Human Resources & Talent Associate

Our Commitment: Amber Charter Schools understands specific groups are subject to marginalization. We believe these powerful groups should be centered in our community and are highly encouraged to apply. We are an Affirmative Action and Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation/affectional preference, gender (including gender nonconformity, status as a transgender or transsexual individual, and gender identity or expression), sexual and reproductive health decisions, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, citizenship, age, familial status, partnership status, caregiver status, pregnancy status, uniformed service, military and veteran status, employment status, disability, political affiliation, height, weight or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law, rule or regulation. Position Summary The HR & Talent Associate provides administrative and operational support to the People Team across Human Resources and Talent functions. This role brings our Human Resources and Talent functions together in a holistic way, supporting people from their first interaction with Amber as candidates through their first days as new colleagues. The Associate manages the careers and HR inboxes, screens applicants and coordinates each step of the hiring cycle, guides candidates through pre-employment compliance and onboarding, and supports time and leave administration and HR compliance. Reporting to the Talent Manager, the Associate will work closely with colleagues across the People Team. Essential Responsibilities Inbox and Communications Management - Manage the careers and HR inboxes: respond promptly and professionally to candidate and staff inquiries, process and file incoming documents, and escalate critical or sensitive issues appropriately while maintaining strict confidentiality. - Serve as the candidate’s point person and first impression of Amber, answering questions and guiding candidates through each stage of the process. Candidate Screening, Scheduling and Applicant Tracking - Review applications and Spark Hire screenings against minimum qualifications and advance qualified, competitive candidates. - Move candidates through the hiring stages in the Greenhouse applicant tracking system. - Coordinate and schedule each step of the hiring cycle, including interviews and demos, sending confirmations and calendar invitations to candidates and hiring teams. - Attend career fairs and other recruitment events and support their logistics. Pre-Employment Compliance and Onboarding - Guide candidates through pre-employment compliance, including fingerprint clearance, certification checks, reference checks, verification of education and experience, and collection of required documents. - Add new hires to essential systems (UKG and Greenhouse Onboarding) and onboarding trackers, verify I-9 documents, create personnel files, and coordinate welcome logistics, so all new hires are accurately counted and set up on time. Time Off, Timekeeping and Payroll Preparation Support - Support employees and managers with UKG functions, including time off inquiries. - Support timecard review and payroll preparation in UKG. Records and Compliance Administration - Maintain and update confidential employee data, personnel forms and files, ensuring required documentation is complete and on file. - Assist with HR compliance functions, including assigning and following up on annual compliance trainings and supporting employment verification requests. - Generate routine reports and data as requested. - The HR & Talent Associate may also assume other tasks and responsibilities as assigned by the Talent Manager. Minimum Experience and Qualifications: - Associate’s degree - 6 months of administrative coordination or office experience - Ability to work on-site at rotating network locations at a minimum of twice a week and/or as needed. - Impeccable attention to detail and proven ability to perform repetitive administrative and data-entry work accurately in a high-volume, deadline-driven environment and to prioritize multiple obligations. - Excellent interpersonal skills with outstanding written and oral communication skills and the ability to differentiate messaging towards different learners. - Ability to act with integrity, professionalism and confidentiality. - Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Google Workspace tools. - Strong team player with the ability to take initiative and work well independently - Completion and clearance of pre-employment Fingerprinting and Reference check process. - Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States and must not require employer sponsorship for employment visa status, either now or in the future. Amber Charter Schools does not provide employment visa sponsorship. - Perform other duties as assigned. Preferred Experience and Qualifications: - Bachelor’s degree - 1 year of human resources, talent/recruiting experience, with an emphasis on detailed tracking and compliance - Experience working in an urban charter school network or another mission-driven, impactful non-profit organization. - Experience with applicant tracking, HRIS and/or timekeeping platforms (e.g., Greenhouse, UKG Ready, TriNet, Spark Hire) or similar. - Strong emotional intelligence and the ability to connect with people and interact with grace, competence and warmth. - A developed race and equity lens that guides your work and efforts to recruit and retain diverse candidates across lines of race, gender, ability or other difference. Amber’s Expectations: - This is a hybrid role: on-site presence a minimum of two days per week at rotating school locations (East Harlem, Bronx, and Upper Manhattan) and as needed, including regular attendance at school-based events and recruitment events. - Compliance with all of Amber’s policies and procedures. - Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational webinars and workshops and reviewing professional publications. - Create an environment of positive employee relations by respecting confidentiality, establishing trust and credibility, and being seen as approachable and fair. - Regular attendance and punctuality; maintain a professional appearance. - Organizational fit for Amber culture, that is, exhibit the Amber Traits of Achievement, Community, Responsibility, Honesty and Respect. Equipment: - Laptop and other office equipment, provided by Amber Charter Schools Work Environment/Physical Effort: - Regularly required to sit, stand for long periods of time, walk, climb stairs, speak loudly and clearly, visually observe, hear, operate a computer, and other classroom, school and office equipment, reach with hands and arms, bend down, and must occasionally lift, move and/or support up to 20 pounds. Work is being performed in a traditional multi-floor school environment with limited to no elevator access. Work Schedule - Full-time, 12-month work schedule Compensation: - Amber Charter Schools strictly follow a salary schedule for each role to ensure our continued commitment to pay equity. The expected salary range for this role is $58,500 - $62,063 depending on verified relevant work experience, highest level of completed education, and required certifications and/or licenses for the role. This is a non-exempt position. Who We Are: In addition to Amber’s competitive salaries, Amber offers opportunities for supplemental compensation, an excellent benefits package starting on day 1, including medical plans averaging a $55 employee contribution monthly for single coverage (with dependent options available and averaging $92-$124 per month), dental & vision coverage, a 403(b) retirement savings plan with an organization-paid contribution after 1-year, various supplemental benefit options such as life insurance, short-term and long-term disability coverage, pre-tax commuter & transit benefits and flexible spending/health reimbursement accounts, longevity and referral bonuses, generous paid time off, access to a federal student loan debt reduction program, professional development and a friendly work environment.