2026-2027 SY: Executive Director of Human Resources

Santa Fe Public Schools•Santa Fe, NM

31d•Onsite

About The Position

The Executive Director of Human Resources serves as a strategic leader responsible for planning, directing, and overseeing all human resources functions for the school district. This position provides leadership in talent acquisition, employee relations, labor relations, performance management, compensation and benefits administration, compliance, professional development, and organizational effectiveness. The Executive Director ensures that human resource practices support the district's mission, strategic goals, and commitment to student achievement.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field
A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible human resources leadership experience.
Experience supervising professional and administrative staff.
Knowledge of applicable city, state, and federal laws and regulations.
Advanced written and communication skills.
Advanced interpersonal and presentation skills.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret legal documents.
Ability to guide personnel and department work with holistic awareness of district mission, strategies, customer needs, and school policies.
Proficient with Microsoft Office and the technology proficiency to learn a portfolio of human resource information systems.
Must have the ability to sit at a computer or in meetings for extended periods.
Requires advanced interpersonal skills to deal with frequent interactions within and outside the district.
Requires manual dexterity to operate computers and other office equipment.
Requires light physical exertion, including some walking, bending, and reaching.
The environment is often hectic and fast-moving, requiring the ability to manage multiple projects and staff supports.
Regularly required to stand and move throughout a room and/or facility.
Communicates verbally and electronically.
Uses hands to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls and reach with hands and arms.
Frequently required to stoop, kneel, crouch, and/or crawl.
Occasionally required to sit, climb, balance, and drive.
Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and private automobile.
Demonstrates reliability as evidenced by attendance records and punctuality.
Properly notifies supervisor and/or designee of absences or tardiness.
Begins and completes work within the allotted time.
Consistently appears in attire appropriate to the work environment.
Demonstrates skill in the use of equipment including its capabilities, limitations, and appropriate/ special application.
Protects the district’s resources through appropriate and careful use of supplies and equipment.
Utilizes appropriate body mechanics to aid in the prevention of muscle strain/injury.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a K-12 public school district
SHRM-SCP, SPHR, or equivalent certification
Experience with collective bargaining and labor relations
Bilingual (English-Spanish)
Personal power gained through relationship building and high levels of collegial and customer support.
Resourceful, grounded, reflective demeanor.
Capacity and willingness to expand vision, knowledge, abilities, and contribution.
Commitment to ongoing personal development.
Some evening or weekend work and travel may be required.

Responsibilities

Develops, implements, maintains, and evaluates human resources programs that effectively meet the needs of the District, including use of technology to enhance and streamline functions.
Serves as a consultant and advisor to top management and all levels of supervision.
Serves as a member of the Superintendent’s Cabinet.
Oversee all aspects of recruitment, ensuring compliance and consistency as well as creativity in sourcing candidates to recruit talented staff.
Expand tools to both increase and qualify the talent pool to match district needs.
Onboard and provide continuing support, including enhanced mentoring to new hires and ongoing career development support.
Create and implement retention programs to retain the best staff and expand intervention strategies for under-performing staff.
Ensure appropriate placement of staff for equitable distribution/diversity in schools.
Ensure job description compliance with FLSA, ADA, and other related regulations.
Ensure that the district meets all PED licensure requirements.
Develop more standardized interview questions/processes for hiring staff as part of improved identification of quality talent.
Work with the academic office to analyze teacher effectiveness and work with principals to support education improvement strategies.
Understand and utilize student achievement data to support improved employee effectiveness.
Work with Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and PD to identify skill/knowledge/performance opportunities to provide professional development aligned with education improvement strategies.
Assist in the development of consistent instructional practices across the district.
Develop career ladders for teachers with the goal of developing district leaders.
Support problem resolution at all levels within the district on all human resource-related matters.
Conduct and/or supervise investigations when allegations are made and participate in a wide range of employee hearings.
Review, modify, and enhance human resources functional areas to ensure comprehensive, effective and efficient services to all customers.
Oversee personnel investigation and disciplinary process.
Ensure compliance with all city, state, and federal-related laws and regulations.
Based on comprehensive knowledge of the Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) advise on related issues.
Serve on the District negotiating team for both unions.
Advise and serve as a consultant on compensation issues.
Assist in budget development, administration, and long-range financial planning for the District.
Serve as Chief EEO Officer of the District.
Ensure compliance of all practices with EEO requirements.
Investigate or manage the investigations of all complaints relevant to child abuse, sexual harassment, EEO or other relevant issues.
Special projects as required.
Other related duties as assigned.