Open to opportunities

Paola Martin

@paolamartin

Message

I build scalable HR operations, inclusive cultures, and compliant nonprofit workplaces.

United States

Message

What I'm looking for

I'm looking to lead people and operations work where I can build scalable HR systems, strengthen compliance, improve employee experiences, and foster an inclusive culture centered on professional development, recognition, and sustainable growth.

At Breakthrough Greater Boston, I lead Human Resources and Operations for a growing nonprofit, overseeing talent acquisition, onboarding, employee relations, payroll, benefits, compliance, performance management, and workforce planning.

I direct full-cycle hiring for more than 20 full-time employees and 100+ seasonal staff annually while building scalable HR systems, policies, training, and procedures. I partner with executive leadership, benefits brokers, payroll providers, consultants, and vendors to improve employee services and manage organizational costs.

Previously, as Director of Operations at Breakthrough Greater Boston, I managed HR, risk, IT infrastructure, finance-related operations, transportation, nutrition, and purchasing across three sites. I also developed policies and staff training to reduce risk across IT security, emergency planning, programs, and finance.

My earlier office management work at Initiative for a Competitive Inner City, SBSC.Inc, and Brooke Charter School strengthened my experience in payroll, HRIS, recruiting, vendor management, budgets, employee support, and operational systems. I bring a people-centered approach grounded in compliance, professional development, recognition, and sustainable organizational growth.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Senior Director of Human Resources & Operations

Current

Breakthrough Greater Boston

Oct 2023 - Present (2 years 10 months)

Lead HR function for a nonprofit, overseeing talent acquisition, onboarding, employee relations, compliance, payroll, benefits, and performance management. Develop HR strategies and policies to strengthen organizational effectiveness and ensure legal compliance.

Talent Acquisition Employee Relations Benefits Administration Performance Management HRIS Administration BambooHR ADP ISolved Compliance Risk Management Payroll Training Recruitment Budget Management Vendor Management Strategic Planning

Director of Operations

Breakthrough Greater Boston

Feb 2022 - Oct 2023 (1 year 8 months)

Managed HR functions including payroll and benefits for 20 full-time and 100+ seasonal staff, and led recruitment initiatives. Oversaw IT operations, risk management, and supported out-of-school programming.

HR Management Payroll Benefits Administration Recruitment IT Operations Risk Management Vendor Management Program Coordination

Office Manager

Initiative for a Competitive Inner City

Aug 2020 - Feb 2022 (1 year 6 months)

Maintained employee records using BambooHR and ADP, supported HR functions including job postings and onboarding, and processed bi-weekly payroll for 45 employees. Provided IT troubleshooting and managed office operations.

BambooHR ADP Payroll HR Support IT troubleshooting Office Management Calendar Management Vendor coordination

Office Manager

SBSC.Inc

May 2019 - May 2020 (1 year)

Managed phone traffic and customer inquiries, vendor relationships, and employee relations including onboarding and offboarding. Hired and trained summer interns and assisted the CEO with administrative tasks.

Customer Service Vendor Management Employee Relations Onboarding Offboarding Training Executive Support

Office Manager

Brooke Charter School

Nov 2013 - Jul 2018 (4 years 8 months)

Managed budgets, purchase orders, and vendor relationships for the school year. Supported student recruitment and enrollment processes, and received the 2016 'Support of Great Teaching Award'.

Budget Management Vendor Management Financial administration Student Recruitment Event Planning