Executive Director of Human Resources

Johnston Community School District•Johnston, IA
•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of the Superintendent, the Executive Director of Human Resources provides strategic leadership and oversight of all aspects of the District's human resources operations. As a member of the Executive Cabinet, this role collaborates with the Superintendent, Board, and District leadership to advance organizational effectiveness and align workforce strategies with the District's mission and strategic goals. The Executive Director leads employee relations, recruitment, retention, talent development, and performance management, and advises on complex personnel matters, employment practices, and regulatory compliance. The position oversees the Human Resources Department, including its personnel, budget, systems, and operations, and works across the District to foster a positive workplace culture and ensure effective, equitable, and legally compliant practices. The role leads strategic human resources planning, collective bargaining and employee relations, recruitment and talent management, compensation and benefits administration, HR systems and compliance, and the supervision and development of Human Resources personnel. It also advises district leaders on policy, personnel planning, workforce needs, and sensitive employment matters. The position requires a master's degree in Human Resources, Educational Administration, or a related field, or a Juris Doctor, and at least five years of management experience leading personnel and departmental operations. The District may consider a combination of education, training, and experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform the duties.

Requirements

  • Master's degree in Human Resources, Educational Administration, or a related field, or a Juris Doctor.
  • At least five years of management experience leading personnel and departmental operations.
  • Progressive leadership experience in human resources management, employee relations, employment law, or organizational development.
  • Knowledge of human resources administration, employment practices, labor relations, collective bargaining, and organizational leadership.
  • Knowledge of federal and state employment laws, regulations, public sector employment requirements, and applicable education-related personnel requirements.
  • Ability to provide sound, objective counsel on sensitive and complex personnel matters.
  • Ability to analyze workforce data, identify organizational needs, and develop effective human resources strategies.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and manage sensitive information with discretion.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with all stakeholders.
  • Strong leadership, planning, decision-making, problem-solving, and organizational management skills.
  • Ability to carry and lift up to 25 pounds.
  • Ability to travel within the District and attend meetings outside of the work day.

Nice To Haves

  • Experience overseeing HRIS, compensation structures, benefits, and workforce planning.
  • SHRM-SCP, pHCLE, and/or SPHR certification(s).

Responsibilities

  • Serve on the Executive Cabinet and contribute to district-wide strategic planning, organizational leadership, policy development, and decision-making.
  • Advise and collaborate with the Superintendent, Board, and administrators on human resources priorities, organizational effectiveness, and complex personnel matters.
  • Develop, implement, and evaluate human resources strategies, systems, and practices supporting recruitment, retention, engagement, and workforce development.
  • Foster a positive, inclusive, and professional workplace culture aligned with the District's mission, values, and strategic goals.
  • Lead collective bargaining activities, contract administration, and employee relations.
  • Interpret and administer negotiated agreements, Board policies, employee handbooks, and applicable employment regulations.
  • Oversee complaints, grievances, performance concerns, and disciplinary processes.
  • Guide administrators on employee performance, evaluation, corrective action, conflict resolution, and employment decisions.
  • Ensure personnel practices and employment requirements are applied consistently, equitably, and in compliance with law.
  • Direct recruitment, selection, hiring, onboarding, retention, and separation processes.
  • Develop workforce planning and talent acquisition strategies to attract and retain qualified employees.
  • Oversee employee evaluation and performance management systems.
  • Identify workforce trends and develop initiatives addressing staffing needs, employee engagement, succession planning, and retention.
  • Collaborate with department leaders to develop, evaluate, and administer compensation structures, benefits programs, and related personnel costs.
  • Oversee the Human Resources budget, staffing resource allocation, and departmental operations.
  • Direct development, implementation, and maintenance of Board policies (400 series), employee handbooks, personnel procedures, and human resources guidelines.
  • Oversee HRIS, personnel records, reporting, data integrity, and technology.
  • Ensure compliance with applicable federal and state employment laws, regulations, reporting requirements, and District policies.
  • Lead, supervise, and evaluate Human Resources personnel, providing direction, professional development, and accountability.
  • Establish departmental priorities, procedures, and service standards.
  • Coordinate with departments and building administrators on personnel planning, staffing, and employment-related initiatives.
  • Monitor human resources trends, legal developments, and best practices and recommend improvements to District policies, programs, and operations.
  • Engage in relevant professional development and complete required training.
  • Perform other job-related duties as assigned.
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