HR Compliance Specialist

A little about us… Kidango (kidango.org) is an early learning nonprofit committed to setting every child on a path to thrive in kindergarten and in life. We believe that all children can reach their full potential if they and their families have access to the right opportunities and resources. As the largest child care provider in the San Francisco Bay Area, we provide thousands of children, especially those from low-income families, with safe, healthy, nurturing environments and relationships. Through our policy work, we aim to take our expertise beyond the children and families that we serve, and drive change in early childhood education at the local, state and federal levels. Our goal is to make sure all children have the social, emotional, and academic skills they need to learn, grow and realize their potential.

About The Role

The HR Compliance Specialist is responsible for ensuring organizational adherence to federal, state, and local employment laws, licensing requirements, and internal policies. This role monitors and maintains compliance-related documentation, including employee background clearances, driving records, timekeeping, wage and hour, required training, I-9 employment eligibility, and related personnel compliance requirements. The HR Compliance Specialist conducts audits, tracks renewal deadlines, supports regulatory reporting, and partners with leadership to mitigate compliance risks.

What You’ll Be Doing 

• Coordinates compliance initiatives, conducts internal audits, assists in policy development, conducts training, analyzes trends, and supports business practices to maintain a culture of fairness, transparency, and integrity.
• Drives HR compliance excellence across programs by ensuring compliance standards are met.
• Conducts regular audits of HR files, onboarding documentation, and record retention procedures to ensure legal and internal policy compliance.
• Ensures compliance with wage and hour laws and monitors adherence to accurate time reporting practices, including proper recording of hours worked, overtime, meal and rest periods, paid leave, and off-the-clock prohibitions. 
• Monitors the performance review process, tracks completion status, sends reminders, and follows up to ensure reviews are finalized within deadlines. Conducts audits to ensure accuracy, consistency, and compliance.
• Monitors Guardian and criminal background clearances, subsequent arrest notifications, and renewal requirements to ensure ongoing compliance with applicable federal, state, and licensing regulations. 
• Monitors employee Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) driving records for positions requiring vehicle operation on an ongoing basis in accordance with company policy, insurance requirements, and applicable laws. 
• Tracks and reports on I-9 employment eligibility and expirations. Follows up with employees on expiring eligibility documents to secure renewed eligibility documents. 
• Assists with internal audits of timekeeping and payroll practices to verify adherence to compliance procedures.
• Monitors employee completion of required compliance related training in accordance with federal, state, local, licensing, and organizational requirements; maintains and monitors training records, tracks deadlines and renewal cycles, and issues timely reminders to ensure completion prior to expiration.
• Assists with internal and external audits by gathering documentation and preparing audit-ready data and files.
• Supports the drafting, updating, and implementation of HR policies, employee handbooks, and compliance programs and training material.
• Compiles and analyzes workforce data, HR metrics, and census information to support compliance and leadership decision-making; prepares compliance summaries and reports for internal stakeholders and audits.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Preferred qualifications

• BS Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field.
• 3+ years of HR, compliance, or related professional experience.
• Strong analytical skills with advanced proficiency in Excel and Google Sheets.
• High attention to detail, organizational skills, and comfort working with sensitive information.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills with the ability to influence cross-functional partners and leaders
• Knowledge of employment regulations, including FLSA, wage and hour.
• Knowledge of HR and Payroll compliance and regulations.
• Experience in non-profit with early education, including state and federal policy preferred.
• Ability to work during the organization’s core work hours and be flexible in work schedule including some evenings and weekends; travel as needed to agency, community, and state functions.

Additional Requirements

• Must pass a health screening and TB test 
• Must pass background fingerprint clearance 
• Valid Driver License 
• Must be 18 years or older 
• The ability to lift up to 30lbs may be needed during some job duties
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to  perform the essential job functions

Perks

• An opportunity to improve real lives, solve hard problems, and change the world
• Friendly, supportive, and adventurous environment with a team of engaged colleagues
• A comprehensive, industry-leading benefits package
• Opportunities to connect with and learn from colleagues and partners around the world

Drug-Free Workplace

We believe every employee has the right to work in an environment that is free from all forms of unlawful discrimination. Consistent with applicable laws, Kidango makes all decisions involving any aspect of the employment relationship without regard to race, color, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, citizenship, the presence of any physical or mental disability of someone otherwise qualified, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status or characteristic protected by local, state, or federal law, other than those positions which are deemed ministerial in nature. Discrimination and/or harassment based on any of those factors are inconsistent with our philosophy of doing business and will not be tolerated. This policy of non-discrimination applies to all aspects of application procedures, hiring, advancement, transfers, reductions in force, discharge, compensation, training, or other terms, conditions and privileges of employment.

EEO

A diverse and inclusive workplace where we learn from each other is an integral part of Kidango’s culture. We actively welcome people of different backgrounds, experiences, abilities and perspectives. We are an equal opportunity employer and a great place to work. Join us and help us achieve our mission!