Chief of Staff and Human Resources Officer

Des Moines Public School District • Chicago, IA

4d

About The Position

Des Moines Public Schools is seeking a Chief of Staff and Human Resources Officer for the 2027–2028 school year. The role provides strategic leadership across two integrated portfolios: serving as Chief of Staff to the Superintendent and leading district human resources functions. As the district’s integrator, the position aligns policy, staffing strategy, legal compliance, and intergovernmental and legislative liaison work to advance the Superintendent’s priorities and the district’s strategic plan. The position is a key advisor to the Superintendent, serves on the Superintendent’s Cabinet, and provides strategic leadership and operational oversight of human resources across the district. It requires autonomous decision-making, strategic foresight, and knowledge of state and federal laws.

The position is classified as a non-licensed administrator, reports to the Superintendent, supervises up to the Director level, is exempt, and follows a 12-month calendar with an 8-hour day. The posted salary range reflects the first quartile through the midpoint of the salary range; compensation is based on skills, relevant work experience, and education. The role qualifies for a 14% tax-sheltered annuity. Single and family health benefits valued at approximately $35,000 annually are provided at no cost to employees, and relocation assistance of up to $6,000 is available.

Candidates must have a Juris Doctorate, an advanced degree in a relevant field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience; five years of supervisory experience; and five years of administrative experience in an educational setting. A law license, Iowa Administrator license, or specified HR certification is preferred. Offered candidates must pass criminal background and child and adult abuse registry checks. Depending on the position, fingerprinting, drug and alcohol testing, a physical capacity test, and/or a motor vehicle record check may also be required.

Requirements

• Juris Doctorate or an advanced degree in organizational development, public administration, human resources, policy development, or educational administration, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Five years of previous supervisory experience.
• Five years of administrative experience in an educational setting.
• Extensive knowledge of federal and state employment laws, education laws, regulations, and compliance requirements affecting public school districts.
• Knowledge of board governance and policy governance models, including district policy development and adoption processes.
• Ability to align policy, staffing, legal, and compliance considerations into coherent, operationally sound recommendations and practices.
• Knowledge of state and federal legislative processes and their application to public school districts, including legislative analysis and advocacy.
• Ability to serve as a liaison to legal counsel, governmental bodies, and community partners on behalf of the Superintendent.
• Ability to coordinate and drive cross-departmental initiatives and district priorities on behalf of the Superintendent.
• Knowledge of human resources management principles, including recruitment, retention, employee relations, performance management, compensation, classification, and succession planning.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to interpret complex laws, regulations, contracts, and policies and translate them into operational practices.
• Skills in negotiation, conflict resolution, and consensus-building.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholder groups, including colleagues, employees, unions, and external partners.
• Effective written and oral communication and presentation techniques.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and delegate when appropriate.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; strong supervisory and leadership skills.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and commitment to quality and accuracy.
• Excellent time management skills and a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, attend work promptly and regularly, and maintain satisfactory and harmonious working relationships with the public, students, and other employees.

Nice To Haves

• Preferred certification: license to practice law, Iowa Administrator license, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with applicable laws, policies, and regulations, and analyze new requirements to translate them into operational practices.
• Serve as the Superintendent’s strategic advisor and primary coordinator with legal counsel on personnel matters, policy development, employment law, and regulatory compliance.
• Serve as Chief of Staff to the Superintendent, aligning policy, staffing strategy, legal compliance, and intergovernmental liaison work, and coordinating cross-functional Cabinet initiatives.
• Direct and coordinate development, implementation, and continuous improvement of district policies and administrative regulations.
• Advise the Superintendent and Board of Directors on legislative matters; monitor and analyze state and federal legislation; coordinate legislative priorities and advocacy; and liaise with state, intergovernmental, and community partners.
• Direct organizational design initiatives, including classification, compensation, staffing structures, and workforce effectiveness strategies.
• Develop and execute short- and long-term human resources goals.
• Direct recruitment, retention, evaluation, succession planning, employee relations, and workforce engagement efforts.
• Oversee labor relations, including collective bargaining, contract administration, and grievance resolution.
• Direct continuous improvement of human resources systems, programs, and service delivery.
• Serve as the point of contact for federal and state offices as assigned by the Superintendent.
• Collaborate with executive leadership to forecast staffing needs and align human capital strategies with the district’s strategic plan.
• Support the Board, Superintendent, and colleagues in achieving district goals and objectives.
• Maintain professional learning and growth through professional organizations, seminars, coursework, and collaboration.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• 14% tax-sheltered annuity (TSA).
• Single and family health benefits valued at approximately $35,000 annually at no cost to employees.
• Relocation assistance of up to $6,000.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director