Director of Human Resources

Director of Human Resources

Location: District Office

Employment Type: Full Time

Workdays: 260 days / 12 Months

FLSA: Exempt

Reports to: Superintendent

Salary/Benefits: Salary as approved by the Board of Education after consideration of the recommendation of the Superintendent.

Job Description

Under the direction of the Superintendent, the Director of Human Resources provides executive leadership and oversight for all human capital functions of the District. This position is responsible for the development, implementation, management, and evaluation of all personnel systems, including recruitment, staffing, employee relations, labor negotiations, compliance, and workforce development. The Director ensures alignment of all HR operations with District goals, legal requirements, and educational priorities.

Executive Leadership & Governance

Serve as the Superintendent's designee on all human capital, labor relations, and personnel matters. Advise the Superintendent and Board of Education on staffing, negotiations, and compliance with state and federal laws. Participate as a member of the Senior Leadership Team to align human capital strategies with district goals. Foster collaborative relationships with district leadership, unions, and community stakeholders. Prepare and present personnel reports, recommendations, and updates to the Board of Education. Develop communications and media releases as directed by the Superintendent.

Human Resources Management & Operations

Lead and manage all District Human Resources functions, including recruitment, hiring, onboarding, retention, and employee separations. Develop and implement strategic staffing plans aligned with District enrollment, programming, and operational priorities. Ensure compliance with certification, licensure, background checks, and all applicable state and federal employment laws. Administer employee leave programs, including FMLA, disability, and workers' compensation. Oversee employee relations, labor agreements, and conflict resolution processes in collaboration with employee associations. Coordinate recruitment strategies, including job fairs, substitute staffing systems, and partnerships with universities and external organizations. Maintain accurate personnel records, contracts, insurance documentation, and HR information systems. Supervise HR operational compliance processes, including fingerprinting, drug screening, onboarding, and substitute orientation. Conduct exit interviews, analyze workforce trends, and support employee engagement and retention initiatives. Maintain collaborative HR coordination across departments and provide support to district and building-level leadership. Oversee compliance monitoring and coordination with local, state, and federal agencies related to personnel and employment practices. Perform other duties as assigned by the Superintendent.

Experience Requirements

Illinois Professional Educator License with General Administrative Endorsement (Type 75) in Educational Leadership or Principal Endorsement required. Master's Degree from an accredited college or university required. Doctoral degree or doctoral candidacy highly desirable. Minimum of five (5) years of successful executive-level experience in public school administration or school district leadership. Demonstrated leadership experience as a building administrator with responsibility for personnel management, staff supervision, and operational oversight. Strong knowledge of Illinois School Code, personnel law, labor relations, and public-sector employment compliance requirements. Experience in human resources administration, employee relations, or district-level personnel systems strongly preferred. Superior oral and written communication skills, including experience presenting to Boards of Education and leading executive stakeholder engagement. Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply Board policy, collective bargaining agreements, and state and federal regulations. Proven ability to lead complex organizational systems, manage cross-functional operations, and support executive-level decision-making.

Success Indicators (First Three to Five Years)

A fully compliant, efficient HR system that consistently meets all state and federal requirements and audit standards. Improved recruitment and retention systems resulting in increased staffing stability across certified and classified positions. Transparent and equitable staffing allocation model aligned to enrollment, student needs, and district priorities. Strengthened employee relations climate with reduced grievances and effective labor-management collaboration. Accurate, integrated HR data systems supporting timely reporting, compliance, and executive decision-making. Expanded talent pipelines and improved onboarding processes leading to higher employee satisfaction and reduced turnover.