Associate, Human Resources - Systems - job 1 of 2

Uncommon Schools is a nonprofit network of high-performing public charter schools dedicated to providing an exceptional K-12 education in economically disadvantaged communities. Operating in Boston, Camden, New York City, Newark, and Rochester, we are committed to closing the college completion gap and preparing every student for college and beyond. Our students consistently exceed national benchmarks, reflecting our dedication to their success. We invest deeply in our educators, offering weekly coaching, feedback, and professional development to ensure excellence in teaching and leadership. Join us to work hard, do good, and make a lasting difference!

As an Associate, Human Resources – Systems, you’ll be the trusted partner who keeps Uncommon’s people and systems running seamlessly. You’ll own critical HR processes in Workday, troubleshoot escalations, and turn data into solutions that make life easier for staff and leaders across our schools. By ensuring accuracy, compliance, and smooth implementation of HR programs, you’ll directly fuel Uncommon’s mission to support the educators driving student success. In this cross-functional role, your problem-solving and innovation will strengthen our entire network and shape how we deliver HR excellence.

Responsibilities:

• Successfully implements HR system processes. Ensures network-wide adoption of policies and programs by responding to feedback and assisting implementation.
• Educates and supports all staff to facilitate an understanding of new functions, policies or protocols; communicates and documents processes clearly and consistently.
• Manages escalations of HRIS issues from the Operations team, ensuring quick and thorough resolution.
• Performs testing in Workday, Uncommon’s HRIS, to diagnose and assist in the resolution of business process issues.
• Manages quarterly position audits across all schools and supports school and regional leaders in maintaining accuracy in their Staffing models
• Processes new hires, rehires, and transfers, troubleshoots issues, and recommends process improvements.
• Processes terminations, troubleshoots issues and recommends process improvements.
• Owns key workstreams/audits in the annual E/SOY process.
• Assesses adherence to compliance and process requirements to achieve operational excellence.
• Performs daily/weekly maintenance and analysis of HR data in the HRIS platform and HR systems.
• Evaluates workstreams and system business processes; makes data-driven recommendations for improvements and sees them through to implementation.
• Troubleshoots all functional and system issues in a timely manner, escalating to the Systems team as necessary.
• Provides daily HR support to our employees and managers, using customer service ticketing systems (Zendesk), knowledge library, and other resources.
• Assists HR team leaders with planning and rollout of HR programs and initiatives.
• Serves as an escalation point for leaders, handling critical and time-sensitive issues with efficiency, clear communication, and a supportive mindset.

Education Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree required

Experience Requirements:

• 3-4 years of directly related experience
  • Strong service-oriented employee focus and an ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituents. Proficient with Microsoft Excel and Google Suite products
  • Proficient in HRISs, ideally Workday
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with demonstrated ability to speak and write clearly and persuasively 
  • Excellent organization, time management, and follow-up skills
  • Ability to prioritize and demonstrate an appropriate sense of importance with flexibility.
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Experience with Zendesk or other ticketing platforms
  • Ability to take and execute feedback with a curious and growth-oriented mindset
  • Thrives in evolving, fast-paced, high-change, dynamic organizations
  • Experience in education/charter schools is a plus

Work Arrangement/Travel:

• 3 days in person in our central office in Manhattan
• Occasional travel - quarterly school visits or routine local travel (within a region)
• Annual travel is required  to regions for new hire professional development sessions

Our people are what make us Uncommon. We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits that support the personal health, wellness, and finances of our staff and their families. Our compensation philosophy values equity & fairness and attracting & retaining top talent.

Compensation

The full compensation range for this role is $67,300-$79,200. Typically, new hires who fully meet all qualifications listed in the job description will start at $71,300. Starting compensation below this reflects candidates with less experience or qualifications. Offers near the top end of the range are reserved for candidates who significantly exceed the qualifications, bringing extensive experience and specialized expertise beyond what is listed.

Compensation determinations consider relevant professional experience and tenure with Uncommon Schools. Additionally, because we value internal growth and tenure, current staff members are not subject to salary caps within this range.

Benefits

• 19 days of paid time off in addition to three weeks of paid winter and summer org-wide holidays
• Extensive, best-in-class training and development  
• Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision insurance plans
• 403(b) retirement savings program + employer match
• Paid leave of absence options (parental, medical, disability, etc.)
• Mental health and counseling support + wellness benefits
• Pre-tax flexible spending, dependent care, and health saving accounts

*A detailed list of all benefits is located HERE.

At Uncommon, we believe that a supportive and welcoming environment helps our students, staff, and community thrive. We are dedicated to building a team that brings a wide range of perspectives and experiences, reflective of the communities we serve---with over 70% of our staff identifying as people of color. Our organization values respect and open dialogue on important topics that shape our school culture.

As an equal opportunity employer, Uncommon provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. We also ensure that individuals with disabilities receive all privileges and benefits associated with employment and are provided reasonable accommodations for the interview process and to perform core job functions. If you would like to request an accommodation, please email [email protected].