Executive Director of Human Resources

Johnston Community School District

Johnston (IA)

On-site

USD 156,000 - 173,000

Full time

4 days ago

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Job summary

Johnston Community School District in Johnston, Iowa seeks an Executive Director of Human Resources to provide strategic leadership over the district's HR operations, including employee relations, recruitment, retention, talent development, and performance management.

As a member of the Executive Cabinet, you will collaborate with the Superintendent, Board, and district leadership to align workforce strategies with the district's mission and ensure legally compliant personnel practices.

Qualifications

Master's degree or JD required.
Minimum five years of management experience leading personnel and departmental operations.
Progressive leadership in HR management, employee relations, employment law, or organizational development.
Strong knowledge of Iowa public education employment practices, laws, and regulations.
HRIS, compensation structures, benefits, and workforce planning experience preferred.
SHRM-SCP, pHCLE and/or SPHR certification preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic leadership for HR operations and workforce development.
Advise Superintendent, Board, and administrators on HR priorities and employment matters.
Develop and evaluate HR strategies, systems, and practices for recruitment, retention, and engagement.
Foster an inclusive, professional workplace culture aligned with district goals.
Oversee HRIS, budgets, policies, and compliance with regulations.

Skills

Management experience

Employee relations

Employment law

Organizational development

HR leadership

Strategic planning

People management

Education

Master's degree in Human Resources

Juris Doctor

Tools

HRIS

Budgeting / benefits systems

Job description

Executive Director of Human Resources

Johnston Community School District ADMINISTRATION - JOHNSTON, Iowa Open in Google Maps

This job is also posted in Johnston Community School District , and TeachIowa, Iowa's Marketplace for education jobs

Job Details

Job ID: 5979964

Application Deadline: Nov 20, 2026 11:59 PM (Central Standard Time)

Starting Date: Jan 4, 2027

Job Description

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

Position Type: Full-Time

Salary: $155,953 to $173,262 Per Year

Job Categories:

Administration > Human Resources

Equal Opportunity Employer

All employers submitting a job opening for posting on the Teach Iowa system will not discriminate in hiring on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, age, physical disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, marital status, or status as a veteran. A bona fide religious institution may choose to exercise the allowances in Iowa Code section 216.6.(6)d. Employers may have additional developed specific equal employment opportunity policies and procedures; please check with employers.

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