Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources and Labor Relations (Anticipated 2026-2027)

Joliet Public Schools District 86•Joliet, IL

14h•Onsite

About The Position

Under the general direction of the Superintendent and Deputy Superintendent, the Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources oversees the implementation of recruitment, retention, and development efforts in partnership with District departments. The Assistant Superintendent leads efforts to support its workforce, and ensures compliance with state and federal laws. The Assistant Superintendent promotes the strategic efforts of the District, integrating them in all aspects of the recruitment, retention, and development of a high quality workforce. The Assistant Superintendent provides leadership for planning, directing, coordinating and evaluating the human resources and employee relations functions of the district.

Requirements

Doctoral degree in Educational Leadership, Human Resources or equivalent, from an accredited college or university, strongly preferred. Minimum Master’s degree required.
Extensive preparation in educational administration, human resources, employee relations and employee negotiations
Valid Illinois Professional Educator License with Administrative and Superintendent endorsement.
Successful completion of the required ISBE training as an Illinois Teacher and Principal Evaluator.
Minimum of ten years of successful experience in teaching, administrative and supervisory fields in a PK-8 educational setting.
Experience and knowledge in relation to-instructional processes and effective instruction.
Extensive experience and knowledge in human resources, employee relations and employee negotiations preferably in a large district environment.
Experience and knowledge in relation to systemic continuous improvement processes and criteria.
Demonstrated recognition of the importance of collaboration in the budget development process.
An administrative leadership style based on effective human relations
Excellent communication (verbal and written), presentation, and listening skills.
Demonstrated application of best practices in human resources and employee relations.
Enthusiasm for effective team leadership to motivate high standards and continuous improvement.
High attention to detail and organizational skills
Excellent data management and interpretation skills
Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of instruction and evaluation processes.
A thorough knowledge of labor relations and negotiations.
Knowledge in Federal and State educational legislation.
Demonstrated capabilities in leadership, academic, competence and personnel management.

Nice To Haves

Other human resource licensure or certification (ie: pHCLE) is desirable.

Responsibilities

Plans, develops and reviews personnel policies and administrative rules in accordance with State and Federal laws for presentation to the Superintendent for Board adoption.
Leads the development and refinement of all hiring documents and processes used by the district, ensuring their compliance with State and Federal statutes and Board policies on nondiscrimination.
Oversees partnership development between and universities for the purpose of recruitment, professional learning opportunities, and field experiences.
In consultation with stakeholder groups, provides leadership in examining, refining, communicating, conducting, and coordinating processes for recruitment and screening/interviewing/hiring of high quality certified and classified employees.
Collaborates with communications teams to promote employment opportunities within and outside of the District.
Promotes education as a career, and leads "Grow Your Own" programming efforts in conjunction with academic offerings.
Assists and consults with directors to coordinate activities/training for evaluators and evaluatees related to the evaluation of certified staff in accordance with state requirements, as well as classified staff.
Oversee continuous improvement efforts for retention of staff, including the collection and analysis of staff satisfaction data and its correlation to building outcomes, and exit data for the purpose of improvement efforts
Serve as a lead member of the negotiating team(s), for all employee bargaining groups, and provide technical assistance, compile data, and collaborate with interest groups as applicable
Coordinate the functions of the Human Resources Division with other departments within the District and provide technical advice and assistance to all management levels and other personnel
Develop and maintain a system for personnel records for all employees including data pertinent to employment, transfers, tenure, retirement, leaves, promotions, etc.
Oversee compliance with laws, Board policies, and procedures that impact employee-employer matters.
Consult with the Superintendent, Cabinet and Leadership Team on questions related to district personnel issues, bargaining agreements, and state and federal law.
Overseas coordination of information systems and processes such as FMLA approval, ADA process, and union grievance procedures.
Serve in roles as assigned in grievance and complaint procedures (ie: Title IX, Anti-Discrimination, etc.)
Collaborates with District department and building leaders to determine district's staffing ratios/allocations for all buildings , sites and programs.
Oversee and monitor data related to employee attendance.
Facilitate processes for employee benefits such as tuition reimbursement, leaves of absence, and other related personnel functions.
Maintains an ongoing program of personnel policy and program development, including assisting with preparation of Board policies and administrative rules for review and action.
Advise the Superintendent on issues related to personnel, negotiations, state and federal law.
Maintain liaison with local, state and national agencies relative to recruitment, personnel management, and employee relations.
Prepare and submit an annual budget for the Human Resources Division.
Participates in the continuous improvement efforts of the District in conjunction with Strategic Planning as connected to the role.
Provides guidance to district administrative and supervisory personnel in matters relating to employee relations.
Counsels with employees to resolve complaints, difficulties, and other matters related to personnel management.
Oversees and collaborates with District departments to develop, implement, and evaluate programs of personnel development throughout the District, including: initial and follow up on-boarding activities for certified staff members, with emphasis on foundational principles and practices related to the strategic plan initial and follow up on-boarding activities for classified staff members (paraprofessionals, secretarial staff, guest teachers) internal training modules and communication/media regarding district initiatives,
Prepare reports and presentations for various stakeholder groups
Support development opportunities that meet ISBE guidelines for clock hours, licensure renewal (administrative and educator), and build internal applicant capacity for a variety of positions.
Organizes and supervises a substitute program for all personnel groups
Attend all regularly scheduled monthly meetings of the Board, and such staff meetings and conferences as called by the Superintendent.
Lead all aspects of contract administration during the terms of various contracts with employee organizations.
Provide leadership on activities related to unemployment compensation claim management
Monitor all workers' compensation claims and collaborate with the Assistant Superintendent for Business and Financial Services and insurance company in regard to loss control.
Manages investigations of employee matters, and makes recommendations regarding the same
Perform other job related duties as may be assigned by the Superintendent