Executive Director of Human Resources

Erie's Public Schools is seeking an experienced HR executive to steer the district’s people operations from onsite in Erie, Pennsylvania. The Executive Director of Human Resources will provide strategic leadership over human capital, personnel functions, and compliance, including labor relations, and will serve as a key member of the Superintendent’s Cabinet. The role offers a salary range of USD 136,635 to 191,289 per year.

Executive Leadership and District Alignment

• Lead the development and implementation of Human Resources goals, objectives, and systems that support the District’s mission, vision, and strategic priorities.
• Develop and implement HR programs, policies, procedures, and practices that address both immediate and long-term workforce needs.
• Provide leadership, direction, and supervision to Human Resources staff, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Monitor employee engagement through evidence-based practices and recommend strategies that support retention, well-being, and performance.
• Evaluate outcomes related to HR initiatives and prepare reports, presentations, and recommendations to communicate progress toward District goals and priorities.
• Coordinate and utilize internal and external resources to support leadership development, employee growth, succession planning, organizational change initiatives, and efforts that strengthen the District’s capacity to serve a diverse school community.
• Develop and manage the Human Resources department budget, ensuring effective and efficient use of resources to support District priorities.
• Serve as a member of the District’s executive leadership team, participating in leadership meetings and contributing to organizational strategy, policies, and decision-making.
• Attend Board of Education meetings, work sessions, strategic planning sessions, and other meetings as required; provide reports, recommendations, and presentations to the Board and District leadership.
• Develop and implement labor relations practices and strategies that support positive employee relations and align with the District’s mission, vision, and strategic priorities.

Labor Relations and Compliance

• Lead the negotiation, administration, interpretation, and maintenance of all collective bargaining agreements.
• Provide guidance and interpretation regarding collective bargaining agreements, personnel policies, and employment practices.
• Oversee the investigation, documentation, and preparation of materials related to grievances, mediations, arbitrations, and other labor relations matters.
• Collaborate with legal counsel on labor and employment matters to ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and contractual obligations.
• Develop and implement procedures for addressing employee concerns, workplace conduct issues, investigations, and disciplinary actions in a fair, consistent, and legally compliant manner.
• Advise and support administrators and supervisors in addressing complex employee performance, conduct, and disciplinary matters.
• Maintain current knowledge of federal and state employment laws, labor relations practices, and collective bargaining requirements to ensure District compliance.

Talent Management

• Lead and oversee districtwide recruitment, selection, onboarding, and placement processes to attract and retain highly qualified employees.
• Oversee personnel actions, including employee transfers, promotions, separations, retirements, and other employment status changes, ensuring compliance with District policies, collective bargaining agreements, and applicable laws.
• Oversee the development and implementation of recruitment and retention strategies that address current and future staffing needs and support District priorities.
• Foster recruitment and hiring practices that attract, support, and retain a diverse workforce reflective of the students and communities served by the District.
• Oversee the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of employee performance evaluation systems that promote accountability and professional growth.
• Oversee the recruitment, assignment, compensation, and management of substitute employees.

Human Resources Administration

• Lead the development, administration, and continuous improvement of the District’s classification and compensation systems, ensuring compliance with pay equity requirements and alignment with District goals.
• Oversee the development, review, and maintenance of position descriptions to ensure duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and reporting relationships accurately reflect the needs of the District.
• Provide leadership and oversight for payroll operations, ensuring the accurate and timely administration of employee compensation and benefits in compliance with applicable laws, collective bargaining agreements, and District policies.
• Oversee the administration of employee benefits, leave programs, and workplace accommodations, ensuring compliance with applicable laws, regulations, collective bargaining agreements, and District policies.
• Develop and implement benefits strategies and programs that support employee recruitment and retention, fiscal responsibility, and the effective use of District resources.
• Manage relationships with insurance carriers, brokers, consultants, third-party administrators, and other service providers to ensure high-quality, cost-effective employee benefit programs and services.

Compliance and Risk Management

• Develop, implement, and ensure District human resources practices and procedures comply with applicable federal and state laws, regulations, and District policies.
• Oversee the maintenance and integrity of employee personnel records in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and retention requirements.
• Supervise required federal and state reporting related to human resources functions, including benefits, unemployment compensation, labor relations, occupational safety, and other mandated reporting requirements.
• Provide oversight of the workers’ compensation program, including coordination with the insurance carrier, management of claims processes, and facilitation of return-to-work and light-duty assignments in collaboration with district leadership.

Requirements

• Master’s Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field required.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible human resources experience, including at least three (3) years in human resources and labor relations leadership in a medium or large organization.
• Comprehensive knowledge of human resources administration, including strategic HR leadership, staffing and talent acquisition, performance management, employee relations, investigations and discipline, classification and compensation, collective bargaining, and labor relations.
• Strong understanding of federal and state employment laws, regulations, and compliance requirements, including ADA, FMLA, EEO, and other applicable civil rights and workplace laws.
• Ability to interpret and apply laws, regulations, collective bargaining agreements, and Board policies in the administration of human resources functions.
• Experience with human resources information systems and other technology platforms used to manage employee data, reporting, and HR operations.
• Knowledge of employee selection, recruitment, and management practices, including principles of public administration and organizational leadership.
• Understanding of labor-management relations, employee engagement practices, and current trends in public sector human resources, including compensation, benefits, and employee relations strategies.
• Ability to analyze workforce trends, apply sound judgment, and support effective decision-making in complex organizational environments.

Benefits

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance