Executive Director of Human Resources

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE:                    Executive Director of Human Resources

DEPARTMENT: Human Resources

REPORTS TO: Superintendent

FLSA STATUS/CLASSIFICATION: Exempt; Admin

SUPERVISORY DUTIES: Principals, HR Personnel

APPROVED ON: xx/xx/2025

SUMMARY: 

The Executive Director of Human Resources is responsible for overseeing major operational functions of the District's comprehensive personnel and employee relations program for certificated and classified personnel, with a specialized emphasis in certificated personnel, including the recruitment and retention of all certificated and classified personnel. The Executive Director of Human Resources will perform and direct personnel functions to ensure compliance with assignment monitoring, cooperation, and communication between Human Resources and the Finance Department, thereby maximizing the educational opportunities and benefits available to each individual student. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Personnel Management & Compliance
  Oversees all aspects of certificated, classified, and substitute personnel functions, including recruitment, selection, credential verification, performance evaluation, and employee records. Ensures all certified staff hold current, valid credentials and communicates updates from the Arizona Department of Education. Supports certification renewals and submits all required certification reports to federal and state agencies.
  
  
• Recruitment, Hiring & Staffing
  Recruits, advertises, interviews, and hires for all district positions in alignment with district policy and staffing needs. Issue all employee contracts (certified, classified, administrative, supplemental, and addenda) in accordance with adopted pay schedules and timelines. Staff substitute coordinator positions and ensures trained backup personnel are in place.
  
  
• Leadership & Decision-Making
  Assumes responsibility for personnel decisions in the Superintendent’s absence. As part of the Superintendent's Cabinet, advises and participates in long-range planning, budgeting, and policy development as a senior staff member. Provides coaching and guidance to administrators and management staff on personnel matters and oversees evaluations, hiring, discipline, and dismissal of direct reports.
  
  
• Policy, Compliance & Communication
  Interprets and applies district policies, regulations, and applicable laws. Responds to inquiries not clearly defined by existing policies. Liaises with principals, department heads, the Governing Board, and external agencies on personnel-related issues.
  

• Records & Reporting
  Maintains comprehensive, up-to-date personnel records, including active/inactive files, evaluations, placement reviews, staffing data, and funding source tracking (M&O and non-M&O). Provides timely reports and staffing updates to the Superintendent and Director of Finance.
  
  
• Department Oversight & Coordination
  Leads and trains personnel within the department to support HR functions. Coordinates closely with Payroll using district software systems to ensure accuracy and efficiency in HR/payroll functions.
  
  
• Other Responsibilities
  Posts vacancies not filled through RIF recall. Terminates employees in accordance with statutes and district policies. Attends meetings, conferences, and in-services to remain informed of best practices and compliance requirements. Performs other duties as assigned by the Superintendent.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Technical and Analytical Skills
• Proficient in the use of standard office equipment and software.
• Strong knowledge of data usage, including research, collection, analysis, synthesis, interpretation, and reporting through executive summaries.
• Ability to perform detailed mathematical computations accurately.
• Knowledge of continuous improvement processes and their application in educational settings.
• Ability to manage budgets effectively and oversee personnel resources.
  
  
• Administrative and Organizational Skills
• Capable of performing multiple administrative functions simultaneously.
• Demonstrated ability to produce accurate work and complete assignments independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong problem-solving skills, including the ability to apply common sense to practical situations and varied challenges.
  
  
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work cooperatively and courteously with staff, students, parents, and community members.
• Ability to handle confrontation and conflict professionally, without emotional escalation.

• Legal and Ethical Understanding
• Maintains strict confidentiality in all matters.
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws, district procedures, and Governing Board policies.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS: 

• Education & Certification
• Master’s degree in Education or a related field (required)
• Valid Arizona Administrative Certification (required)
• Arizona Superintendent’s Certification (preferred)
• Criminal justice/fingerprint clearance (required)
• Experience
• Administrative experience at the site and/or district level, including formal evaluation of personnel
• Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the knowledge and abilities necessary to perform the essential duties of the position
• Technology Skills
• Demonstrated proficiency in computer applications, including:
• Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Publisher)
• Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides, etc.)
• Job-specific software such as Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS)

PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to reach with hands and arms.  The employee is frequently required to sit, stand and walk.  The employee may be required to move ten pounds and could occasionally lift or move up to twenty-five pounds.   

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Indoor office environment.  This position regularly works indoors.  The noise level in the work environment is generally quiet to moderate and may become excessively noisy at times.   Will have contact with employees, students, external agencies and the public.

Disclaimer: The duties and responsibilities identified in this position description are illustrative only and are in no way intended to be a complete list of activities that may be required of an incumbent.  The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the American Disabilities Act (ADA) and is not an exhaustive list of duties performed for this position.  Additional duties are performed by the individual currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned.