Director 1 – Strategic Compensation, Grant Funded

Houston Independent School District•Houston, TX

About The Position

The Director I – Strategic Compensation plays a pivotal leadership role in advancing HISD’s mission to create a high-performing, equity-driven talent system. Reporting to the Director II – Compensation, this position is responsible for designing and managing innovative, data-driven compensation strategies under the Teacher Excellence System (TES) that support HISD’s commitment to rewarding excellence, retaining top talent, and driving instructional quality. As a district-based leader, the Director will work in service of schools—ensuring pay structures are sustainable, equitable, and aligned to teacher effectiveness. This role requires the ability to lead cross-functional teams, manage performance with urgency, and deliver clear, high-impact solutions in a fast-paced environment. This is a grant-funded position and includes responsibility for grant compliance, reporting, and sustainability planning.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field; master's degree preferred.
Minimum of 3 years of proven experience in a leadership role, preferably within a similar industry or organization.
Strong strategic thinking and analytical skills, with the ability to translate vision into actionable plans.
Demonstrated track record of successfully leading and managing teams, fostering a high-performance culture.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage and influence stakeholders at all levels.
Strong financial acumen, with experience in budget planning, financial management, and resource allocation.
Proven ability to develop and implement strategic initiatives that drive organizational growth and impact.
Exceptional problem-solving and decision-making abilities, with the capacity to navigate complex challenges.
Demonstrated ability to build and maintain positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
Knowledge of relevant industry regulations, compliance standards, and best practices.
Ability to adapt to change and lead teams through organizational transitions.
Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion principles and practices.
Strong ethical standards and integrity in decision-making.
Valid Texas driver’s license with applicable insurance coverage.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree preferred.
Professional certifications or memberships relevant to the industry or leadership role are desirable.

Responsibilities

Lead Strategic Compensation Projects
Directs cross-functional compensation initiatives aligned with TES and the district’s broader HR transformation, ensuring fidelity, impact, and compliance with grant provisions.
Design and Manage TES Salary Structures
Leads annual salary planning and projections for TES, including performance-based pay models, budget forecasting, and integration with evaluation outcomes.
Drive Compensation Equity & Competitiveness
Oversees salary audits and compensation studies to ensure HISD remains a regional and statewide leader in teacher compensation and market equity.
Oversee Job Classification & Position Management
Manages position coding and job classification processes to ensure accuracy and alignment with HISD’s compensation philosophy and policy.
Strengthen Data and Reporting Systems Leads the design and oversight of data tracking tools that connect evaluation results to salary decisions with precision and transparency.
Develop Team Capacity & Departmental Excellence
Coaches and supports Compensation team staff to build internal capacity, strengthen processes, and ensure high-quality service delivery to schools and departments.
Lead Continuous Data Audits & Compliance Checks
Implements robust data validation processes to maintain the integrity of compensation records and ensure alignment with all legal and district requirements.
Serve as District Representative for Strategic Compensation
Represents HISD in internal and external settings as a compensation thought leader; communicates complex pay structures clearly to diverse stakeholders.
Support Grant Management & Sustainability Planning
Ensures compliance with grant requirements and collaborates on long-term strategies for sustaining compensation reform beyond grant funding.
Provide Strategic Insights to Senior Leadership
Prepares executive-level reports and recommendations that guide HR policy, operational efficiency, and strategic decision-making.
Model High-Performance Culture & Expectations
Demonstrates reliability, professionalism, urgency, and accountability in all work; acts as a visible champion for HISD’s transformation and instructional excellence.
Invest in Continuous Improvement
Actively seeks feedback, participates in professional learning, and applies new insights to elevate the quality and effectiveness of compensation systems.
Other Duties as Assigned
Completes additional responsibilities that contribute to the success of the Compensation team and Human Resources division.