Executive Director of Talent Development

ROCKFORD PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT #205

Job Description

Job Title: Executive Director of Talent Development

Job Code: 10000

Department: Talent Development

Supervisor: Chief Human Resource Officer

Date: December 5, 2025

FLSA Status: Exempt

Grade: 02

Compensation Range: $ 109,284 - 157,368 (Starting salary is expected to fall between $109,284 and $133,326, depending on qualifications and experience.)

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION: The Executive Director of Talent Development provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for all professional learning, employee growth systems, and compliance initiatives across both certified and non-certified staff. This role ensures that all district employees—teachers, administrators, and classified personnel—have equitable access to high-quality professional development, career pathways, and evaluation systems that promote excellence, retention, and organizational effectiveness.

The Executive Director leads a comprehensive Talent Development team responsible for instructional design, evaluation systems, onboarding, compliance training, and leadership development aligned with district goals and state mandates.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: Directors of Talent Development, Office Professionals, Mentors and Peer Consulting Teachers.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

1. Strategic Leadership & Vision Develop and implement a districtwide vision for Talent Development that fosters a culture of continuous learning, leadership growth, and organizational improvement.
2. Oversee the design and delivery of aligned professional learning frameworks for all employee groups, ensuring relevance, accessibility, and compliance.
3. Partner with the Superintendent’s Cabinet, Teaching & Learning, and HR leadership to integrate professional learning priorities into strategic plans and district initiatives.
4. Guide the design of leadership development pipelines, mentorship programs, and succession planning efforts.

1. Certified Employee Development and Evaluation Direct professional growth systems for certified personnel, including teachers, peer consulting coaches, mentor teachers, and administrators.
2. Supervise the district’s evaluation system (e.g., Danielson Framework or equivalent), ensuring fidelity, calibration, and legal compliance.
3. Lead mentor and induction programs to strengthen early-career educator retention and professional growth.
4. Monitor licensure, certification, and continuing education requirements for compliance with state education standards.
5. Use data analytics to evaluate professional learning impact on instructional practice and student outcomes.
6. Manage and facilitate the Peer Assistance and Review Program for teachers on Needs Improvement Plans.

1. Non-Certified Employee Development and Workforce Learning Lead the creation and management of training programs for all classified personnel, including paraprofessionals, office staff, maintenance, transportation, and nutrition services.
2. Ensure compliance with mandatory training (OSHA, FERPA, ethics, safety, etc.) and coordinate completion tracking through the district’s LMS or training management system.
3. Collaborate with operational leaders to design career pathways and skills development initiatives that support advancement and retention.
4. Implement onboarding programs that ensure new hires are equipped for success from day one.

1. Systems, Data, and Compliance Oversight Oversee the integration and management of Talent Development information systems (e.g., Perform, B , PowerSchool, Vector Solutions, Frontline, etc.).
2. Ensure data integrity, reporting accuracy, and alignment between HRIS, evaluation, and learning systems.
3. Develop and maintain dashboards tracking training completion, evaluation outcomes, and certification compliance.
4. Partner with IT and HRIS teams to resolve data discrepancies and streamline system functionality

1. Organizational Culture and Collaboration Build and maintain strong partnerships with district leaders, unions, and staff associations to promote collaboration and trust.
2. Facilitate communication and transparency regarding professional learning, evaluation processes, and performance standards.
3. Promote inclusivity and equity in professional learning opportunities for all employee groups.
4. Supervise and coach Talent Development staff, fostering innovation, accountability, and excellence in service delivery.

1. Organizational Responsibilities Ensures that all actions are in concert with the Board policies as well as the mission statement, beliefs, objectives and parameters found in the Board’s strategic plan.
2. Participates in job training and professional growth opportunities in order to enhance ability to perform the essential functions of the job.
3. Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring an efficient and effective work environment.
4. Design, set-up, and deployment of large venue events on behalf of RPS205.

QUALIFICATIONS: Master’s degree in Education, Educational Leadership and Supervision, Human Resources, or related field. Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive leadership experience in school leadership, teaching and learning, HR/Talent Development and/or professional learning preferred. Demonstrated success managing evaluation frameworks, professional development programs, and compliance systems in a K-12 environment (preferred). Experience supervising diverse teams and managing cross-functional projects at the district or organizational level.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Deep understanding of adult learning theory, instructional design, and workforce talent development. Knowledge of certified and classified evaluation frameworks and state compliance requirements. Proficiency with LMS and HRIS systems (e.g., PowerSchool, Perform, Vector, or similar). Strong leadership, communication, and data analysis skills. Capacity to lead change, manage complexity, and build consensus across multiple departments.

A comprehensive benefits package including:

• Medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance
• Voluntary life insurance
• Paid Sick and Personal time
• Paid holidays
• Paid vacation
• Membership in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) or Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS)
• Optional 403(b) plan
• Employee assistance program (EAP)

WORK CALENDAR: 12 Months

WORKING CONDITIONS: Moderate in-district travel as well as intermittent in-state and out-of-state travel. Intermittent prolonged and irregular hours of work.

OTHER: This job description describes duties and responsibilities that are representative of the nature and level of work assigned to the position. The identified duties and responsibilities are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the school district and employee and is subject to change by the school district as the needs of the school district and requirements of the job change.