What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director, Personnel Commission position at Poway Unified School District?
Description
The Poway Unified School District (PUSD) is a national leader in K-12 public education and the third largest school district in San Diego County, serving over 34,000 students in 40 schools in the cities of northern San Diego and Poway. Comprised of 25 elementary schools (TK-5), an elementary/middle school combination (TK-8th), six middle schools (6-8), one continuation high school, five comprehensive high schools (9-12), one middle college and one adult school, the District's vision is to create culture and conditions to empower world-class learners.
PUSD is seeking a Director-Personnel Commission to fill an upcoming vacancy and is looking for a dedicated leader with experience in recruitment and selection, classification and compensation, employee records management, employee-employer relations, and contract administration.
Join PUSD and be part of a team committed to quality staff and service!
The District offers great benefits, including:
- District health and wellness benefits for employee and dependents
- CalPERS Retirement
The Director-Personnel Commission will be paid on the Management Salary Schedule, Salary Range 23.
Starting Salary Range/Step Expected: between $11,980.00 (Step 1) - $14,517.00 (Step 6) per month – see note below*.
PLEASE NOTE:
This employee shall be appointed from an eligibility list established pursuant to the provisions of The Merit System article within the Education Code (Ed Code 45240 - 45320). As such, the recruitment is being overseen by the California Schools Personnel Commission Association (CSPCA). For questions related to this recruitment, please contact Philip J. Gordillo, Executive Director-CSPCA, via email at cspca01@gmail.com or by phone at 408-828-8885.
The Poway Unified School District (PUSD) is a national leader in K-12 public education and the third largest school district in San Diego County, serving over 34,000 students in 40 schools in the cities of northern San Diego and Poway. Comprised of 25 elementary schools (TK-5), an elementary/middle school combination (TK-8th), six middle schools (6-8), one continuation high school, five comprehensive high schools (9-12), one middle college and one adult school, the District's vision is to create culture and conditions to empower world-class learners.
PUSD is seeking a Director-Personnel Commission to fill an upcoming vacancy and is looking for a dedicated leader with experience in recruitment and selection, classification and compensation, employee records management, employee-employer relations, and contract administration.
Join PUSD and be part of a team committed to quality staff and service!
The District offers great benefits, including:
- District health and wellness benefits for employee and dependents
- CalPERS Retirement
The Director-Personnel Commission will be paid on the Management Salary Schedule, Salary Range 23.
Starting Salary Range/Step Expected: between $11,980.00 (Step 1) - $14,517.00 (Step 6) per month – see note below*.
PLEASE NOTE:
This employee shall be appointed from an eligibility list established pursuant to the provisions of The Merit System article within the Education Code (Ed Code 45240 - 45320). As such, the recruitment is being overseen by the California Schools Personnel Commission Association (CSPCA). For questions related to this recruitment, please contact Philip J. Gordillo, Executive Director-CSPCA, via email at cspca01@gmail.com or by phone at 408-828-8885.
BASIC FUNCTION:
Under the direction of the Personnel Commission, plan, organize, and direct the personnel management program for the classified service of the District in conformance with Merit System law and the rules and regulations of the Personnel Commission; supervise and evaluate the performance of assigned staff.
Work cooperatively with the Superintendent to assure an efficient and effective personnel management program.
Obtain information and develop recommendations to the Personnel Commission, Superintendent and Board of Trustees in the areas related to classified employees.
Conduct salary studies and recommend to the Commission appropriate salary schedules for the classified service.
Examine classified service assignments to assure assignment and employment are in conformance with law; maintain the classification plan; conduct or arrange for studies to assure positions are classified appropriately or reclassified as necessary.
Administer the classified recruitment program including the preparation and administration of exams, vacancy notices, screening of applications, development and certification of eligibility lists, certification of eligible candidates to the appointing authority, employment interviews, and related recruiting activities.
Maintain transfer lists and recommend and approve transfers, reassignments, termination and disciplinary action. Prepare and present a variety of reports to the Board and Personnel Commission including the personnel reports. Provide administrative support in the negotiations process.
Approve classified leaves of absence.
Counsel employees and confer with employee groups and employees on Merit System regulations and other personnel-related problems; conduct investigations of Merit System regulations, problems and system operations as directed; conduct hearings.
Supervise and evaluate the performance of assigned staff; interview and select employees and recommend transfers, reassignment, termination, and disciplinary actions; plan, coordinate, and arrange for appropriate training of subordinates.
Provide technical expertise, information and assistance to the Personnel Commission regarding assigned functions; assist as needed in the formulation and development of policies, procedures and programs.
Direct the preparation and maintenance of a variety of narrative and statistical reports, records and files related to classified personnel service.
Communicate with other administrators, District personnel, union representatives, and contractors to coordinate activities and programs, resolve issues and conflicts, and exchange information.
Develop and prepare the annual preliminary budget for the classified personnel service; analyze and review budgetary and financial data; control and authorize expenditures in accordance with established limitations.
Assist in administering classified collective bargaining agreements.
Attend a variety of meetings and participate on assigned committees. Perform related duties as assigned.
Under the direction of the Personnel Commission, plan, organize, and direct the personnel management program for the classified service of the District in conformance with Merit System law and the rules and regulations of the Personnel Commission; supervise and evaluate the performance of assigned staff.
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:
Plan, organize and direct the personnel management program for the classified service of the District in conformance with Merit System law and the rules and regulations of the Personnel Commission.Work cooperatively with the Superintendent to assure an efficient and effective personnel management program.
Obtain information and develop recommendations to the Personnel Commission, Superintendent and Board of Trustees in the areas related to classified employees.
Conduct salary studies and recommend to the Commission appropriate salary schedules for the classified service.
Examine classified service assignments to assure assignment and employment are in conformance with law; maintain the classification plan; conduct or arrange for studies to assure positions are classified appropriately or reclassified as necessary.
Administer the classified recruitment program including the preparation and administration of exams, vacancy notices, screening of applications, development and certification of eligibility lists, certification of eligible candidates to the appointing authority, employment interviews, and related recruiting activities.
Maintain transfer lists and recommend and approve transfers, reassignments, termination and disciplinary action. Prepare and present a variety of reports to the Board and Personnel Commission including the personnel reports. Provide administrative support in the negotiations process.
Approve classified leaves of absence.
Counsel employees and confer with employee groups and employees on Merit System regulations and other personnel-related problems; conduct investigations of Merit System regulations, problems and system operations as directed; conduct hearings.
Supervise and evaluate the performance of assigned staff; interview and select employees and recommend transfers, reassignment, termination, and disciplinary actions; plan, coordinate, and arrange for appropriate training of subordinates.
Provide technical expertise, information and assistance to the Personnel Commission regarding assigned functions; assist as needed in the formulation and development of policies, procedures and programs.
Direct the preparation and maintenance of a variety of narrative and statistical reports, records and files related to classified personnel service.
Communicate with other administrators, District personnel, union representatives, and contractors to coordinate activities and programs, resolve issues and conflicts, and exchange information.
Develop and prepare the annual preliminary budget for the classified personnel service; analyze and review budgetary and financial data; control and authorize expenditures in accordance with established limitations.
Assist in administering classified collective bargaining agreements.
Attend a variety of meetings and participate on assigned committees. Perform related duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
KNOWLEDGE OF:
Planning, organization, and direction of the personnel management program for classified service. Merit System and provisions of the Education Code applicable to personnel practices and procedures.
Principles and practices of personnel administration including position classification, salary administration, recruitment, examination, and selection.
Principles and practices of employee training and supervision. Statistical, research and survey methods and techniques.
Report writing methods and techniques. Budget preparation and control.
Oral and written communication skills.
Principles and practices of administration, supervision, and training. Applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures.
Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy.
ABILITY TO:
Plan, organize, and direct the personnel management program for the classified service of the District in conformance with Merit System law and the rules and regulations of the Personnel Commission.
Obtain, organize, analyze, and evaluate a wide range of data and information and make appropriate recommendations to the Personnel Commission and the Board.
Supervise and evaluate the performance of assigned staff.
Prepare and present comprehensive, effective oral and written reports.
Perform a variety of professional and technical duties involved in the conduct of the District's classification, salary, recruitment, examination, selection, and employee disciplinary programs.
Effectively advise appropriate personnel on disciplinary hearings, procedures, and problems. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Interpret, apply, and explain rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others. Operate a computer and assigned office equipment.
Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action. Meet schedules and time lines.
Work independently with little direction. Plan and organize work.
Direct the maintenance of a variety of reports and files related to classified personnel.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
ENVIRONMENT:
Office environment.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Hearing and speaking to exchange information and make presentations. Seeing to read a variety of materials.
Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard. Sitting for extended periods of time.
HAZARDS:
Contact with dissatisfied or abusive individuals.
Minimum QualificationsKNOWLEDGE OF:
Planning, organization, and direction of the personnel management program for classified service. Merit System and provisions of the Education Code applicable to personnel practices and procedures.
Principles and practices of personnel administration including position classification, salary administration, recruitment, examination, and selection.
Principles and practices of employee training and supervision. Statistical, research and survey methods and techniques.
Report writing methods and techniques. Budget preparation and control.
Oral and written communication skills.
Principles and practices of administration, supervision, and training. Applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures.
Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy.
ABILITY TO:
Plan, organize, and direct the personnel management program for the classified service of the District in conformance with Merit System law and the rules and regulations of the Personnel Commission.
Obtain, organize, analyze, and evaluate a wide range of data and information and make appropriate recommendations to the Personnel Commission and the Board.
Supervise and evaluate the performance of assigned staff.
Prepare and present comprehensive, effective oral and written reports.
Perform a variety of professional and technical duties involved in the conduct of the District's classification, salary, recruitment, examination, selection, and employee disciplinary programs.
Effectively advise appropriate personnel on disciplinary hearings, procedures, and problems. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Interpret, apply, and explain rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others. Operate a computer and assigned office equipment.
Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action. Meet schedules and time lines.
Work independently with little direction. Plan and organize work.
Direct the maintenance of a variety of reports and files related to classified personnel.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
ENVIRONMENT:
Office environment.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Hearing and speaking to exchange information and make presentations. Seeing to read a variety of materials.
Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard. Sitting for extended periods of time.
HAZARDS:
Contact with dissatisfied or abusive individuals.
Any combination of education and experience appropriate to the responsibilities of this position equivalent to:
EDUCATION:
Bachelor's or higher degree from an accredited college or university in personnel administration or related field.
EXPERIENCE:
Three years of professional personnel experience, two years of leadership experience, including experience in recruitment, selection, promotion, and retention of employees, preferably in a merit system.
LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
Valid California driver’s license. with no restrictions which would preclude driving on the job is a continuous requirement.
Maintain qualification for automobile insurance coverage.
In accordance with California Law and Education Code, position incumbents must maintain a conviction-free Department of Justice background record, which is relevant to the position.
CERTIFICATIONS AND TESTING REQUIRED:
- Pass the District’s applicable proficiency exam for the job class with a satisfactory score
- After an offer of employment, obtain:
- Criminal Justice and FBI Fingerprint Clearance
- Negative TB test result plus periodic post-employment retest as required (currently every four years)
Application & Examination Process
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:
To be eligible for consideration, interested candidates must submit the following documents:
- Online employment application
- Please complete the online application to include all current and previous work history and education. (Note: resume may not substituted for
completing work history, education sections, or the supplemental questions of the employment application).
- Supplemental questions
- The supplemental questions should be answered thoroughly, clearly, and concisely as the responses provided (along with the entire application
package) will be carefully reviewed to determine which candidates will move forward in the recruitment process.
- Proof of education
- Education, training, or certifications will only be considered if acceptable documentation is attached
- Photocopy of OFFICIAL college transcripts showing a Bachelor's degree from an accredited university and/or college with major coursework in
Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field of study
- Photocopy of Licenses and/or Certifications
- Foreign Equivalency Certification
Individuals who have completed high school or college-level coursework at an institution in a country other than the United States must provide a
Foreign Equivalency Certification to satisfy the education requirement. A Foreign Equivalency Certification can be obtained for a fee from a
professional organization.
- Additional required documents
- Letter of Introduction (cover letter)
- Detailed resume
At time of final interview, candidate must present three (3) letters of reference, that are dated and signed and written expressly for this recruitment and attesting to the candidate’s knowledge, skills, abilities and success. Letters should include the addresses and telephone numbers of the references.
Note: If you are a veteran and will be requesting preference points, please upload a copy of your DD214.
EXAMINATION PROCESS AND TIMELINE:
The examination process for this recruitment may be comprised of one or more of the following: competitive screening of the applicant's training, background, and experience; scored evaluation of responses on the supplemental application; written and/or performance examination (s); performance examination; qualifications technical oral examination, scored on a job-related basis; district advisory appraisal for general fitness. Only the most highly qualified candidates will be invited to continue in the examination process. Successful candidates who pass all parts of the examination process will be placed on the eligibility list in order of their relative merit as determined by these competitive examinations.
For applicants invited to advance in this recruitment, the exam and interview dates are as follows:
The examination process and timeline for this recruitment may consist of:
1. Review of Application, Resume, and Supplemental Questionnaire (required and submitted with online application): By July 1, 2026
2. Oral Board Examinations (Merit Leadership Panel): Week of July 6, 2026
3. District Advisory Panel: Week of July 20, 2026
4. Final selection interviews with the Personnel Commission: Week of July 20, 2026
PLEASE NOTE:
Examination procedures subject to change as the Executive Director - CSPCA deems necessary.
Exam Locations will be announced in the invite emails.
Dates are tentative, but it is highly recommended that you plan your calendar accordingly. No make-up dates will be offered.
* INITIAL SALARY PLACEMENT FOR CLASSIFIED MANAGEMENT EMPLOYEES:
Placement of newly appointed management personnel shall typically be Step 1 of the salary range designated for appropriate class. However, the Superintendent (or designee) may authorize a higher step placement up to step six of the appropriate salary range for an especially well-qualified individual or in a job class for which qualified candidates are found to be in short supply.
OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
The duration of the eligibility list is six (6) months unless the list is exhausted or extended by the Personnel Commission.
Eligibility lists established from this recruitment will be used for full-time, part-time, and limited term positions.
Under Federal Law, employers are required to verify that all new employees are eligible for employment in the United States. Prior to appointment to a position, you must present acceptable proof of your identity and authorization to work in the United States.
PUSD is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Title IX employer. The following person is designated as the Title IX Coordinator:
Jessica Pineda
15250 Avenue of Science
San Diego, CA 92128-3406
Phone: (858) 521-2800, Ext. 2840
Email: jpineda@powayusd.com
Applicants who are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act and who require accommodations for completing the application process or interviewing should notify the Personnel Commission office by emailing Philip J. Gordillo, Executive Director-CSPCA, at cspca01@gmail.com.
Offers of employment are contingent upon successful background clearance.
Salary : $143,760 - $174,204