People Operations Manager, DC Charter School

People Operations Manager – DC Charter School

The People Operations Manager will play a key role in ensuring that the hiring Charter School’s People systems, processes, and policies are executed with excellence. Reporting directly to the Director of People Operations, the Manager will oversee critical operational functions including talent systems, payroll administration, compliance with federal and DC employment regulations (including ADA and FMLA), employee engagement initiatives, and HR data management.

This position is ideal for a professional who thrives on building efficient systems, values collaboration, and is committed to advancing equity and excellence in education. The People Operations Manager will not have direct reports but will serve as a cross‑functional partner to the school’s academic leadership team, the Finance team, and external vendors.

• Maintain and optimize HR systems, including HRIS, applicant tracking, and onboarding platforms.
• Partner with hiring managers to ensure smooth and compliant onboarding, offboarding, and employee lifecycle processes.
• Collaborate with the Director of People Operations to streamline workflows and ensure accuracy across personnel data, contracts, and records.
• Maintain personnel files and ensure adherence to OSSE and DC Charter School compliance requirements.

• Manage the full recruitment lifecycle together with the Charter School’s external talent sourcing partner, Ten Square; from initial interviews to offer acceptance, ensuring a positive and equitable candidate experience across all roles.
• Develop, maintain, and standardize job descriptions in collaboration with hiring managers to ensure clarity, equity, and alignment with organizational goals.
• Lead all hiring logistics, including scheduling and communication with candidates and internal stakeholders.
• Represent the Charter School at local and regional career fairs, university events, and other strategic recruitment opportunities to strengthen brand visibility and attract diverse talent.
• Partner with the Director of People Operations to design and execute recruitment strategies that reflect the Charter School’s DEI priorities and support long‑term workforce planning.
• Lead onboarding activities for new hires—including background checks, HRIS setup, and orientation coordination—to ensure a smooth transition into the organization.
• Manage offboarding processes, including exit interviews, to identify trends, improve retention, and ensure respectful and compliant employee departures.

• Process payroll accurately and in a timely manner in collaboration with the Finance team.
• Maintain payroll records and ensure compliance with DC and federal wage and hour laws.
• Serve as a liaison between employees and benefits providers to resolve inquiries efficiently.
• Support open enrollment, benefit renewals, and audits.

• Manage all employee accommodation and leave processes in accordance with ADA, FMLA, DC Paid Leave, and school policies.
• Maintain confidential documentation and ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Communicate updates and coordinate with supervisors to ensure appropriate coverage and support during employee leaves.

• Partner with the Director of People Operations and school leaders to plan and execute network‑wide staff engagement events, recognition programs, and wellness initiatives.
• Coordinate and implement staff appreciation activities, team‑building experiences, and celebrations that reinforce the Charter School’s core values.
• Develop and maintain an annual engagement calendar to ensure consistent visibility of culture‑building initiatives across the network.
• Administer staff engagement surveys and collaborate with leaders to review data, identify trends, and support actionable next steps.
• Collaborate across departments to embed “Culture of Excellence” practices into team meetings, coaching cycles, and leadership development efforts.
• Manage internal communication around staff milestones (birthdays, anniversaries, promotions, new…