Interim Head of People/Human Resources

 Overview

Located in Waltham, Lincoln, and Wayland, Massachusetts, Carroll School is an independent day school that serves students with language-based learning differences, such as dyslexia. Carroll School empowers children to become academically skilled students who are strong self-advocates and confident lifelong learners prepared to enter other academic settings. Carroll is an inclusive community committed to embracing diverse strengths, identities, and lived experiences in order to give each child what they most need to thrive.

Diversity is essential at Carroll. Creating a diverse workforce and an inclusive workplace is an important part of our mission that fosters greater creativity, innovation, and connection to the communities we serve. That mission starts here by building a robust, diverse talent pool. No matter what makes you uniquely different – size, color, culture, gender identity and expression, beliefs, religion, age, race –  know that you are welcome here.  Your difference makes Carroll stronger.    

Research shows that people from underrepresented groups apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. Carroll School encourages you to break that statistic and apply as it’s rare to find applicants who meet all the qualifications. We look forward to receiving your application. 

Carroll School is an equal opportunity employer that offers competitive salaries and benefits, including comprehensive professional development opportunities. 

Position Summary

The Interim Head of People / Human Resources provides steady, compassionate, and solutions-oriented HR leadership during a planned transition. This role reports to the Head of School and focuses on maintaining continuity across HR functions, supporting employees, ensuring compliance, and guiding immediate priorities while preparing for a smooth handoff to permanent leadership. This is an interim role expected to run through June 2026, with the possibility of extension.

This role requires an experienced HR leader who can quickly build trust, navigate a multi-campus environment, and keep people-focused systems running effectively. Given our school context, this is a predominantly on-campus role. 

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Organizational Support

• Serve as a trusted partner to the Head of School and senior leadership team.
• Provide timely guidance on employee relations, conflict resolution, and personnel matters.
• Communicate clearly and consistently with employees across campuses.
• Manage a team of two HR professionals.

Culture & DEIB Integration

• Collaborate with the Director of Culture & DEIB to support active, near-term culture and inclusion projects.
• Ensure daily practices align with the school’s DEIB commitments.

Talent Acquisition & Onboarding

• Lead active hiring cycles and manage recruitment for identified hiring needs, including the winter cycle for educators. 
• Strengthen candidate experience and recommend short-term process improvements.

Employee Relations & Community Presence

• Serve as an approachable, visible HR leader who supports employees with responsiveness, confidentiality, and care.
• Build relationships quickly across divisions and campuses.

HR Operations & Compliance

• Oversee and support day-to-day HR operations, benefits, HRIS accuracy, leaves, and compliance.
• Identify and implement quick, high-impact operational improvements.
• Prepare documentation to ensure a smooth transition to the permanent HR leader.

• 10+ years of progressive HR experience; school experience preferred.
• Strong generalist background, including employee relations, recruitment, operations, benefits administration, and compliance.
• Demonstrated success stepping into interim or transitional leadership roles.
• Experience supporting DEIB work.
• Unwavering discretion and sound judgment in handling sensitive information.
• Bachelor’s degree required; SHRM certification preferred.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.