Executive Director of Human Resources

JOB SUMMARY: 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 position 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 while providing guidance on complex personnel matters, employment practices, and regulatory compliance. This position oversees the Human Resources Department, including its personnel, budget, systems, and operations, and works collaboratively across the District to foster a positive workplace culture and ensure effective, equitable, and legally compliant human resources practices.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree in Human Resources, Educational Administration, or a related field; or a Juris Doctor
• Minimum of five years of management experience leading personnel and departmental operations
• Progressive leadership experience in human resources management, employee relations, employment law, or organizational development
• Strong knowledge of Iowa public education employment practices, laws, and regulations
• Experience overseeing HRIS, compensation structures, benefits, and workforce planning preferred
• SHRM-SCP, pHCLE and/or SPHR certification(s) preferred

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership & Organizational Development

• Serve as a member of the Executive Cabinet, contributing 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 that support employee recruitment, retention, engagement, and workforce development.
• Provide leadership in fostering a positive, inclusive, and professional workplace culture aligned with the district’s mission, values, and strategic goals.

Employee Relations & Labor Management

• Serve as a leader for collective bargaining activities, contract administration, and employee relations.
• Interpret and administer negotiated agreements, Board policies, employee handbooks, and applicable employment regulations.
• Oversee employee relations, including complaints, grievances, performance concerns, and disciplinary processes.
• Provide guidance and support to administrators regarding employee performance, evaluation, corrective action, conflict resolution, and employment decisions.
• Ensure consistent, equitable, and legally compliant application of personnel practices and employment requirements.

Recruitment, Retention & Talent Management

• Provide strategic direction and oversight for recruitment, selection, hiring, onboarding, retention, and separation processes.
• Develop and implement workforce planning and talent acquisition strategies to attract and retain highly qualified employees.
• Oversee employee evaluation and performance management systems to support professional growth, accountability, and organizational effectiveness.
• Identify workforce trends and develop initiatives to address staffing needs, employee engagement, succession planning, and retention.

Compensation, Benefits & Human Resources Administration

• Collaborate with department leaders to develop, evaluate, and administer employee compensation structures, benefits programs, and related personnel costs.
• Provide oversight of the Human Resources budget, staffing resource allocation, and departmental operations.
• Direct the 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 to support efficient and effective operations.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal and state employment laws, regulations, reporting requirements, and district policies.

Departmental Leadership & Management

• Lead, supervise, and evaluate Human Resources personnel, providing direction, professional development, and accountability for departmental performance.
• Establish departmental priorities, procedures, and service standards to ensure responsive and effective support to employees and administrators.
• Coordinate and collaborate with departments and building administrators on personnel planning, staffing, and employment-related initiatives.
• Monitor human resources trends, legal developments, and best practices to recommend improvements to district policies, programs, and operations.

OTHER FUNCTIONS

• Engages in professional development related to responsibilities and duties.
• Completes all required training.
• Performs other job-related duties, as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Demonstrated 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.

In evaluating candidates for this position, Johnston Community School District may consider a combination of education, training, and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of this position.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Frequent walking, standing and sitting
• Ability to carry and lift up to 25 lbs.
• Ability to travel within district and attend meetings outside of the work day
• Occasional exposure to irritated, agitated, or hostile individuals
• Indoor work environment primarily in an office or school setting

Salary : $155,953 - $173,262