Human Resources Business Partner

Job Description

Founded in 1863 by the De La Salle Christian Brothers, Saint Mary's College High School is one of the oldest Lasallian Catholic secondary schools in the western United States. Located on its historic Peralta Park campus in Albany, California, Saint Mary's continues the educational vision of Saint John Baptist de La Salle, providing a holistic, college-preparatory education that fosters intellectual growth, spiritual awareness, and social responsibility. A ministry of the De La Salle Christian Brothers of the District of San Francisco New Orleans, Saint Mary's is rooted in the Lasallian Core Principles of faith in the presence of God, concern for the poor and social justice, respect for all persons, quality education, and inclusive community. The school's educational philosophy is expressed through the Lasallian Educational Outcomes, which guide students to grow spiritually, intellectually, physically, emotionally, communally, and integrally as compassionate leaders prepared to contribute to a diverse and changing world.
Mission Statement:
As a Christ-centered community striving to live the mission of Saint John Baptist de La Salle, Saint Mary's College High School is a Lasallian Catholic school where diversity and inclusion are essential, and quality education of the whole person is our active ministry. With community support and faith grounded in love, we teach one another to pursue a life of virtue, scholarship, and service.
Position Summary:
The Human Resources Business Partner (HRBP) advances the Lasallian Catholic mission of Saint Mary's College High School by aligning people, culture, and organizational strategy to foster a workplace grounded in Virtue, Scholarship, and Service. Working closely with the President and leadership team, the HRBP provides strategic and hands-on support in employee relations, performance management, recruitment, compensation, and compliance. This role ensures that all practices reflect the Lasallian Core Principles and promotes a professional, inclusive, and mission-centered environment where every employee is valued and empowered to contribute to the holistic education of Saint Mary's students.

Primary Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership & Organizational Alignment
Serve as a strategic advisor to the President and leadership team to align human resources practices with institutional goals and mission priorities.
Guide staffing needs to support effective school operations.
Maintain HR records and reports related to hiring, retention, and compliance.
Employee Relations & Performance Management
Serve as a trusted and confidential resource for employees and supervisors, providing guidance on performance management, conflict resolution, and professional expectations.
Conduct thorough, fair, and confidential investigations of workplace concerns and advise leadership on appropriate responses and corrective actions.
Partner with supervisors to facilitate employee evaluations and promote growth through coaching and constructive feedback.
Support consistent, legally sound, and mission-aligned application of policies and practices.
Recruitment, Onboarding & Retention
Lead full-cycle recruitment and selection for faculty, staff, and seasonal roles, ensuring alignment with the school's Lasallian values and commitment to diversity.
Develop and manage effective onboarding and orientation programs that reinforce the mission, culture, and professional expectations of Saint Mary's.
Partner with departments to forecast hiring needs and design recruitment strategies that attract top talent while maintaining equity and inclusion.
Strengthen employee retention by cultivating belonging, engagement, and opportunities for career growth.
Compensation, Benefits & Compliance
Collaborate with the Director of Finance to manage salary benchmarking, annual increases, and compensation analysis to ensure internal equity and market competitiveness.
Ensure compliance with California and federal labor laws, wage and hour regulations, and diocesan policies.
Oversee employee leave administration (FMLA, CFRA, PDL, ADA/FEHA) and accommodation processes.
Maintain accurate and confidential HR, payroll, and benefit records, partnering with the business office for reconciliation and reporting.
Training, Professional Development & Culture
Coordinate mandatory training programs, including harassment prevention, mandated reporter, and Safe Environment compliance.
Develop professional learning opportunities to strengthen leadership, communication, and inclusion across the workforce.
Lead recognition, wellness, and employee engagement programs that promote morale, collaboration, and mission alignment.

Policy Development & Risk Management
Oversee the annual review and revision of the Employee Handbook, job descriptions, and HR-related policies.
Ensure consistency in policy interpretation and documentation, maintaining compliance with diocesan guidelines and state employment law.
Partner with the President and legal counsel, when necessary, to address employment-related legal matters or compliance reviews.
Maintain organized, secure personnel files and records in accordance with confidentiality and record-retention standards.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (DEIB)
Promote practices that affirm the dignity of all employees and support a culture of inclusion and belonging.
Partner with leadership to ensure equity in hiring, compensation, and advancement.
Support formation and training programs that build cultural competence and encourage respectful, mission-centered collaboration.
Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Organizational Development, Business Administration, or related field required; master's degree or certification (SHRM-CP/PHR) preferred.
Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive HR experience, with demonstrated expertise in employee relations, recruitment, performance management, and policy development.
Deep knowledge of California employment law, including wage and hour compliance, leave administration, and risk management.
Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to foster trust, discretion, and professionalism across all levels of the organization.
Proven ability to manage both strategic projects and day-to-day operations effectively.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and HRIS/payroll systems such as Paylocity or ADP.
Demonstrated commitment to Catholic education and the Lasallian Core Principles; practicing Catholic preferred
Core Competencies
Provides HR expertise that supports the school's mission and day-to-day operations.
Trusted partner who builds strong, confidential, and ethical relationships with all stakeholders.
Effective communicator who navigates sensitive situations with clarity, compassion, and tact.
Cultural steward who models respect, inclusion, and shared mission through daily interactions.
Operational expert who ensures accuracy, compliance, and continuous improvement in HR systems and processes.
Results-oriented administrator with strong organizational and follow-through skills.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are those an employee must meet to perform the essential job functions successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers to handle or feel, as well as talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is required to stand and walk. The employee may lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here represent those an employee encounters while
performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Saint Mary's College High School is an equal opportunity employer.
Saint Mary's College High School will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a background investigation. Saint Mary's College High School will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories for employment.
Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.
The statements herein describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee assigned to this position and should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so assigned.
Candidates applying should submit the following in support of their application:
Letter of interest or cover letter
Updated resume
One page personal statement describing your philosophy and approach to human resources in a mission-driven educational environment, including employee relations, talent development, compliance, and support for a positive and inclusive workplace culture.
List of at least three professional references (including a current supervisor) with complete contact information. References will not be contacted without coordination with the candidate.
Please submit these materials (letter of interest, resume, personal statement, and references) to jobs@smpanthers.org.

About the Employer

As a Christ- centered community striving to live the mission of Saint John Baptist de La Salle, Saint Mary's College High School is a Lasallian Catholic school where diversity and inclusion are essential, and quality education of the whole person is our active ministry . With community support and faith grounded in love, we teach one another to pursue a life of virtue, scholarship, and service.