Human Resources Specialist | Okemos Public Schools

Position Type: Full-Time, 52-Week (Year-Round)
Start Date: Immediate / 2026-2027 School Year
Salary Range: $58,000 - 66,000 annually, commensurate with experience and internal equity
Benefits: Health, Vision, Dental, Life Insurance, LTD, paid leave, and paid holidays.

For full consideration, interested individuals should apply on or before June 5, 2026. Job Posting will remain open and active until filled.

Summary

Okemos Public Schools is seeking a detail-oriented and collaborative Human Resources Specialist to join our team during an exciting period of departmental growth and systems modernization. This role is designed for a professional who thrives on operational excellence and is eager to help refine the HR infrastructure supporting our 4,500+ students and 500+ dedicated staff.

Working closely with the HR Director, the Specialist will serve as a technical lead for essential personnel functions. We are looking for a candidate who brings deep experience in school-based HR systems and the interpersonal skills to provide high-level service to our district community. This is an ideal opportunity for a specialist who enjoys building efficient workflows and contributing to a culture of continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Other duties may be assigned.

Systems Excellence & Compliance

Benefits & Leave Management: Oversee the administration of employee benefits, COBRA, and workers' compensation. Lead the coordination of FMLA and ADA processes, ensuring a supportive and compliant experience for staff.
Reporting & Data Integrity: Manage the accurate and timely submission of state and federal reporting, including the Registry of Educational Personnel (REP) and Michigan Office of Retirement Services (ORS) requirements.
HRIS Stewardship: Maintain the district’s HRIS (Human Resources Information System), ensuring 100% data integrity for personnel transactions, contract renewals, and employment history.
Criminal History Oversight: Serve as the district’s Local Agency Security Officer (LASO) for CHRISS (Criminal History Record Internet Subscription Service). Manage the end-to-end fingerprinting and background check process for all employees, contractors, and volunteers.
NCJIS Compliance: Ensure the district remains in strict compliance with Non-Criminal Justice Information Services (NCJIS) security policies. This includes managing secure document retention, preparing for MSP audits, and ensuring only authorized personnel have access to sensitive criminal history records.
Safety Integration: Partner with the Director to ensure that background clearance workflows align with Michigan’s School Safety legislation (Public Acts 68 & 83).

Process Modernization & Strategy

Workflow Optimization: Partner with the Director to evaluate and enhance departmental procedures, including onboarding/offboarding, digital record retention, and internal communications.
Strategic Support: Assist in the administration and interpretation of collective bargaining agreements and support the district’s long-term staffing goals.

Service & Relationship Building

Employee Liaison: Act as a knowledgeable and approachable point of contact for staff regarding benefits, retirement planning, and general personnel inquiries.
Interdepartmental Collaboration: Work in tandem with the Business Office to ensure seamless integration between HR data and payroll processing.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

Required: Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, or a related field.
Preferred: MSBO Human Resources Specialist certification (or willingness to obtain).
Experience: 3–5 years of progressive HR experience, preferably within a K–12 or public sector setting. Candidates should demonstrate a strong command of Michigan-specific school reporting and employment law.

Skills & Attributes

Technical Proficiency: Advanced skills in HRIS platforms and data management tools.
Problem-Solving Mindset: A proactive approach to identifying efficiencies and implementing best practices.
Professionalism: The ability to handle sensitive information with absolute confidentiality and exercise sound judgment in a fast-paced environment.

Why Join Okemos HR?

This is a pivotal moment to join Okemos Public Schools as we continue to strengthen our Human Resources department to better serve our growing district. You will play a key role in refining systems and enhancing the employee experience for our dedicated staff. This is an opportunity to be a collaborative partner in supporting operational excellence that aligns with our district’s reputation for academic distinction.

About Okemos Public Schools

Located in the greater Lansing area and neighboring Michigan State University, Okemos Public Schools is one of Michigan’s premier school districts. Serving over 4,500 students, the district is consistently recognized for academic excellence, innovative programming, and a strong commitment to student success.

Okemos is known for its highly qualified staff, engaged families, and diverse, globally minded community. The district’s commitment to equity, inclusion, and continuous improvement creates an exceptional environment for both students and educators.

The surrounding community offers access to a vibrant college-town atmosphere, cultural opportunities, outdoor recreation, and an outstanding quality of life.

Pursuant to Public Act 68 of 1993 and Public Act 83 of 1995, selected new employees shall submit to fingerprints and a criminal background check at the employee’s expense.

It is the policy of the Board of Education that the District will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, height, weight, familial status, marital status, military service, veteran status, genetic information, disability, or any other legally protected basis. The District shall comply with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations prohibiting discrimination.

Traditionally marginalized candidates are encouraged to apply.

Inquiries or complaints by applicants or employees related to discrimination should be directed to:

Director of Human Resources
Okemos Public Schools
4406 N Okemos Rd
Okemos, MI 48864
Phone: 517-706-5006