The Met, founded by the non-profit Big Picture Learning, began in 1996 as a groundbreaking new school with a student-teacher ratio of 17:1, high standards and strong family engagement. With more than 20 years in education, the Met has expanded to a network of six small high schools throughout the state of Rhode Island. The Met empowers its students to take charge of their learning, become responsible citizens and life-long learners. Met milestones include internships, individual learning plans, advisories, and a breakthrough college transition program.
Position: Human Resources/Payroll Generalist
Reports to: Director of Schools and Business Manager
Employment Status: Full-time, permanent, 12 month, in person
Start Date: Open until filled
Salary : Starting salary commensurate with experience and qualifications
Position Overview:
The Human Resources Generalist leads the human resources function; ensuring smooth and efficient business operations. The role requires both administrative and strategic responsibilities. This position performs and administers a variety of HR activities such as payroll, recruitment, and employee relations. The ideal candidate will be a versatile HR professional adept at managing diverse responsibilities, leveraging their experience and strong communication skills to foster a positive, compliant, and productive work environment aligned with The Met's values.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
HRIS Systems
Manage HRIS systems including Payroll and Benefits systems to ensure a seamless and cohesive employee experience from onboarding to career development.
Track and analyze employee engagement metrics, using data to identify trends, inform strategy, and improve workplace satisfaction.
Maintain RIDE report database (PAS, Educator Attendance, etc.)
HR Strategy and Operations
Oversee internal communication strategies to ensure employees are informed and engaged with organizational updates, goals, and initiatives.
Partner with leadership to align culture and people strategies with organizational goals.
Design and implement a comprehensive onboarding program that ensures new hires are integrated smoothly and effectively, promoting early engagement and alignment with Met values.
Conduct exit interviews to gather insights on employee experience and identify areas for improvement, using feedback to inform future engagement strategies.
Attend and participate in employee grievances meetings and disciplinary meetings as needed.
Serve as a point of contact for employee relations matters and assist with investigations, conflict resolution, and responding to employee concerns as needed.
Maintain human resource records and information systems (paper and electronic), ensuring personnel and confidential files are accurate, secure, and compliant with applicable policies and regulations.
Administer PTO, workers’ compensation, unemployment compensation, and leave of absence programs (including FMLA), ensuring accurate tracking, compliance, and timely processing of documentation.
Serve as the Met’s Title IX Coordinator.
Review, maintain, and update Job Descriptions and Employee Handbook as needed to ensure accuracy, compliance, and alignment with current policies and practices.
Recruitment and Staffing
Plan and execute hiring activities and events.
Coordinate and schedule interviews.
Partner with senior leadership on recruitment and hiring processes, including posting positions, reviewing resumes, conducting phone screenings, setting up interviews, corresponding with candidates, reviewing new hire paperwork, and providing follow-up communication throughout and at the conclusion of the recruiting process.
Assists onboarding of new hires, including supporting new hire orientations, creating new hire folders, and any other necessary tasks.
Coordinate and confirm retirement plan enrollment for new hires.
Responds to unemployment, employment verification, and other related requests.
Submits workers compensation claims to a third-party administrator.
Stay up-to-date on HR best practices and compliance requirements.
Support social media and branding initiatives (eg. LinkedIn).
Perform other tasks and duties as required by the Director of Schools and the School Business Office Manager.
Payroll
Process bi-weekly payroll through ADP Workforce Now.
Review timecards, attendance, and leave balances to ensure accuracy before payroll submission.
Enter and maintain payroll data such as new hires, terminations, pay rate changes, stipends, and additional pay.
Manage employee direct deposit setup, wage garnishments, and benefit deductions.
Audit payroll reports prior to approval to ensure accuracy and compliance.
Run and customize reports as needed.
Provide support to employees on ADP self-service features such as pay statements, W-2s, and time-off balances.
Support annual budgeting and financial audits with payroll data and analysis.
Work collaboratively with the ADP service and tax teams to ensure ADP accurately files all required payroll taxes, including Form 941, state withholding, and unemployment taxes, on the school’s behalf.
Ensure ADP processes and distributes employee W-2s and vendor 1099s in accordance with IRS deadlines.
Raise any payroll or tax filing issues immediately and work collaboratively with ADP to research and resolve them.
Required Qualifications & Skills:
Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred or equivalent work experience
4+ years of experience in HR as a Generalist or similar role
Experience using ADP for payroll and HR functions
Substantial experience managing payroll; experience with payroll software is required
Proficiency in utilizing HRIS, coworking platforms, collaboration tools, and Google Workspace
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Organizational and time management skills
Must be self-motivated and willing to learn
Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion
Flexible and positive attitude with the ability to build positive relationships.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience with Tyler Technologies software is strongly preferred
Experience working in a public school or non-profit environment
SHRM-CP and/or PHR certification is a plus
Experience with Labor Relations is a plus
Why Join The Met?
At The Met, you’re not just taking a job—you’re joining a community where your efforts in shaping a positive and inclusive culture have a tangible impact. As our Human Resources/Payroll Generalist, you’ll lead initiatives that enhance employee engagement, drive our DEI goals, and create a seamless and cohesive experience for our team from onboarding through career development. We value diverse experiences and encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply, even if you don’t meet every qualification.
To Apply:
Apply online: https://www.indeed.com ; https://www.schoolspring.com
Email: careers@metmail.org
Mail: The Met School, 325 Public Street, Providence, RI 02905, ATTN: Careers @ the Met
Equal Opportunity Employer: The Met encourages applications from candidates who reflect the increasing diversity present in our community and student body, and who will enhance and promote engagement with others. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, and any other protected status as required by applicable law. Additionally, we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose such discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation. A background check is required for this position.
The Metropolitan Regional Career & Technical Center is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally, we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose such discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation.