Menlo School is seeking a Human Resources Associate to support a broad range of HR functions, with a focus on recruitment, onboarding, performance management, leave administration, training record management, and day-to-day HR operations. Reporting to the Director of Human Resources, this role is ideal for someone who enjoys working closely with managers and employees, building strong processes, and contributing to a positive, high-quality employee experience in an independent school environment.

This is a full-time, year-round, on-site position. Menlo School is an in-person learning community, and employees are expected to perform their work on campus. In particular, this role involves extensive in-person collaboration and direct support of employees and managers.

Key responsibilities

• Support full-cycle recruitment by coaching hiring managers, posting roles in the applicant tracking system and on external job boards, managing candidate pipelines, and communicating with candidates throughout the process.

• Conduct resume reviews, phone screens, and reference checks as needed, and help process referral bonuses.

• Prepare and send offer letters and welcome communications; set up new hires in the HRIS; and guide new employees through pre-boarding, I-9s, and first-day questions.

• Partner with managers, Payroll, and HR colleagues to ensure a smooth, consistent onboarding experience.

• Coordinate seasonal and athletics staffing, including maintaining year-round employment tracking, partnering with Athletics leadership on staffing needs, and issuing seasonal and summer camp offers.

• Administer all mandated leaves (FMLA, CFRA, Pregnancy Disability Leave, Baby Bonding, and medical leaves), guiding employees through timelines, benefits, and documentation while coordinating with managers and Payroll.

• Lead the annual staff performance evaluation process, including planning, templates, timelines, communications, and manager training, and provide one-on-one support to managers.

• Maintain the Training Management System, including rosters, assignments, course updates, troubleshooting access issues, and monitoring completion rates.

• Support the annual compensation planning process by preparing materials and worksheets, issuing and tracking employee agreement letters, and coordinating changes with Payroll.

• Prepare and submit compensation surveys, state and government reports, and other HR-related compliance documentation.

• Serve as a first point of contact for HR questions, assist with policy clarification, and support HR audits, data clean-up, and team initiatives.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management or a related field. Specific HR functional area experience (such as recruitment, leave management, benefits administration, workers’ compensation or other) is preferred.

• At least 3 years of human resources experience, ideally in a generalist role and in a school or education setting.

• Familiarity with HR systems and tools; experience with applicant tracking systems and HRIS (Jobvite, Paylocity, and Vector Solutions a plus).

• Proficiency with standard business software, including Google Workspace (Sheets, Docs, etc.) and Microsoft Office applications.

• Exceptionally detail-oriented and highly organized, with the ability to manage multiple complex workflows and competing deadlines without sacrificing accuracy.

• Collaborative and approachable, bringing a warm, positive presence to interactions, even when navigating complex or sensitive situations.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a strong customer-service mindset.

• Ability to handle confidential information with high discretion and professionalism.

• Working knowledge of leave administration and California HR compliance concepts.

We offer:

• An exceptional work environment and caring community

• Highly competitive salary

• A comprehensive benefits package, including generous contributions to a retirement plan for eligible employees and their families. Learn more here.

To be considered for this position, please submit your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your interest and relevant experience through our application portal. 

We thank all applicants in advance for their interest and will reach out only to those most closely aligned with the needs of the position.

We look forward to hearing from you!

About us:

Menlo School is an independent, coeducational, college-preparatory school for students in grades six through twelve. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley and founded in 1915, the School is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and is a member of the National and California Associations of Independent Schools.

Menlo is dedicated to providing a joyful, transformative education that empowers students to explore broadly, think critically, act responsibly, and navigate the complexities of an evolving world. Our relevant and engaging academic program—complemented by outstanding arts and athletics—sparks wonder, fosters a love of learning, and inspires students to reach their full potential as they grow in competence, confidence, and curiosity. Student care and the supportive relationships students build with teachers, coaches, and peers are at the heart of all we do as we uphold the highest ethical standards, develop character, and pursue a shared commitment to purposes larger than ourselves.

At Menlo, belonging is essential to who we are as a school. We embrace the growth and well-being of every member of our community by cultivating a culture rooted in kindness, trust, and belonging—one where everyone feels welcomed, included, and valued, and where our diverse backgrounds, identities, and ideas are honored with curiosity, care, and compassion.

Learn more about the Menlo School here.

Our equal opportunity employment policy:

Menlo School is committed to a policy of non-discrimination and equal opportunity for all employees and qualified applicants. We administer all personnel practices without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status or domestic partnership status, disability, protected veteran status or military status, genetic information, or any other category protected under applicable law.

Pay range:

In alignment with pay transparency requirements, the base salary range for this position for the 2025–2026 school year is $100,000–$130,000 annualized. This range reflects what the school reasonably expects to pay for this role at the time of hire.​

Base salary does not include fringe benefits, employer retirement contributions, or any potential stipends for eligible employees. Final base salary will be determined at the time of offer and will depend on factors such as skills, education, experience, job level, full- or part-time status, and the number of months worked per academic year.​

The school is committed to pay equity, and internal equity with current employees is an important consideration in determining any final offer. Please note that the range listed above represents the full base salary range for this role; hiring at or near the top of the range is not typical at Menlo, in order to allow for future salary growth over time.