Director of Human Resources

Job Purpose: As director, set the course and lead the comprehensive human resources function for Pomfret School, supporting all faculty and staff members. Act as a strategic partner to the school's leadership team by fostering a positive, equitable, and inclusive work environment. Guide the school through recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, performance management, benefits administration, and legal compliance.

Essential Functions & Duties:  In alignment with the Pomfret School strategic priorities, Set the HR’s mission and strategic goals, and implement best practices for school-wide human resources management

• Collaborate purposefully with the leadership team (Head of School, Associate Head of School, Dean of Faculty, CFO, etc.) on staffing, organizational planning, and school culture initiatives
• Supervise and mentor the Payroll Manager, overseeing the entire payroll function and implementing robust internal controls to guarantee processing accuracy and integrity
• Partner with the CFO to ensure the employee benefits and HR department budgets are appropriate, not exceeded, and spent wisely
• Lead the recruitment, interviewing, hiring, and onboarding and offboarding process for staff
• Support Dean of Faculty on recruitment, onboarding and offboarding process for faculty
• Manage annual reappointment letter process
• Administer and evaluate employee compensation and benefits programs, serving as the primary liaison with benefit brokers and providers
• Oversee employee relations, thoughtfully guiding conflict resolution, disciplinary actions, and grievance procedures with empathy, fairness, and legal compliance
• Ensure school-wide compliance with all federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations (e.g., FMLA, CTFLMA, ADA, OSHA)
• Maintain, update, and distribute the Employee Handbook and ensure external and internal correspondence regarding HR policies is clear and timely
• Develop and oversee staff performance evaluation systems and professional development training programs
• Stay current with programs, trends, and legal changes in the human resources and independent school fields, attending relevant local and national conferences
• Must adhere to all School policies as outlined in the Employee Handbook
• Continually meet or exceed Pomfret School’s Standards of Behavior, Character, and Engagement
• Perform other duties as assigned

Position, Education/Certification and Software Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree or relevant advanced degree preferred
• SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP or HRCI (PHR/SPHR) certification is highly desirable
• Ideally five or more years of progressive HR leadership experience, preferably within an independent school, higher education, or non-profit setting
• Strong proficiency with HRIS (Human Resources Information Systems), payroll software, and standard office technology
• Comprehensive knowledge of state and federal labor laws and regulatory compliance
• Knowledge of and willingness to participate fully in the life of a vibrant boarding school community
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills; ability to coordinate tasks in a deadline-driven environment
• Absolute commitment to confidentiality, discretion, and professional integrity when handling sensitive employee information

About Pomfret School Founded in 1894, Pomfret School is an innovative, independent coeducational college preparatory boarding and day school for students in grades 9 through 12 and postgraduates. Set on a stunning 500-acre hilltop campus in the picturesque Quiet Corner of Northeastern Connecticut, Pomfret is conveniently located near Providence, Boston, and Hartford. We are a close-knit, forward-thinking community dedicated to inspiring the next generation of scholars, artists, and athletes. Our faculty and staff are the true heart of our mission, fostering an environment of academic excellence, personal growth, and deep connection. Working at Pomfret means joining a vibrant, inclusive workplace where collaboration, well-being, and professional development are prioritized, and where every employee plays a vital role in shaping the lives of our exceptional students.