Posted: 27-Apr-26
Location: Washington, D.C.
Type: Full Time
Salary: $90,000-$115000
Preferred Education:
About Sidwell Friends School
Sidwell Friends School is a dynamic pre-kindergarten through grade 12 educational community, on campuses in Bethesda, Maryland, and Washington, DC. Sidwell is grounded in Quaker values of ethical leadership, global citizenship, environmental stewardship, and service. Through our curriculum and our approach to learning, we strive to help students discern deeper truths about themselves and our common humanity so that they may “let their lives speak.”
Sidwell Friends will open a new Upper School for grades 9-12 in September 2026. It will be the largest building on campus and will feature state-of-the-art facilities, welcoming common spaces, and natural light throughout. The current Lower School, in Bethesda, Maryland, has been separated from the rest of the Sidwell campus for more than 60 years.
Starting in the summer of 2026, Sidwell Friends will begin construction of a new Lower School that will incorporate parts of the existing Upper School, with significant additions and modifications to accommodate the needs of our youngest students. The new Lower School, along with the creation of a new central green space that will unite the campus, will open in the fall of 2028.
Position Overview
As our Human Resources Operations Manager, you’ll serve as the engine behind our payroll and HR operations ensuring every employee is supported with accuracy, care, and integrity throughout their journey with us.
You’ll lead payroll administration, oversee critical HR systems, and ensure compliance across a wide range of employee processes from background screening to training and regulatory requirements. At the same time, you’ll collaborate across departments and help shape workflows that are efficient, audit-ready, and aligned with our deeply held values.
This is a high-impact role where your work directly supports our people and strengthens the foundation of our School community.
Who You Are
- A builder of processes who enjoys improving how things work
- Exceptionally organized and able to manage multiple priorities with ease
- Calm, responsive, and solutions-oriented in a fast-paced environment
- A collaborative partner who works effectively across HR, Finance, and leadership
- Someone who values accuracy, but never loses sight of the people behind the data
Most importantly, you bring a mindset grounded in respect, integrity, and community aligned with the values that define Sidwell Friends.
Key Responsibilities
Lead Payroll Excellence
- Own and deliver accurate, on-time semi-monthly payroll, ensuring employees are paid correctly, every time
- Manage all payroll processes in ADP, from data validation to reporting and reconciliation
- Design and refine workflows that improve efficiency, reduce manual work, and ensure compliance
- Serve as the go-to expert for payroll questions and issue resolution
Drive HR Operations & Employee Lifecycle Support
- Maintain high-quality, audit-ready employee records across HR systems
- Support key lifecycle moments—hiring, compensation changes, contracts, and transitions
- Ensure employment documentation is timely, accurate, and aligned with organizational standards
- Communicate clearly with employees and managers to support a seamless HR experience
Ensure Compliance & Risk Management
- Oversee background checks, fingerprinting, and regulatory compliance processes
- Manage training compliance across CPR, safety programs, and required certifications
- Monitor and maintain systems to ensure 100% compliance and audit readiness
- Partner with internal teams to proactively address risks and maintain standards
Enable Insight Through Data & Reporting
- Produce meaningful reports and dashboards that support leadership decision-making
- Maintain systems and communication workflows that keep the organization informed and compliant
Required Skills & Experience
- 5–7 years of experience in payroll, HR operations, or a combined role
- Strong hands-on payroll expertise (ADP Workforce Now preferred)
- Deep understanding of payroll compliance, reporting, and data integrity
- Advanced Excel skills and comfort working across multiple systems
- A sharp eye for detail paired with a systems-thinking mindset
- Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and professionalism
- Strong communication skills and a customer-service orientation
Compensation and Benefits
We offer a competitive salary range of $90,000–$115,000, based on experience and qualifications.
Why You’ll Love Working Here
- Comprehensive, employee-first benefits Choose from multiple medical plans including options where the School covers 100% of employee-only premiums plus dental and vision coverage. We also fully fund long-term disability and provide life insurance at 2x your salary.
- Strong financial support for your future Our 403(b) retirement plan includes a 7% employer contribution (after a 3% employee contribution), helping you build long-term financial security.
- Time off that truly allows you to recharge In addition to vacation and personal days, you’ll enjoy generous school-wide holiday breaks, including Thanksgiving, Winter, and Spring Breaks, plus 10 federal holidays giving you meaningful time to rest, reset, and spend time with family and community.
- Wellness and flexibility that support real life Access wellness programs, an Employee Assistance Program, and flexible spending accounts all designed to support your physical, emotional, and financial well-being.
- Family and life-friendly benefits We offer six weeks of paid parental leave, paid bereavement leave, and enhanced access to an Early Childhood Learning Center because we know life extends beyond work.
- Everyday perks that make a difference Take advantage of commuter benefits (including up to $150/month for WMATA), discounted gym memberships, pet insurance, legal resources, and employee loan programs.
- Purpose-driven work in a values-centered community Join a collaborative environment grounded in respect, integrity, and care where your work directly supports people and strengthens a vibrant school community.
To Apply
To be considered, qualified candidates must upload a cover letter, resume, and three references through our applicant tracking system (ClearCo). To learn more about our school and current openings, please visit our website.
Diversity Statement
Sidwell Friends School affirms the centrality of diversity and inclusion in all aspects of academic and campus life. Honoring a multiplicity of voices, we celebrate shared joys and address tensions productively. Together, we are guided by Quaker testimonies and seek to answer the question, “How do we nurture a sense of belonging in our community and demonstrate our commitment to a just world?"
