The Director of Human Resources serves as the Academy''s strategic leader for all human resources functions, ensuring SJCA attracts, develops, supports, and retains exceptional faculty and staff who advance the mission of Catholic education. Reporting directly to the President and serving as a member of the Academy''s leadership team, the Director of Human Resources oversees all aspects of human capital management including recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, payroll administration, benefits, compliance, policy development, performance management, and employee engagement. This position balances strategic leadership with operational excellence while fostering a professional, collaborative, faith-centered workplace that reflects the mission and values of St. Joseph Catholic Academy.
Primary Responsibilities
Human Resources Leadership
Serve as the Academy''s primary Human Resources professional and trusted advisor to the President and leadership team.
Develop, implement, and administer HR policies, procedures, and best practices.
Ensure compliance with federal, state, Archdiocesan, and employment regulations.
Maintain confidential employee records and HRIS systems with accuracy and integrity.
Support organizational planning, workforce development, and succession planning.
Participate in strategic leadership initiatives and annual budget planning.
Recruitment & Talent Management
Lead full-cycle recruitment for faculty, staff, administrators, substitute teachers, coaches, and temporary employees.
Develop recruiting strategies that attract highly qualified, mission-aligned candidates.
Coordinate candidate screening, interviews, background checks, hiring recommendations, and employment offers.
Prepare and distribute annual Letters of Intent and employment contracts.
Coordinate comprehensive onboarding and orientation for all new employees.
Manage employee offboarding, exit interviews, and separation documentation.
Payroll & Benefits Administration
Process payroll for salaried and hourly employees.
Maintain payroll records, employee deductions, and HRIS data.
Administer employee benefit programs including:
Medical, Dental, Vision
Life Insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts
AFLAC
Wellness Programs
403(b) Retirement Plans
Archdiocese Lay Pension Plan
Coordinate annual Open Enrollment.
Serve as liaison with benefit providers and insurance brokers.
Audit monthly benefit invoices for accuracy.
Process payroll-related payments and employee deductions.
Employee Relations & Organizational Culture
Foster a positive, professional, mission-centered work environment.
Provide guidance to supervisors regarding employee relations, coaching, documentation, performance management, and conflict resolution.
Support progressive discipline, performance improvement plans, and termination processes when necessary.
Plan and coordinate employee recognition, appreciation, and morale-building initiatives.
Promote employee engagement and organizational wellness.
Compliance & Risk Management
Administer Archdiocese of Milwaukee Safe Environment requirements.
Ensure compliance with:
Background checks
Catholic Mutual driving requirements
DPI training requirements
Employment eligibility documentation
Employment law
Coordinate Leave of Absence administration including:
Family and Medical Leave (FMLA)
Workers'' Compensation
Disability Leave
Manage unemployment claims.
Oversee Workers'' Compensation reporting and documentation.
Participate in DPI audits and other compliance reviews.
Maintain employee attendance and leave records.
Operational Support
Maintain employee personnel files and HR documentation.
Enter and maintain HRIS employee information.
Process Athletic Department contracts for payment.
Monitor attendance, absences, and employee leave balances.
Assist leadership with compensation planning and budget forecasting.
Prepare HR reports and employment metrics for Academy leadership.
Leadership Collaboration
The Director of Human Resources works closely with:
President - Strategic planning, organizational development, personnel matters, and leadership initiatives.
Academy Leadership Team - Recruitment, employee development, performance management, and organizational effectiveness.
Business Office - Payroll, budgeting, benefits administration, and financial reporting.
Archdiocese of Milwaukee - Compliance, benefits, employment regulations, and Catholic school personnel requirements.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in human resources, Business Administration, Organizational Leadership, or related field required.
Three to five years of progressive Human Resources experience required.
SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR, or HRIS certification preferred.
Payroll and benefits administration experience preferred.
Experience working in education, nonprofit organizations, or Catholic institutions preferred.
Demonstrated knowledge of employment law and HR best practices.
Strong proficiency with HRIS, payroll, and Microsoft Office applications.
Core Competencies
Mission-driven leadership
Professional integrity and confidentiality
Strategic thinking
Relationship building
Employee engagement
Organizational effectiveness
Communication and interpersonal skills
Conflict resolution
Attention to detail
Compliance and risk management
Project management
Collaborative leadership
Success Measures
The Director of Human Resources will be successful by:
Recruiting and retaining high-quality, mission-aligned employees.
Maintaining full compliance with employment regulations and Archdiocesan requirements.
Delivering accurate, timely payroll and benefits administration.
Building a positive employee experience throughout the employment lifecycle.
Supporting Academy leadership through sound HR guidance and responsive service.
Maintaining accurate HR records and successful audit outcomes.
Promoting employee engagement, morale, and professional growth.
Contributing to a collaborative leadership culture that advances SJCA''s mission.
Leadership Philosophy
The Director of Human Resources serves as both a strategic leader and trusted partner, ensuring that every aspect of the employee experience reflects the Academy''s commitment to excellence, faith, professionalism, and service. By cultivating a supportive workplace culture, maintaining operational excellence, and aligning people practices with the Academy''s mission, the Director helps ensure that SJCA remains an outstanding place to work, learn, and grow.