Senior HR Generalist

SENIOR HR GENERALIST

Santa Ana CA Full-Time Exempt $80000 - $90000/year Onsite

OneOC is proud to partner with Cristo Rey Orange County High School to recruit this exceptional opportunity apply now!

About Cristo Rey Orange County High School
Cristo Rey Orange County High School is a Catholic college-preparatory school committed to transforming lives through education faith and opportunity. As part of the national Cristo Rey Network we serve students of limited economic means through a rigorous academic curriculum paired with our innovative Corporate Work Study Program.

In this unique model our students gain real-world professional experience while helping to fund their education - building confidence skills and exposure to diverse career paths

The Opportunity
This is more than a generalist role.

Cristo Rey Orange County High School is seeking a Senior HR Generalist to serve as a trusted advisor and strategic partner to the President and leadership team.

This is a high-impact HR team of one role ideal for a seasoned HR professional who thrives in building structure ensuring compliance and supporting a mission-driven community.

You will lead all core HR functions including payroll processing compliance employee relations and talent acquisition while helping shape the employee experience across the organization.

What Youll Lead & Own

Grounded in the Mission Effectiveness Standards you will actively support and model the Christ-centered mission of Cristo Rey Orange County High School integrating faith professionalism and service in all interactions with students families colleagues and leadership.

Strategic HR Leadership
Partner directly with the President and leadership team on HR strategy and organizational effectiveness
Build and strengthen HR infrastructure systems and processes
Serve as a coach and advisor to managers on employee matters

Payroll Compliance & HR Operations
Own full-cycle payroll processing using Gusto ensuring accuracy timeliness and compliance
Ensure compliance with California employment laws wage and hour regulations OSHA and applicable agencies
Oversee HRIS personnel records and audit-ready documentation
Manage timekeeping leave tracking and reporting
Administer benefits (medical dental vision 403(b)) and support employee inquiries
Lead employee handbook updates and policy development
Oversee workplace safety and workers compensation claims
Track and ensure completion of required trainings

Talent Acquisition & Onboarding
Lead full-cycle recruitment: job design sourcing screening and interview coordination
Partner with hiring managers to attract mission-aligned and values-driven talent
Manage onboarding including background checks and fingerprinting
Leverage networks including the Cristo Rey community to strengthen candidate pipelines

Employee Relations & Performance
Lead employee relations efforts including investigations and conflict resolution
Advise managers on performance management coaching and corrective action
Support and enhance performance review processes
Foster a positive equitable and mission-aligned workplace culture

What You Bring

Familiarity with or openness to the teachings and mission of the Catholic Church along with commitment to build a vibrant organizational culture aligned with Cristo Reys mission and Catholic identity
Bachelors degree in human resources Business or related field (or equivalent experience)
710 years of progressive HR experience ideally in a nonprofit or educational setting
Demonstrated experience managing payroll processing (Gusto preferred)
Strong knowledge of California employment law and HR compliance
Proven ability to operate independently in an HR team of one environment
Experience advising leadership and handling complex employee relations matters
Highly organized with strong attention to detail and sound judgment
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (especially Excel) and HR systems
HR certification (PHR SPHR SHRM-CP/SCP) preferred

Why Join Cristo Rey Orange County High School
Be part of a mission-driven organization transforming students lives
Opportunity to build and shape HR infrastructure in a growing school
Direct partnership with executive leadership
Access to a national network of 41 Cristo Rey schools

Compensation & Benefits
Salary: $80000 $90000 annually (commensurate with experience)
Medical dental and vision insurance (school covers 80% of base plan)
403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution
14 paid holidays annually
Generous paid time off including Christmas and New Years break
Eligible employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to with the subject line Cristo Rey Senior HR Generalist. Resumes will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Any resumes sent or telephone calls made to Cristo Rey will be redirected to OneOC.

Note: This job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Management reserves the right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.


Cristo Rey is an equal opportunity employer and encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply.