Human Resources Manager

Organization: San Diego Jewish Academy
Location: Carmel Valley, San Diego, CA
Status: Full-Time | Exempt
Salary Range: $80,000 – $90,000 annually

About Us
For more than 40 years, SDJA has been a leader in education as a pluralistic preschool - 12th grade school serving the Jewish community on our beautiful 56-acre campus. Our mission is to empower each student to learn for life, guided by Jewish values and rooted in the strength of community. We are shaping the foundation of future thinkers, creators and community leaders by blending modern education with deeper purpose and meaning. Students are inspired to embrace creativity, innovation and entrepreneurial thinking in their learning, shaping them to become leaders of integrity, social responsibility, and architects of change.

Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced, professional, and people-centered Human Resources Manager to serve as the operational and strategic HR partner for our school community. Reporting to the CFO/COO/CSO, this role is responsible for the full spectrum of HR functions — from employee relations and compliance to hiring, policy, and organizational development. This is a hands-on role that requires both technical expertise and genuine care for people. While our school is rooted in Jewish tradition and culture, we welcome professionals of all backgrounds who are committed to our mission.

What You'll Do

Employee Relations

Serve as a trusted, approachable resource for employees and managers across all divisions
Counsel supervisors on performance management, workplace conduct, and conflict resolution
Navigate sensitive employee situations with discretion, professionalism, and sound judgment
Guide and support termination processes — assessing risk, coordinating with legal counsel as needed

Hiring & Talent Acquisition

Manage full-cycle recruiting — job postings, candidate communication, offer process
Draft and execute Employment Agreements and offer letters
Coordinate New Hire Authorization process with school leadership
Build positive candidate experiences that reflect our school's culture

Compliance & Legal

Ensure compliance with California and federal employment law — staying current as laws evolve
Serve as liaison with legal counsel on employment matters
Oversee workers compensation process
Support annual audits — workers comp, 401k, and fiscal

Policy & Handbooks

Own and maintain the Employee Handbook and Parent/Student Handbook
Develop, communicate, and enforce HR policies and procedures

Team Leadership

Directly supervise both the HR Coordinator and the Payroll & Benefits Specialist
Foster a collaborative, professional, and confidential HR department culture
Define and maintain clear functional touchpoints with the Controller - including payroll register review, benefit cost reporting, GL support, and audit collaboration - to ensure Finance has the visibility and information needed

Systems & Operations

Serve as HRIS administrator — ADP Workforce Now expertise required
Maintain data integrity across all HR systems
Collaborate with Payroll & Benefits Specialist and HR Coordinator

Training & Development

Coordinate and track annual employee training compliance requirements

What We're Looking For

Required:

5–7 years of progressive HR experience, including generalist and employee relations responsibilities
Proficiency in ADP Workforce Now
Strong working knowledge of California employment law and wage/hour regulations
Demonstrated ability to handle confidential information with the highest level of discretion
Excellent interpersonal skills — approachable, calm, and trustworthy
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Ability to manage competing priorities in a dynamic school environment

Preferred:

Experience in a K–12 independent school or nonprofit setting
SHRM-CP or PHR certification
Experience with DocuSign, Asana, and Google Workspace

What This Role Is Not
This role requires someone who understands that confidentiality is not optional in HR — it is foundational. We are looking for a professional who can build trust across a close-knit school community and who takes that responsibility seriously.

Compensation & Benefits
The anticipated salary range for this position is $80,000 to $90,000. The offer to a successful candidate will be dependent on several factors that may include but are not limited to: the type and years of experience; training; practical knowledge; and education.

SDJA prides itself on the strong sense of community that exists within the school. In addition to an inclusive organizational climate, we offer a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees which includes: health; dental; vision; life insurance; short and long term disability; mental health benefits and an employee assistance plan; a tax savings flexible spending account plan for out of pocket health and dependent care expenses; a 401k retirement plan with a generous employer match; wellness benefits; kosher lunch community dining program; and much, much more!

Community & Inclusivity
San Diego Jewish Academy (SDJA) is a community of learners rooted in Jewish values and committed to preparing students to live and lead in a diverse and complex world. We welcome students, families, faculty, staff, and trustees from a wide range of backgrounds, identities, and experiences. Our community values diversity across many dimensions, including race, ethnicity, culture, religion, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, family structure, and economic background. As a pluralistic Jewish day school, SDJA affirms the importance of Jewish identity, tradition, and connection to the Jewish people and Israel while embracing a diversity of perspectives within our community.

Equal Employment Opportunity
SDJA is an equal opportunity employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, religion, creed, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, military or veteran status, genetic information, disability, medical condition, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Consistent with its mission as a Jewish day school, SDJA seeks candidates whose professional values and educational philosophy align with the School's mission and institutional goals. As an educational community, SDJA seeks employees who demonstrate professionalism, respect for others, and the ability to engage thoughtfully across differences. The School will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities unless doing so would create an undue hardship. If you require an accommodation in order to apply for a position or participate in the interview process, please contact Human Resources.

Employment Requirements
SDJA is unable to provide immigration sponsorships such as H1B Visas.
Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States and be willing to undergo both Live Scan background check and TB screening as part of the hiring process.

California Compliance Notice
In accordance with California law (Education Code §44939.5, as amended by SB 848), applicants for all positions with SDJA are required to disclose all current and former employment with educational institutions. Any offer of employment will be contingent upon the completion of required employment verifications.

Compensation details: 80000-90000 Yearly Salary

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San Diego Jewish Academy (SDJA)

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