Executive Director of Human Resources
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION: The Executive Director of Human Resources is a senior leader
in Portland Public Schools. The Executive Director of Human Resources leads all human
resource functions including labor relations, recruitment, operations, benefits, and compliance
with all local, state and federal laws. As a senior leader in the District and the lead for human
resources, this individual is directly responsible for ensuring that the Portland Public Schools is a
great place to learn and work.
ABOUT PORTLAND PUBLIC SCHOOLS: This is an exciting time to join the Portland
Public Schools in a critical leadership role. The District is the largest in the state of Maine
serving over 6,600 students and an additional 2,000 students in adult education. The District has
a diverse student population with approximately 50% of students identifying as non-white, 30%
identifying as multilingual learners, and 15% of students experiencing housing instability.
Portland Public Schools is finalizing a five year strategic plan to ensure that all students graduate
from its schools prepared and empowered. As a senior leader in the District, the Executive
Director will have an essential role in achieving the goals of the strategic plan.
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:
Strategic Leadership:
1. Assumes a strategic and leadership role in the overall management of the District
2. Identify strategic opportunities to improve the work environment at Portland Public
Schools
3. Evaluates and advises on the impact of long-range planning results, introduction of new
programs/strategies and regulatory actions, and recommends appropriate course of action
4. Participates in policy development as a member of the senior management team
Human Resource Operations
5. Responsible for planning, implementing, managing and controlling all human resource
related duties in the District
6. Assures that the human resource operations of PPS are in compliance with federal, state
and local laws
7. Provides advice on any impacts of federal, state or local legislation on PPS.
8. Develop and maintain effective evaluation systems for staff throughout the organization
9. Manage a small team of HR staff to support staff and systems
Recruitment, Retention and Support
10. Be a brand ambassador for the District at the local, state and national level
11. Develop, implement and monitor a recruitment strategy that results in strong staff
throughout the District
12.Partner with the Executive Director of Equity and Belonging to support equity initiatives
13. Partner with the Assistant Superintendents and school leaders to ensure strong supports
are in place for staff Labor Relations
14. Establishes strong relationships with the District leaders and staff to ensure the
implementation of HR systems to support staff and achieve outcomes for students
15. Partner effectively with labor unions to support the mission of the District
16. Partner with school and district leaders to use an annual survey on staff perceptions to
strengthen working conditions in schools and departments
Partner
17. Maintain close working relationships with the superintendent and other members of the
District’s leadership team
18. Partner with the School Board, particularly the Chair of the Finance, Operations and
Personnel Committee, to provide strong guidance to the Board on policies and programs
19. Complete other work as necessary to achieve the mission and strategic plan of the District
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
1. Considerable knowledge of best practices in human resources
2. Ability to effectively partner with labor unions in a collaborative effort to support staff
and achieve outcomes for students
3. Thorough knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, policies, regulations, and
procedures relating to human resources, labor relations, benefits, etc.
4.Demonstrates ability to analyze, identify and implement strategic plans and improve
systems in human resources
5. Ability to scale solutions across 20 locations and 1,600 employees
6. Considerable knowledge of continuous improvement principles and practices, including
customer service.
7. Demonstrates excellent oral and written communications and human relations skills.
8. Demonstrates excellent management and organizational skills and ability to coordinate
activities across several departments.
9. Ability to assess, develop, and manage effective performance among the Human
Resources team.
10. Deeply committed to increasing equity in the District
11. Belief that all students can achieve at high levels when provided with the right
opportunities
EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE:
 Master's degree from an accredited college or university
 Minimum of 10 years of experience in a human resource management position in a large
public service organization preferred.
Portland Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from
discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender, sexual
orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran
status, political affiliation or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws.