Director 1, Employee Relations Investigations

Houston Independent School District • Houston, TX

83d • $130,000 - $155,000

About The Position

The Director I – Employee Relations (Investigations & Background) provides strategic leadership and oversight for all districtwide employee investigations and background review processes. This role ensures that investigations into employee misconduct, discrimination, harassment, workplace concerns, and other policy violations are conducted promptly, objectively, and in full compliance with federal, state, and district regulations. Operating within a matrixed organizational structure, the Director supervises a team of investigators and background specialists while also collaborating with division leaders, HR executives, and campus administrators across the district to ensure that all investigations and background reviews are handled consistently, fairly, and with full accountability. Although the Director does not directly supervise staff outside their department, they are responsible for influencing and guiding other leaders to ensure investigative and compliance protocols are implemented with integrity and fidelity across all divisions. The Director partners closely with Legal Services, Employee Relations, and law enforcement agencies to manage complex or high-profile cases and ensure the district’s actions are legally sound, well-documented, and transparent. Through proactive systems management, process monitoring, and data analysis, the Director upholds HISD’s commitment to professionalism, fairness, and the protection of both employee rights and student safety.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university required in one of the following areas: human resources, labor relations, business administration, organizational leadership, or education.
• Master’s degree preferred.
• At least 5 years of experience in employee investigations, employee relations, or compliance.
• Strong knowledge of federal and state employment and education laws (e.g., Title VII, Title IX, ADA, FLSA).
• Expertise in investigative techniques, interviewing, and case management.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, SAP (preferred), Oracle, and HR case-tracking systems.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to manage sensitive matters professionally.
• Experience collaborating with Legal Services, law enforcement, and administrative leadership.

Responsibilities

• Leads the district’s investigations and background operations, ensuring timely, thorough, and policy-compliant handling of employee misconduct and personnel matters.
• Oversees the preparation and review of investigation reports, ensuring all documentation is objective, comprehensive, and written at a level that meets legal standards and can withstand external or legal review.
• Supervises the Investigations and Background central office teams, including investigators and specialists, by assigning cases, monitoring progress, and reviewing outcomes for quality, accuracy, and compliance.
• Operates within a matrixed organizational structure, overseeing investigative work across divisions through the unit structure.
• Oversees criminal background review and clearance processes in compliance with TEA and district regulations, including coordination of the Criminal History Review Committee.
• Collaborates with Legal Services, HR leadership, division leaders, and law enforcement agencies to ensure investigative processes, findings, and personnel actions are aligned, defensible, and legally sound.
• Ensure consistent documentation and record management of all investigations and background checks in alignment with legal and district standards.
• Ensures all investigation reports and documentation are written with clarity, precision, and legal defensibility, meeting professional standards that can withstand external review or litigation.
• Develops and enforces standardized investigation protocols and operating procedures that are efficient, promote fairness, objectivity, and compliance across all cases.
• Analyzes investigation data and background trends to identify risks, recurring issues, and training needs, and provides regular reports and recommendations to HR leadership.
• Provides consultation and training to HR staff, campus leaders, and supervisors on appropriate documentation, reporting, and investigative procedures.
• Coordinates employee reassignment and tracking during pending investigations to ensure compliance with district policy and safety expectations.
• Promotes a culture of accountability, integrity, and transparency by ensuring investigations and background reviews are handled professionally and confidentially.
• Designs and facilitates training programs for HR and campus leaders on investigations and background review procedures.
• Continuously seeks opportunities for professional development and growth to enhance leadership skills, technical expertise, and knowledge of evolving employment law and compliance practices.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree