuring compliance, and promoting a respectful and supportive workplace culture.
• Tech Savvy : Strong comfort with Google Workspace, HRIS systems, and a curiosity for leveraging data and modern HR digital tools.
• Interpersonal Excellence : Exceptional communication skills with the ability to exercise sound judgment, empathy, and diplomacy when addressing complex employee relations issues.
• Mission Alignment : A deep commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB), paired with an independent, collaborative, and highly discreet work ethic.

What is Preferred :

• A Master’s degree in HR or Business.
• SHRM or HRCI certification.
• Prior HR experience in a school, non-profit, or mission-driven environment.

Why Join Us?

TPS is a leader and whole-hearted champion for the preschool through 8th grade progressive education on which we were founded. Working at TPS you will witness the creative energy that is exuded throughout our hallways and learning spaces. Immersive learning, a responsive pedagogy, and meaningful engagement with the world are not just ideas that we value; they are woven into our culture, making TPS a unique place to learn, work and grow professionally.

In addition to a supportive and inspiring work environment, TPS is a place where your talents will be recognized and celebrated. Your well-being and success, both professionally and personally, are always a priority.

We also offer a robust benefits package designed to support your health, wellness, and professional growth. Our comprehensive offerings include health insurance, life and disability coverage, health savings and flexible spending accounts, commuter benefits, retirement savings plans, tuition reimbursement, and opportunities for continued learning and development. Most of our benefits begin on day 1!

Ready to Apply?

If you’re ready to take the next step in your career and make a meaningful contribution to our school, we’d love to hear from you! Please apply through our website. Applications should include a letter of interest and resume.

The Philadelphia School welcomes and celebrates diversity in our student body and in our faculty, and is committed to providing an education for all of our children that instills in them a respect, understanding and appreciation for the many races, cultures, religions, family structures, and ethnicities that make up our complex and diverse world.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Philadelphia School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Philadelphia School provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

We comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws to ensure fair treatment of all applicants and employees. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, please contact our HR department at [email protected].