Director of Human Resources

Oak Park Elementary School District 97 • Oak Park, IL

1d • $120,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Human Resources is a strategic leader and trusted advisor responsible for guiding the district's human resources vision, operations, and compliance in support of student success, workforce stability, and an inclusive organizational culture. Reporting to the Assistant Superintendent, the Director leads all HR functions, manages a high-performing department, and partners with district leadership, labor groups, and the Board of Education to provide sound guidance on personnel matters, employee performance, collective bargaining, and workforce planning using data-informed and equitable practices. The Director of Human Resources position will ensure that equity is at the center of the district's services, in an effort to positively impact student learning and employee practices as expressed in Board Policy 7:12: Ensuring Racial and Educational Equity.

Requirements

• Thorough knowledge of human resources principles and practices, including recruitment and selection, employee relations, performance management, compensation, benefits administration, and workforce planning.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and codes governing employment in public education, including labor relations, collective bargaining, EEOC, ADA, FMLA, and applicable school code requirements.
• Knowledge of collective bargaining processes, contract administration, grievance procedures, and labor-management relations in a unionized environment.
• Knowledge of employee evaluation systems, disciplinary procedures, investigations, and documentation requirements.
• Knowledge of human resources data systems, personnel records management, and HR metrics used to assess workforce trends, equity, retention, and compliance.
• Knowledge of budget development, financial analysis, and cost modeling related to salaries, benefits, and staffing.
• Knowledge of best practices related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and workforce stability in educational organizations.
• Strong leadership and management skills, including the ability to build, develop, supervise, and evaluate a high-performing human resources team.
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to present complex information clearly to varied audiences, including administrators, staff, unions, and the Board of Education.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, including the ability to work collaboratively with labor partners, administrators, legal counsel, and external agencies.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to interpret workforce data, identify trends and risks, and develop data-informed recommendations.
• Skilled in negotiation, conflict resolution, and facilitation, particularly in collective bargaining, grievance resolution, and employee relations matters.
• Organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Skill in developing policies, procedures, templates, and guidance that promote consistency, equity, and legal compliance.
• Ability to provide strategic guidance and sound judgment on complex personnel, labor relations, and employee relations matters.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, exercise discretion, and handle sensitive information with professionalism and integrity.
• Ability to interpret and apply laws, contracts, policies, and regulations consistently and appropriately.
• Ability to support and advise administrators and principals in managing employee performance, discipline, and investigations.
• Ability to use data and metrics to support equitable hiring, retention, and workforce planning decisions.
• Ability to adapt to changing laws, regulations, and organizational needs while maintaining effective operations.
• Ability to foster trust, credibility, and collaboration across the district and within the Human Resources Department.
• Master's degree in Educational Administration, Human Resources, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Valid Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with an Administrative or Principal Endorsement.
• Minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible professional experience in human resources, educational administration, or a related leadership role, preferably within a public school district or other public-sector organization.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Illinois School Code, ISBE regulations, and applicable federal and state employment laws, including EEOC, ADA, FMLA, and labor relations requirements.
• Demonstrated experience with collective bargaining, contract administration, grievance procedures, and labor-management relations in a unionized environment.

Nice To Haves

• Professional school human resources certification (e.g., pHCLE or eHCLE)

Responsibilities

• Provides strategic leadership in the development and implementation of short- and long-range human resources plans that support district goals, a positive organizational culture, and a diverse workforce.
• Advises the Assistant Superintendent, administrative team, and Board of Education on personnel matters, labor relations, staffing models, and human resources policies.
• Attends Board of Education meetings and presents information and recommendations as directed by the Assistant Superintendent.
• Builds, develops, and sustains a highly effective, service-oriented Human Resources team that is trusted, respected, and recognized for professionalism, consistency, and sound judgment across the district.
• Directs and manages the day-to-day operations of the Human Resources Department, including supervision, evaluation, and professional development of HR staff.
• Oversees personnel systems and records management, including employee files, payroll coordination, leave management, benefits administration, onboarding, and orientation.
• Develops, manages, and monitors the Human Resources budget, ensuring fiscal stewardship and alignment with district priorities.
• Prepares and submits required federal, state, and local reports related to personnel, staffing, and labor compliance.
• Establishes, monitors, and analyzes Human Resources metrics and workforce data (e.g., hiring trends, demographic data, turnover, leave patterns, and vacancy rat es) to evaluate equity in hiring, assignment, and retention; identify trends and risks; and support a stable and inclusive workforce.
• Designs, implements, and continuously improves a comprehensive onboarding and pre-employment process for all new employees, including certified, classified, administrative, and substitute staff.
• Ensures timely and accurate entry and maintenance of employee data in HRIS and personnel files in compliance with board policy, collective bargaining agreements, and state/federal regulations.
• Oversees recruitment, selection, and hiring processes for all staff, to attract, identify, and secure high-quality candidates for open positions across the organization e nsuring equitable, transparent, and compliant practices.
• Collaborates with district leadership to develop student enrollment projections and forecast staffing needs.
• Develops and maintains job descriptions for all district positions in compliance with EEOC, ADA, and applicable regulations.
• Partners with district staff to strengthen recruitment and retention practices that promote a diverse and representative workforce.
• Oversees the development, implementation, and monitoring of employee evaluation systems to support continuous improvement and accountability.
• Develops, implements, and standardizes disciplinary procedures and documentation templates; advises and supports administrators in the consistent and appropriate application of employee discipline.
• Serves as a resource to administrators and principals regarding employee performance, evaluation procedures, and professional growth.
• Analyzes and prepares confidential personnel data, salary and benefit cost analyses, and financial reports to support negotiations and Board decision-making.
• Advises and supports district administration in grievance procedures, arbitration processes, and contract interpretation.
• Fosters collaborative and effective relationships with employee groups and union representatives.
• Leads or supports employee investigations in collaboration with administration and legal counsel as appropriate.
• Ensures compliance with ADA requirements, including accommodations and interactive processes.
• Oversees workers' compensation, unemployment claims, and employee leave programs.
• Monitors changes in employment law and regulations and ensures district practices remain compliant.
• Prepares reports, analyses, staffing projections, and interpretive materials to support district objectives and compliance requirements.
• Facilitates meetings involving employment procedures, regulatory requirements, interdepartmental coordination, and external agency requests.
• Communicates clearly and effectively with district leadership, staff, unions, and the Board of Education.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Assistant Superintendent.
• Act as the Assistant Superintendent's designee in their absence.
• Ensures fidelity and compliance with all Board of Education policies, collective bargaining agreements, administrative procedures, and state/federal laws.
• Exhibits the highest standards of ethical behavior, integrity, and confidentiality in all school-related matters.
• Assumes responsibility for one's own professional growth by reflecting on practice, seeking feedback, and staying current with educational research and best practices.
• Maintains proactive communication with district leadership and represents the school at required meetings, committees, and projects.
• Works a full professional day and has a visible presence throughout the district as well as at district sponsored community events.
• Shares information with other central office administrators, ensuring districtwide engagement with school-based events.
• Completes all reports, records, and other duties as assigned by the Superintendent or designee.

Benefits

• Insurance - medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance are available
• Leaves - paid sick, personal, and vacation days provided
• Retirement - TRS/IMRF Board Contribution available

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees