Position Summary

The Director of Human Resources supports Fessenden employees and leadership by administering functions of the Human Resources department including staffing, benefits, performance management and accommodations. The position ensures the Human Resources department supports the strategic goals of the Fessenden School by working closely with the Chief Financial Officer in developing, implementing and evaluating HR policies, programs, functions and activities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:

• Performs or oversees tasks required to administer and execute human resource programs including but not limited to onboarding; benefits; leave and accommodation requests; work injuries; disputes and investigations; disciplinary matters; training and professional development.

• Collaborates with the Receivables, Payroll and Reception Manager on the implementation of HR administrative tasks including data management, payroll, and benefit administration

• Works with the Chief Financial Officer on developing, implementing and evaluating HR policies, programs, functions and activities

• Provides support and guidance to management and other staff when complex, specialized, and sensitive HR-related questions and issues arise

• Partners with the Director of Equity and Inclusion on School Wide employee DEI initiatives and goals.

• Handles HR-related inquiries from applicants, employees, supervisors and vendors, elevating complex and/or sensitive matters to leadership as appropriate.

• Collaborates with managers on employee performance management, and participates in the implementation and preparation for employee disciplinary meetings, terminations, and investigations.

• Collaborates with managers to recruit and facilitate the hiring of qualified job applicants for open positions

• Conducts or acquires background checks and employee eligibility verifications.

• Implements new hire onboarding and departure meetings

• Maintains compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, and recommended best practices; reviews policies and practices to maintain compliance.

• Maintains knowledge of trends, best practices, regulatory changes, and new technologies in human resources, talent management, and employment law.

• Serves as back-up to the Receivables, Payroll and Reception Manager for payroll processing

• Present Human Resource updates and information at Faculty & Staff meetings

• Performs other duties as assigned 

Minimum Qualifications 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.

• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to prioritize tasks and delegate them when appropriate.

• Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.

• Thorough knowledge of employment-related laws and regulations.

• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.

• Proficiency with or the ability to quickly learn the organization’s HRIS and talent management systems.

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field required.

Preferred Qualifications 

• At least three years of human resource management experience

• HR certification

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. The requirements for performing the duties of this position are as follows: 

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

• Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times.

About The Fessenden School

The Fessenden School is an all boys independent day and boarding school serving 525 students in Pre-Kindergarten through 9th Grade in West Newton, MA. The Fessenden School’s mission is to cultivate each boy’s talents and develop in balance his character, mind, and body in an inclusive and joyful community. For more than 100 years, The Fessenden School has offered state-of-the-art facilities, curriculum, and programs specifically designed to meet the educational needs of boys.

Connections working at The Fessenden School