Manager People Operations

About the Role

The KIPP Foundation is seeking a Manager, People Operations to ensure the smooth, efficient, and high-quality execution of core HR processes and systems. This role is crucial in delivering a strong employee experience by supporting payroll, benefits administration, HR systems, and responsive staff support. Reporting to the Senior Director of People Operations, the Manager will act as a central coordinator and problem-solver, managing vendor relationships, supporting HR systems, and serving as a primary point of contact for employee inquiries. This is an ideal opportunity for a highly organized, detail-oriented, and service-driven individual who takes pride in maintaining a robust and continuously improving operational backbone for People Operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Payroll, Benefits & HR Administration:
  • Administer payroll processes in partnership with Finance, including compensation updates, stipends, and leave tracking.
  • Manage day-to-day benefits administration, including enrollments, employee support, and vendor coordination.
  • Support the administration of absence and leave programs, ensuring accurate tracking and policy compliance.
  • Ensure timely and accurate execution of core HR administrative processes across the employee lifecycle.
• Vendor Management & Operational Coordination:
  • Manage relationships with People Operations vendors (benefits providers, HR systems, etc.), including communication, invoicing, and issue resolution.
  • Coordinate invoices, billing, and expense tracking related to People Operations.
  • Support compliance-related administrative processes (e.g., background checks, required training, documentation tracking).
  • Assist with scheduling large-scale meetings for the talent team for trainings or during high-volume hiring seasons.
• Employee Support:
  • Own the AskTalent intake process, serving as the primary point of contact for employee and manager inquiries.
  • Respond directly to routine inquiries and triage more complex requests to appropriate team members.
  • Ensure consistent and accurate interpretation of HR policies and processes in responses.
  • Track trends in inquiries to identify opportunities for process, communication, and documentation improvements.
• HR Systems Support & Data Administration:
  • Support administration of HR systems (HRIS, benefits platforms, etc.), ensuring accurate data entry and system updates.
  • Maintain employee data, records, and documentation for accuracy, integrity, and compliance.
  • Assist with system audits, data validation, and reporting processes.
  • Ensure adherence to data privacy, security, and compliance standards.
• Reporting & Analytics Support:
  • Support the development and maintenance of HR reports and dashboards, including workforce metrics and operational KPIs.
  • Assist in preparing recurring reports to support decision-making.
  • Provide data support for ad hoc requests.
• Knowledge Management, Communication & Process Support:
  • Maintain HR documentation, knowledge management systems, and staff-facing materials for clarity and accessibility.
  • Develop and update guides, FAQs, and training materials to support employee understanding of HR processes and benefits.
  • Provide administrative support for key talent processes, including meeting coordination and documentation.

Requirements

• Skills and Mindsets:
  • Mission and Student Focus: Passion for KIPP's mission and commitment to its core values.
  • Self-Management: Proven ability to co-create ambitious goals and drive toward desired outcomes.
  • Process Management: Ability to build and align goals with organizational priorities, develop and maintain knowledge management systems, and codify processes for efficiency.
  • Data-Driven Actions and Solutions: Effectively uses data to inform workstreams and communicate findings to drive action.
  • Collaboration: Strong stakeholder management skills, ability to build coalitions, and remove barriers to cross-team collaboration.
  • Serve as a Talent and Organization Ambassador: Proactive cultural leadership, customer service orientation, and a solutions-focused approach.
  • Judgment & Discretion: Ability to act as a key talent team member with strong judgment.
• Experience and Qualifications:
  • 4+ years of experience in talent operations, customer service, and payroll support.
  • Expertise in HR and knowledge of employment laws across multiple geographic territories.
  • Demonstrated track record of delivering excellent customer service and managing stakeholder relationships.
  • Excitement to engage in an innovative and agile environment focused on continuous learning and improvement.
  • A drive to make decisions through passion for impact, thoughtful analysis, and a consistent lens on equity.
  • Experience using HR systems (e.g., ADP, Workday, ATS, Salesforce).

What We Offer

• Location: While KIPP Foundation offices are in NYC and Chicago, this role has the option of working from a remote office full-time.
• Compensation: The salary range for this position is