Benefits:
403(b)
Health insurance
Opportunity for advancement
Paid time off
Training & development
SENIOR HR GENERALIST
Santa Ana, CA | Full-Time, Exempt | $80,000 - $90,000/year | Onsite
OneOC is proud to partner with Cristo Rey Orange County High School to recruit this exceptional opportunity.
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, students gain professional work experience through the innovative Corporate Work Study Program while preparing for college and future careers.
The Opportunity
This is more than a traditional HR role. Cristo Rey Orange County High School is seeking a Senior HR Generalist to serve as a trusted advisor and strategic partner to leadership. This is a high-impact “HR team of one” opportunity for an experienced HR professional who thrives in building structure, ensuring compliance, and supporting a mission-driven workplace.
What You’ll Lead & Own
Strategic HR Leadership
Partner directly with leadership on HR strategy and organizational effectiveness
Build and strengthen HR systems, infrastructure, and processes
Serve as a coach and advisor to managers on employee matters
Payroll, Compliance & HR Operations
Manage full-cycle payroll processing using Gusto
Ensure compliance with California employment laws, wage and hour regulations, OSHA, and applicable agencies
Oversee HRIS, personnel records, reporting, and audit-ready documentation
Manage timekeeping, leave tracking, and benefits administration
Lead employee handbook updates and policy development
Oversee workplace safety and workers’ compensation claims
Track and ensure completion of required trainings
Talent Acquisition & Employee Relations
Lead full-cycle recruitment, sourcing, screening, and onboarding
Partner with hiring managers to attract mission-aligned talent
Manage onboarding, background checks, and fingerprinting
Lead employee relations efforts, investigations, and conflict resolution
Support performance management and corrective action 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 building a vibrant organizational culture aligned with Cristo Rey’s mission and Catholic identity
Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience)
7–10+ 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: $80,000 – $90,000 annually
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution
Generous paid time off and holidays
Eligible employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
How to Apply
Submit your resume and cover letter to MEchevarria@OneOC.org with the subject line: “Cristo Rey Senior HR Generalist”
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.