Assistant Director of Human Resources

Position Summary

The Lycée Français de New York, a world-leading independent bilingual French K-12 educational institution, recognizes student safety and well-being as its first responsibilities. Indeed, at the Lycée, the student is at the center of everything we do. Consistent with its mission to embrace diversity, our school strives to build an inclusive, culturally sensitive, and equitable community of teaching and learning where everyone feels a strong sense of belonging in pursuit of educational excellence.

At the Lycée Français de New York, we believe that people are the heart of everything we do. Our mission is to create a workplace where every employee feels valued, empowered, and equipped to succeed. We’re looking for a dynamic, forward-thinking Assistant Director of Human Resources to help us elevate our culture and make a meaningful impact across our organization.

All employees are committed to the delivery of the School’s Mission, to upholding its Diversity Statement and to supporting the vision of the Head of School and the Board of Trustees. They are expected to provide encouragement, offer positive reinforcement, and show respect for each student and each other.

This position requires additional work hours as needed for school events and/or school-sponsored activities.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

In collaboration with the Head of Human Resources, the responsibilities of the Assistant Director of Human Resources include, but are not limited to:

• Benefits Administration:
• Oversee the administration of health, dental, and supplemental benefits, ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations (FMLA, PFL, ACA, ERISA, COBRA).
• Manage annual open enrollment, leading communication efforts, vendor coordination, and employee education sessions.
• Oversee the administration of medical leaves and ensure coordination of all applicable leave types based on local, state, and federal regulations (FMLA, PFL, STD, LTD, Worker's Comp)
• Develop and maintain user-friendly benefits guides to help employees navigate available leave programs.
• Research and recommend new supplemental benefits to enhance employee well-being.
• Employee Relations and Engagement:
• Act as a trusted advisor to managers and employees, providing guidance on workplace concerns, performance issues, and conflict resolution.
• Lead the resolution of employee relations matters, including conducting investigations, mediation, and disciplinary actions.
• Champion employee engagement initiatives, such as recognition programs, well-being and belonging efforts.
• Ensure a fair, inclusive, and respectful work environment aligned with organizational values.
• HR policies, procedures and compliance:
• Ensure adherence to local, state, and federal employment laws, proactively updating policies as needed.
• Develop, interpret, and enforce HR policies and procedures, ensuring consistency across departments.
• Assist in the preparation of compliance-related reports and responses to regulatory agencies.
• Stay current with evolving employment law and HR best practices to mitigate legal risks.
• Payroll Coordination:
• Lead the coordination of the semi-monthly payroll process, ensuring timely and accurate execution of payroll exceptions (e.g., new hires, terminations, unpaid leaves).
• Act as backup for payroll processing, ensuring seamless operations when needed.
• Ensure payroll compliance with wage laws, deductions, and benefits contributions.
• Performance Management and Professional Development:
• Provide strategic performance management guidance, assisting managers in coaching and evaluating employees effectively.
• Assist in the development and implementation of Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs) to address performance concerns.
• Research and recommend professional development opportunities to close skill gaps and enhance career growth.
• Support the creation of training programs to strengthen leadership and employee capabilities.
  
  

• Recruitment/Hiring/Onboarding:
• Oversee and enhance the onboarding experience, ensuring new hires feel welcomed, informed, and set up for success.
• Assist with recruitment strategies, hiring processes, and documentation, ensuring compliance with internal policies.
• Support the annual review of orientation and onboarding programs, incorporating feedback for continuous improvement.
  

Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications And Skills

Education/Experience

• A Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business, or a related field required; Master's degree preferred
• At least 5 years of progressive HR experience, leading benefits administration, employee relations and payroll;
  
  

Ski lls/Abilities

• Strong knowledge of employment laws and HR best practices
• Experience managing benefits administration and payroll processes.
• Proficiency using Google Suite and ADP Workforce Now (or similar HRIS systems).
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills;ability to articulate ideas clearly, both orally and in writing, and effectively communicate complex HR concepts to a diverse audience.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to think strategically and act tactically to achieve goals.
• Exceptional attention to detail, time management, and organizational skills.
• Ability to act with integrity, confidentiality, and professionalism in all HR matters.
• Strong collaborative and innovative mindset
• Bilingual in French and English
• SHRM and or HCI certification preferred
  
  

Annual salary range: $85,000-$105,000