Deadline for Applications: June 30, 2026, or until the position is filled.

Human Resources (HR) Manager

We are seeking an experienced HR Generalist Manager to oversee all aspects of human resources, from talent acquisition to compliance. You will be the crucial link between management and staff, implementing policies that support recruitment and retention of invested, qualified staff and foster a positive work environment.

The Agency employs approximately 220 employees who provide educational and wrap-around services to at-risk families with children ages birth to five years old in the Holyoke, Chicopee, and Springfield areas.

Position Summary: The HR Manager is responsible for providing leadership, management, and support within the Human Resource area to align HR priorities, policies, and practices with the Agency's mission and human capital needs. The HR Manager ensures that HR systems and practices are in compliance with all relevant municipal, state, and federal law as well as Office of Head Start (OHS) performance standards, Department of Early Education and Care (DEEC) regulations, and Agency policy. The HR Manager supervises a high-performing team of four (4) who are welcoming, dedicated, hard-working, flexible, and consistently exhibit positive, can-do attitudes. The HR manager promotes a culture of partnership with Agency leaders, decision-makers, supervisors, and employees. Traveling locally between different locations in the Agency's catchment area of Holyoke, Chicopee, and Springfield is essential for this position.

Knowledge of

• Federal and state employment law and human resources best practices a must.
• HR and Education laws and regulations around confidentiality a must.
• Office of Head Start Performance Standards a plus.
• Staffing needs of non-profit and/or early education and care organizations a plus.
• Best practices in staff recruitment and retention, administering benefits, processing leaves and workers' comp, separations, position changes, and internal investigations. This position does not oversee payroll.
• Pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 119, Section 51A the HR Manager is a mandated reporter and held to the statutory reporting requirements.

Education Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Human Services, Business Administration, or related field required.
• Master's degree preferred.

Certifications

• HRCI SPHR or SHRM certification or comparable work experience in HR is required.

Experience

• At least 5 years of full-time human resource generalist experience or the equivalent particularly in the areas of staff recruiting, employee benefits, employee leave and regulatory documentation and recordkeeping is required.
• At least 5 years of demonstrated success in a supervisory role is required. The Agency adheres to a reflective supervision approach as an aspect of trauma informed practice.
• Experience with administering MA Paid Family and Medical Leave is strongly preferred.

Additional Requirements

• Dependable transportation, including necessary automobile insurance, is required.
• Maintain a current, valid driver's license.

Qualities

• Steadfast commitment to the vision and mission of HCS Head Start.
• Values collaboration.
• Approachable.
• Maintains and models professionalism, confidentiality, and integrity.
• Is responsible and willing to be held accountable.
• Seeks excellence but sees mistakes as opportunities to learn and improve.
• Desires to be a lifelong learner.
• Ability to maintain and adhere to boundary guidelines.

Skills

• Digital Literacy: Technology adept and experience with Microsoft Office Suite required. (HRIS and Payroll software experience a plus.)
• Ability to apply skills to multiple applications/projects effectively to meet internal and external deadlines.
• Understands data quality, collection, analysis, and reporting to decision-makers.
• Pays close attention to detail while performing various tasks simultaneously and consistently, while maintaining useful documentation.
• Clear and concise in written and verbal communication.
• Able to identify root causes and drive positive outcomes when facilitating conflict resolution.
• Exhibits understanding of the importance of planning and methodical approach to tasks but, is able to quickly adjust priorities and respond with a sense of urgency when needed.
• Demonstrates an ability to apply critical thinking skills and consistently exercise sound judgment when determining appropriate priorities, urgency, and action steps.
• Ability to effectively lead a team and to work as a team member or individually when applicable.
• Ability to respond to change, interruptions, and competing priorities with flexibility and a positive attitude.
• Exceptional organizational skill in organizing work tasks, workspace, and electronic and hard copy filing.
• Bilingual: English-Spanish a plus

Starting Salary: $89,211.20 annually ($3,431.20 biweekly)

Exempt Full-Time Position: 40 hours per week, 52 weeks per year

Schedule: Generally, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm; occasional work required outside of these hours

This position is in person with an office in Springfield, MA.

Position reports to: Chief Operating Officer/Director of HR

Competitive Benefits for Full-Time Employees (30+ hours per week)

• Birthday off with pay
• 13 paid holidays
• Paid sick, personal, vacation days
• 403b retirement plan with maximum 3% Agency match
• Education reimbursement
• Employee assistance program
• Health & dental insurance
• Employer-paid life insurance
• Employer-paid long-term disability insurance