Manager, People Operations

About The Position

The KIPP Foundation is committed to building talent systems that are clear, consistent, and supportive of a strong employee experience. The Manager, People Operations plays a key role in delivering this experience by supporting the execution of core HR processes and systems, including payroll, benefits administration, HR systems, and employee support. This role ensures that these functions are accurate, timely, and responsive to staff needs, acting as a central coordinator and problem-solver.

Responsibilities

Payroll, Benefits & HR Administration

• Administer payroll processes in partnership with Finance, including compensation updates, stipends, and leave tracking.
• Manage day-to-day benefits administration, including enrollments, employee support, and coordination with vendors.
• Support administration of absence and leave programs, ensuring accurate tracking and compliance with policies.
• Ensure timely and accurate execution of core HR administrative processes across the employee lifecycle.

Vendor Management & Operational Coordination

• Manage relationships with People Operations vendors (benefits providers, HR systems), including communication, invoicing, and issue resolution.
• Coordinate invoices, billing, and expense tracking related to People Operations, ensuring timely and accurate processing.
• Support compliance-related administrative processes (e.g., background checks, required training, documentation tracking).
• Support with scheduling large-scale meetings across the talent team for trainings or during high-volume hiring season.

Employee Support

• Own the AskTalent intake process, serving as the primary point of contact for employee and manager inquiries.
• Respond directly to routine inquiries and triage more complex requests to appropriate team members.
• Ensure consistent and accurate interpretation of HR policies and processes in responses.
• Track trends in inquiries to identify opportunities to improve processes, communication, and documentation.

HR Systems Support & Data Administration

• Support administration of HR systems (HRIS, benefits platforms), ensuring accurate data entry and system updates.
• Maintain employee data, records, and documentation to ensure data accuracy, integrity, and compliance.
• Assist with system audits, data validation, and reporting processes.
• Ensure adherence to data privacy, security, and compliance standards.

Reporting & Analytics Support

• Support development and maintenance of HR reports and dashboards, including workforce metrics, engagement data, and operational KPIs across the talent team.
• Assist in preparing recurring reports (weekly, monthly, quarterly) to support decision-making.
• Provide data support for ad hoc requests, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.

Knowledge Management, Communication & Process Support

• Maintain HR documentation, knowledge management systems, and staff-facing materials for clarity and accessibility.
• Develop and update guides, FAQs, and training materials to support employee understanding of HR processes and benefits.
• Provide administrative support for key talent processes, including meeting coordination, materials preparation, and documentation.

Qualifications

Skills and Mindsets

• Mission and Student Focus: Passion and commitment to KIPP’s mission and core values.
• Self-Management: Demonstrated record of setting and achieving ambitious goals; effectively monitors progress; leverages organizational understanding to drive work.
• Process Management: Builds and aligns goals and project plans; leverages organizational processes and systems; develops and codifies processes for efficiency and quality.
• Data Driven Actions and Solutions: Effectively uses data to inform work streams; accurately synthesizes findings and communicates them to inform actions and decisions.
• Collaboration: Leads successful stakeholder management; builds trusting relationships and effective communication; removes barriers to cross-team collaboration.
• Serve as a Talent and Organization Ambassador: Proactive cultural leadership, customer service orientation, collaboration, continuous learning, and solutions orientation.
• Judgement & Discretion: Key talent team member with passion for education equity and KIPP’s mission and values.

Experience and Qualifications

• 4+ years of talent operations, customer service, and payroll support experience.
• HR expertise and knowledge in employment laws across multiple geographic territories.
• Track record of delivering great customer service while effectively managing relationships with key stakeholders.
• Excitement for an innovative and agile environment focused on continuous learning and improvement.
• Drive to make decisions through passion for impact, thoughtful analysis, and a consistent lens on equity.
• Experience using HR systems (ADP, Workday, ATS, Salesforce, etc.).

Additional Information

• Work Conditions: Minimal Travel (up to 5%, ~10 days/year). Full, exempt role.
• Location: Preferred to be based out of a KIPP Foundation office (NYC, Chicago), but remote option is available.
• Compensation and Benefits: Salary range: $83,200 - $99,000. Benefits include 25 holidays + 18 flexible PTO days (increasing with tenure), 100% paid parental leave, 100% employee medical/dental/vision premium coverage (75% for family), wellness benefits, 401K with 4% match, employer-sponsored legal plans, life/disability insurance, and flexible spending accounts.

Equal Opportunity Employer

KIPP Foundation is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion.