Senior HR Generalist

About the role

This is more than a traditional HR role. Cristo Rey Orange County High School is seeking a Senior HR Generalist to serve as a trusted advisor and strategic partner to leadership. This is a high-impact “HR team of one” opportunity for an experienced HR professional who thrives in building structure, ensuring compliance, and supporting a mission-driven workplace.

Responsibilities

• Partner directly with leadership on HR strategy and organizational effectiveness
• Build and strengthen HR systems, infrastructure, and processes
• Serve as a coach and advisor to managers on employee matters
• Manage full-cycle payroll processing using Gusto
• Ensure compliance with California employment laws, wage and hour regulations, OSHA, and applicable agencies
• Oversee HRIS, personnel records, reporting, and audit-ready documentation
• Manage timekeeping, leave tracking, and benefits administration
• Lead employee handbook updates and policy development
• Oversee workplace safety and workers’ compensation claims
• Track and ensure completion of required trainings
• Lead full-cycle recruitment, sourcing, screening, and onboarding
• Partner with hiring managers to attract mission-aligned talent
• Manage onboarding, background checks, and fingerprinting
• Lead employee relations efforts, investigations, and conflict resolution
• Support performance management and corrective action processes
• Foster a positive, equitable, and mission-aligned workplace culture

Requirements

• Familiarity with or openness to the teachings and mission of the Catholic Church, along with commitment to building a vibrant organizational culture aligned with Cristo Rey’s mission and Catholic identity
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 7–10+ years of progressive HR experience, ideally in a nonprofit or educational setting
• Demonstrated experience managing payroll processing (Gusto preferred)
• Strong knowledge of California employment law and HR compliance
• Proven ability to operate independently in an HR team-of-one environment
• Experience advising leadership and handling complex employee relations matters
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail and sound judgment
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (especially Excel) and HR systems
• HR certification (PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP/SCP) preferred

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution
• Generous paid time off and holidays
• Eligible employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)