Director of Human Resources

GENERAL JOB FUNCTION

The Human Resources Director provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for all human resource functions of the district. This position plans, organizes, directs, and evaluates district-wide human resources programs and services to ensure the recruitment, hiring, development, support, retention, and separation of highly qualified employees while maintaining compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, collective bargaining agreements, and Board policies.

The Human Resources Director serves as a member of the Superintendent’s leadership team and guides workforce planning, employee relations, personnel administration, organizational development, labor relations, and district staffing strategies that support student achievement and organizational effectiveness.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Directly supervises Human Resources staff and assigned personnel.
• Oversees recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and employee retention processes districtwide.
• Evaluates department staff and supports employee growth and accountability.
• Coordinates staffing recommendations with district and site administrators.
• Supervises substitute services and personnel support functions.
• Oversees personnel investigations and corrective action processes ( is not an active participant in investigations).

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership and Personnel Administration

• Develop and implement district human resources goals aligned with district strategic priorities.
• Advise the Superintendent and Board of Education regarding personnel matters and organizational staffing needs.
• Lead continuous improvement efforts within Human Resources operations and services.
• Develop workforce planning strategies to address current and future staffing needs.

Recruitment, Selection, and Staffing

• Develop and oversee comprehensive recruitment and retention initiatives.
• Coordinate district-wide recruitment events, employment marketing, and applicant outreach.
• Oversee employee selection processes and ensure equitable hiring practices.
• Review and approve recommendations for employment, transfers, promotions, and separation.
• Maintain staffing allocations and position control systems.
• Coordinate staffing plans with school administrators and department leaders.

Licensure and Employee Credentialing

• Ensure compliance with New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED) licensure requirements.
• Monitor educator licensure, endorsements, certifications, and renewal timelines.
• Maintain highly qualified staff documentation and reporting requirements.
• Support employee licensure pathways and professional advancement opportunities.

Labor Relations and Employee Support

• Provide leadership and support during collective bargaining negotiations and labor-management collaboration.
• Interpret and administer collective bargaining agreements and employment contracts.
• Investigate employee concerns and workplace complaints.
• Coordinate disciplinary actions and employee corrective processes consistent with district procedures and due process requirements.
• Support conflict resolution and mediation efforts when appropriate.

Compliance and Risk Management

• Ensure district compliance with:
• • Federal and state employment laws
  • NMPED regulations
  • Equal Employment Opportunity requirements
  • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
  • Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
  • Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
  • Title VII, Title IX, and applicable labor laws
• Coordinate personnel responses to audits and compliance reviews.
• Oversee employee records management and personnel confidentiality requirements.
• Manage workers’ compensation administration and employee leave compliance.

Compensation, Benefits, and Budget Management

• Coordinate compensation administration and salary schedule implementation.
• Oversee employee benefits administration and annual enrollment processes.
• Collaborate with Finance regarding:
• • Personnel budgeting
  • Position control
  • Staffing projections
  • Payroll coordination
  • Audit preparation
• Develop and administer departmental budgets.

Performance Management and Professional Growth

• Oversee personnel evaluation systems and support implementation of educator effectiveness requirements.
• Coordinate employee orientation and onboarding programs.
• Facilitate leadership development and professional learning opportunities.
• Support succession planning and internal talent development.

Data Management and Reporting

• Maintain and oversee HR information systems and employee data reporting.
• Prepare personnel reports, staffing analyses, and workforce metrics.
• Present personnel updates and recommendations to leadership and the Board of Education.
• Utilize data to guide decision-making and improve district operations.

Additional Responsibilities

• Maintain current job descriptions aligned with NMPED requirements and federal guidelines.
• Support district emergency operations and continuity planning.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Superintendent.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Strong knowledge of public-school human resources practices.
• Knowledge of school employment law and personnel administration.
• Strong leadership, communication, and conflict resolution skills.
• Excellent organizational and project management abilities.
• Ability to interpret laws, policies, regulations, and collective bargaining agreements.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise professional judgment.
• Ability to analyze personnel and operational data.
• Strong presentation and public communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, HRIS, and personnel management systems.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible Human Resources, educational leadership, or personnel administration experience.
• Minimum of three (3) years supervisory experience.

Preferred:

• BA in Education, Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field.
• Experience in New Mexico public schools.
• Experience with labor relations and collective bargaining.
• Knowledge of NMPED licensure systems and educator evaluation requirements.
• Experience with HRIS, staffing software, and personnel budgeting.
• Sitting and computer work.
• Frequent communication with employees and stakeholders.
• Ability to travel between district locations.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 15 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to attend meetings and events outside normal business hours as required.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment shall be in accordance with Board policy, district administrative procedures, and applicable state and federal law.