HR Specialist, Morganton

Agency

North Carolina School of Science , Math

Division

VC for Finance , Operations

Job Classification Title

Human Resources Specialist (S)

Position Number

65033824

Grade

31000059

About Us

North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (NCSSM) a constituent of the University of North Carolina System, is a world-class public high school with statewide reach empowering academically talented students from every corner of the state to design their own future. We offer our Residential high school program in Durham and Morganton for juniors and seniors, our Online supplementary honors program, and individual virtual daytime Connect courses in partnership with local high schools, all tuition free. Our wide array of summer offerings for rising fifth- through 12th-graders includes free opportunities for in-state students alongside paid options for students from anywhere in the world. Specializing in science, technology, engineering, and math and embracing the fine arts and humanities, NCSSM has become the model for 18 such specialized schools around the globe since its founding in 1980. For more information visit ncssm.edu. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as an individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran or national guard. If you are an individual with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process, please contact us at hr@ncssm.edu.

Description of Work

CLASSIFICATION TITLE: Human Resources Specialist- Advanced

WORKING TITLE: Human Resources Specialist, Morganton

DEPARTMENT: Human Resources POSITION NUMBER:65033824

POSITION LOCATION: Morganton, NC

POSTING DATE: 7/7/2026 CLOSING DATE: 7/24/206
**This position will close at 11:59 p.m. the night before the end date listed.

POSITION TYPE: Permanent, 12-month, SHRA, FLSA Non-Exempt, 1.0 FTE

NCSSM and the Human Resources department foster an environment of collaboration across departments and divisions and support community-engaged service and research.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

HIRING SALARY RANGE: $59,070 - $65,633

Hiring salary will be determined based on education, experience, equity, budget, and market considerations. 

Description of Duties:

The HR Specialist manages essential HR operations for the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (NCSSM), supporting both the Durham and Morganton campuses. This role is responsible for independently managing the temporary employment lifecycle, which includes advising departments on classification and compensation, updating internal policies, and recruiting. and processing new hires.

Additionally, the Specialist coordinates key compliance and screening programs, including background checks, FMLA leave tracking, employment verifications, and the DOT/FMCSA CDL drug testing program. The successful candidate ensures the institution adheres to all federal, state, UNC System, and OSHR regulations.

This role is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement, offering a balance of remote work and on-campus presence.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Management Preferences HR Compliance & Transactions:

Two or more years of general HR experience with a proven track record of processing personnel actions, navigating federal compliance (e.g., I-9, background checks, CDL regulations), and applying complex policies accurately. 

Systems & Data Expertise: High-level proficiency using core software tools (Google Workspace, MS Office, Excel) and web-based HR data systems to gather, compile, and manage employee information. Preference given to experience with State of NC HR Systems (e.g., Fiori and Workday).  

Problem Solving & Independence: Demonstrated ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and use creative problem-solving to meet evolving institutional compliance demands.

Communication & Execution: Strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to interpret and carry out complex instructions and convey information effectively across different stakeholders and teams.  

Relationship Management & Context: Proven ability to build effective working relationships with employees, management, and the public, ideally backed by a general understanding of academic environments. 

Team NCSSM Benefits

NCSSM has been named the #1 Public High School in America for 2025 and 2026. Join our winning team!

NCSSM offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package designed to support the well-being, growth, and work-life balance of our employees. Highlights include generous vacation and sick leave; 12 annual holidays; paid parental, family medical, and community service leave; and flexible work schedules where applicable. Leave is earned monthly and pro-rated for part-time employees and those working less than 12 months. Employees also enjoy access to the State Health Plan, multiple retirement options (including TSERS and ORP), supplemental retirement savings plans, tuition waiver benefits across the UNC System, and free access to on-site facilities like a gym, library, and cafeteria. Additional perks include life insurance, disability coverage, flexible spending accounts, and membership eligibility with the State Employees Credit Union.

Supplemental and Contact Information:

Please complete your application in full. All required Competencies, Work History, and Credentials must appear on the application in the Education and Work Experience sections of the application to receive consideration during the selection process. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing the State Application form in its entirety. “See Attached Resume or an Embedded Text Resume” will be considered incomplete and will not be processed. Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Final candidates are subject to criminal and sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require a motor vehicle check. If the highest degree is from an institution outside of the U.S., final candidates are required to have their degree equivalency verified at www.wes.org or equivalent service. NCSSM participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

Please note: Only one application is accepted per candidate for each specific job posting.  

If you have questions, please email careers@ncssm.edu.  

Minimum Education and Experience

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.

Education and Experience:

Graduation from a four-year college or university; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. 

EEO Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.

Recruiter:

Tia Saunders

Email:

Careers@NCSSM.EDU