Director of Human Resources

The NWESD aspires to be a racially and culturally inclusive staff that reflects the diversity of those we serve. We believe this strengthens our organization, stimulates creativity, promotes the exchange of ideas, and enriches staff engagement.

Summary:

The Director of Human Resources is responsible for strategic direction and leadership, providing vision of the agency’s human resources services, programs, initiatives, and objectives. They develop programs to support employee engagement and professional development, facilitate implementation of change management initiatives, employee relations, investigations, salary development and administration, performance management, and other initiatives to support the agency’s strategic goals and commitments.

Essential Functions:

Duties listed are intended to provide a summary of the major duties and responsibilities of this position. Incumbent(s) may not perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional duties not listed, but within the general scope of the position.

• Provide consultation and support to the Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent of Business and Operations, on strategic human resources and organizational development plans to provide information and recommend solutions that support agency initiative and objectives.
• Establish and maintain compliance with legal and regulatory requirements (by studying existing and new legislation; anticipating legislation; interpreting and administering state and federal laws, policies etc.) for the purpose of advising the NWESD Cabinet and recommending policy and procedure revisions to increase efficiency and compliance.
• Assist in developing equitable HR and payroll practices and procedures in support of the NWESD’s diversity, equity, and inclusion goals, regularly examining current practices for potential inequities.
• Develop and support programs, policies, and strategies and integrate the results of strategic planning and leadership development throughout the organization.
• Develop, implement and maintain human resource strategies and initiatives aligned with the overall agency strategy, growth and innovative plans.
• Develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive employee training program for all levels throughout the agency. This program includes both technical and managerial/leadership skills.
• Coordinate and oversee the NWESD Risk Management Program.
• Directly supervise staff including scheduling, planning and initiating strategies for performance, assigning and directing the work, providing training, addressing performance issues, and conducting performance reviews.
• Support agency-wide operations by developing performance strategies, resolving personnel concerns, and making recommendations on hiring, salary adjustments, and terminations.
• Provide coaching and consultation on technical issues, adaptive challenges, personnel matters, strategic opportunities, career goals, professional development and job performance to advance the development of effective leaders and high performing teams for the agency.
• Provide professional learning for agency staff in the field of human resources.
• Assess training needs of staff throughout the agency to inform continuous training programs, and conduct/coordinate regular training to enhance employee skills and knowledge.
• Manage and maintain a comprehensive and efficient hiring process, including support for program staff involved in the hiring and selection process of new employees.
• Oversee the onboarding process for new hires, ensuring they are well-integrated into the agency.
• Assist in developing and implementing policies and procedures for employee payroll and benefit processing, and human resource practices. Administer personnel policies and procedures to ensure compliance with applicable legislative requirements.
• Handle labor relations issues, including investigations of allegations, support for program staff addressing discipline issues, and agency wide issues.
• Oversee and manage a performance appraisal system that drives high performance and fosters employee accountability.
• Attend departmental, regional, and statewide meetings and/or workshops to keep abreast of payroll and human resources issues.
• Review and contribute to the development of agency budgets as needed.
• Serve as Title IX Compliance officer and the Non-Discrimination (EEOC) officer

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Skills in effective leadership and decision making in a human resource setting.
• Ability to compose a variety of letters, salary matrices, memoranda, and reports for general or technical purposes.
• In-depth knowledge of federal, state, and local laws and/or regulations governing benefits administration, and human resources best practices.
• General office management practices, procedures, and systems.
• Knowledge of proper grammar, spelling, proofreading, punctuation, and advanced math skills.
• Knowledge of Washington State Department of Retirement System rules.
• Strong communication skills; both oral and written.
• Ability to read, interpret, and apply rules, regulations and directives, and then communicate with the appropriate individuals in an effective manner.
• Ability to independently manage multiple tasks using effective time management and organizational skills while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail in a complex, demanding, and critical position.
• Ability to continually keep abreast of changes in human resources, or benefit regulations that impact staff and/or position functions.
• Ability to prepare accurate, clear, and concise reports.
• Ability to interpret complex policies and procedures and communicate effectively in oral and written formats.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective professional relationships.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of employee and district records.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s Degree in Administration, Human Resources, Human Services, or related field required with a Master’s Degree in one of those fields preferred. A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in human resources administration. Demonstrated experience in human resource leadership and agency wide strategic initiatives preferred. Washington State driver’s license and proof of insurance required. Name/DOB background clearance required.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:

Work is performed primarily in an office environment; however, travel may be required for training sessions, workshops, and conferences. Lifts and carries a maximum of 30 pounds. Sitting for extended periods may be required.  Adequate manual and finger dexterity, hearing, speech, and vision are necessary to perform the essential functions of this position.

Hazards: Those present in a normal office environment; no known significant hazards.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential functions of this position, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload. Changes to the position description may be made at the discretion of the employer.

It is the policy of the Northwest Educational Service District No. 189 to not discriminate against any person with regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, physical or mental disability, or citizenship or immigration status.