Director of Human Resources

Company Description

Intermediate District 287 serves 12 member school districts in Minnesota with a mission to provide innovative specialized services that cater to the unique learning needs of students. The organization values diversity, fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration, and follows a strategic plan focused on student outcomes, equity, and communication. For more information about joining the team, visit www.district287.org/jobs.

Role Description

Intermediate District 287 is seeking a collaborative and culturally-competent Director of Human Resources. The Director will supervise all district personnel functions— including recruitment, hiring, onboarding, employee relations, collective bargaining, performance management, compensation, and policy development—while supporting the District’s mission and Strategic Plan, promoting equity and inclusion, ensuring legal compliance, and fostering a positive workplace for all employees.

Essential Functions: 

• Serves as lead negotiator for all labor contracts and employment agreements on behalf of the superintendent and school board. Seeks input, prepares strategy, negotiates, and administers the provisions of the collective bargaining agreements and any memoranda of understanding. Ensures that contract provisions align with the strategic priorities of the District and federal and state laws.
• Serves as Human Rights Officer and Title IX Coordinator and ensures timely and appropriate handling and investigation of all discrimination and harassment complaints. Ensures that all roles in the Title IX process are filled on an ongoing basis and that the leaders in those roles receive training as needed.
• Supervises the administration of employee benefits including medical, dental, long-term disability, and life insurance; workers’ compensation; and unemployment compensation programs.
• Collaborates with other directors and team members to implement and/or maintain excellent services and programs.
• Designs, communicates, and implements monitoring systems for human resources related activities including pay for performance, highly qualified status, pay equity, employee dependability, job evaluation, and unrequested leaves of absence (ULAs) and layoffs.
• Manages personnel data for the District; coordinates staffing processes, including weighing in on retention decisions, assignment and transfer of staff, application of seniority, layoff provisions, and continuing contract rights.
• Maintains collegial and collaborative relationships with union leaders;
• Handles grievances and counsels and supports supervisors in their participation in the process.
• Leads a culture of customer service and continuous improvement that sets the tone for the District and the Human Resources department. Consistently evaluates programs and services for focus on customers, efficiency, effectiveness, and alignment with department results and District goals.
• Provides strategic direction to the department based on the District’s mission, vision, and core values, best practices, and external trends. Leads the Human Resources staff to ensure short-term and long-term strategic results are met.
• Provides leadership and support to the department to recruit, employ, effectively onboard, and retain highly qualified diverse staff members and actively advance racial equity in the District.
• Develops and ensures implementation of performance management procedures including job descriptions, job evaluations, and reclassifications.
• Assesses employee performance evaluation programs to ensure consistency and compliance with District policies, procedures, and state law.
• Partners with employees and union leadership to enhance communication and employee engagement.
• Collaborates with other divisions within the District to address common issues around staffing, planning, budget, recruitment, hiring, evaluations, discipline, and professional development;
• Counsels supervisors regarding employee issues in alignment with legal requirements and the District’s strategic priorities, workplace investigations, and potential employee discipline.
• Keeps informed about current trends and laws in human resources. Consults with legal counsel, when necessary and/or prudent, on employment matters.
• Maintains pre-employment, employment, and post-employment personnel records and information according to applicable data retention laws and policies.
• Performs other duties as assigned or apparent.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in Human Resources, Industrial Relations, or a related field
• A minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience, such as:
• successful leadership and management of a team
• labor relations
• personnel management
• actively working toward an equitable, diverse, and inclusive workplace
• If candidate holds an Advanced degree or other post-baccalaureate degree in Human Resources, Law, or a related field, a maximum of two (2) years of education may be substituted for the equivalent number of years of experience
• Preferred: Experience working in an educational and/or public sector setting SHRM-SCP, SHRM-CP, or SPHR certification, or commitment to achieve certification within one year of employment (position eligible for reimbursement for certification cost if certification has not been obtained at time of hire)

Position Details: Location: District Service Center in Plymouth, MN

Salary: Minimum starting salary $137,000 and is dependent on experience and qualifications

Benefits:

• Low cost medical and dental insurance
• District funded HRA account
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Optional health care flexible spending account (FSA)
• Optional dependent care flexible spending account (FSA)
• Extensive wellness services that includes 6 free confidential counseling sessions
• Retirement benefits through PERA
• Optional 403b with district match
• Paid time off
• Mental Health benefits
• Ongoing professional development