Director of Human Resources for the 2026/2027 School Year

BENTON HARBOR AREA SCHOOLS

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Director of Human Resources


SUPERVISOR: Superintendent


LOCATION: Central Administration


JOB SUMMARY: The role of the Director of Human Resources will lead the strategic HR functions overseeing recruitment, retention, and personnel management across the district as well ensure compliance with state and federal employment regulations. This position will provide the vision and direction for cultivating systems that enhance the day-to-day HR functions and work with fellow Cabinet members collaboratively to create a desirable workplace in Benton Harbor Area Schools.


JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Cultivate programs, training, and tools to improve the talent management capacity and capabilities of managers thereby improving the overall employee experience
2. Collaborate with senior leaders in the development and launch of equity and diversity strategies Consults with the Superintendent and other personnel on matters relating to the school district's legal and personnel affairs
3. Attend school board meetings and prepare such reports as directed by the Superintendent. Lead in the negotiations of the union contracts for certified and non-certified personnel
4. Supervise Human Resource Team
5. Update Crisis Manual for the District
6. Develop all job descriptions for the district
7. Serves as the primary contact person for all communication and negotiation with benefit vendors
8. Oversees insurance benefit enrollments, changes, and terminations for the district
9. Oversees benefit compliance-related & human resources reporting as required by the State, Federal, and Local Agencies
10. Oversee all applications and the new hire process per BHAS BOE approval
11. Oversee all FMLA and Extended Leave transactions for the district
12. Maintain and Develop key HR Policies
13. Oversee all District accidents for our insurance vendor
14. Assist with audit preparation
15. Perform other tasks, duties, or services consistent with this position as assigned by the Superintendent

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Bachelor's Degree in human resources administration or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience
2. Three (3) or more years of successful human resources management experience, preferably in a school system
3. Broad knowledge of applicable labor and compliance laws
4. Proficient in technology, especially HRIS
5. Demonstrated knowledge of principles, procedures, and practices of human resources programs and procedures to improve overall operations and organizational effectiveness.
6. Knowledge of district organization, policies, procedures, and system-wide goals related to strategic plans
7. Ability to develop, analyze, and recommend policies, strategies, and practices affecting school district personnel and serves
8. Strong knowledge of system development
9. Ability to work as part of the leadership team to push educational incentives
10. Strong communication skills
11. Proven ability to meet the challenges of an urban school district

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Master's degree or higher in Educational Leadership, Business or Accounting
2. Possess or willing to acquire human resource professional certification.
3. School Human Resources experience
4. Experience as a Building Level Administrator
5. Experience as a Teacher

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

1. Focus on Data-Driven Results: Pursues the improvement of central office performance and school leadership, instruction, and operations,
2. Innovative Problem-Solving: Approaches work with a sense of possibility and sees challenges as opportunities for creative problem-solving; takes the initiative to explore issues and find potential innovative solutions.
3. Adaptability: Excels in constantly changing environments and adapts flexibly in shifting projects or priorities to meet the needs of a dynamic transformation effort; comfortable with ambiguity and non routine situations.
4. Teamwork: Increases the effectiveness of surrounding teams through collaboration, constant learning, and supporting others; sensitive to diversity in all its forms; respects and is committed to learning from others.
5. Communication and Customer Service Skills: Communicates clearly and compellingly with diverse stakeholders in both oral and written forms; anticipates and responds to customer needs in a high-quality and courteous manner.
6. Must be able to be bonded in the State of Michigan

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:

265-Day Contract

$84,000 - 96,000; based on education and experience

This is an Excluded Administration position. Salary based on education and experience pursuant to the Benton Harbor Area School Board policies and salary schedule


EVALUATION:

The performance of this job will be evaluated by the Superintendent.


Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, talk, and hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and depth perception. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties are performed by the individual currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned. Job descriptions are not intended as and do not create employment contracts


Benton Harbor Area Schools provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER