for

Administrative Director of Human Resources

Position Title: Administrative Director of Human Resources

Reports To: Chief of Staff

FLSA Status: Exempt

Classification: District Level Amount of Travel: 10%-30% (In-District Travel)

Job Status: Full-Time Level: District Support

Work Schedule: 245 Days Date Created: June 2025

Salary Range: $73,268.70 - $102,001.59 Positions Supervised: HR department

Position Summary: The North Little Rock School District (NLRSD) is seeking visionary, results-oriented candidates for the pivotal leadership role of Administrative Director of Human Resources as an executive-level leader, this individual will serve as a strategic advisor to the Superintendent, Chief of Staff, and Cabinet, guiding and overseeing all facets of the district's human capital management. The Administrative Director of Human Resources is responsible for designing and executing forward-thinking HR strategies that directly align with NLRSD's mission, vision, and strategic goals. This critical role requires a dynamic leader capable of managing complex HR functions, including talent acquisition and retention, employee engagement, performance management, leadership development, compensation and benefits, labor and employee relations, and legal and regulatory compliance. The Administrative Director will be key in cultivating a high-performing, inclusive, and responsive workplace culture while developing leadership capacity across schools and departments to support sustained organizational excellence. The ideal candidate is not only a subject matter expert in human resources but also a trusted, strategic thought partner with strong interpersonal and data-informed decision-making skills. They are committed to building systems that empower educators, elevate employee voices, and drive measurable improvements in outcomes. This is not just a position rooted in policy; it is a transformative opportunity to build people, align talent with purpose, and shape a workforce that reflects the district's core values of integrity, respect, accountability, and service.

Essential Functions: The following duties are representative of performance expectations. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The Administrative Director of Human Resources' responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following: Serve as the District Title Xi Coordinator. Designs and executes strategic human resources and organizational development plans aligned with NLRSD's mission, vision, and strategic priorities. Emphasizes the recruitment, development, retention, recognition, and reward of a high-performing workforce capable of adapting to change and meeting the diverse needs of students, families, and the community. Oversees the development, implementation, and administration of HR systems, policies, and procedures. Leads the HR team in collaboration with district leadership, ensuring stakeholder engagement, maintaining position control, and managing staffing allocations. Partners with Human Resources staff and district leadership to ensure adherence to local, state, and federal employment laws and regulations. Provides leadership in enforcing standards, ensuring policy compliance, and advancing equity. Leads and advises on employee relations matters, including investigations, background check resolutions, corrective actions, terminations, policy interpretation, and probationary reviews. Serves as the Superintendent's designee in designated phases of the grievance process. Directs the design, implementation, and ongoing evaluation of the district's compensation program, including job descriptions, salary structures, classification and reclassification processes, and market surveys. Coordinates the development and finalization of annual student and employee calendars, ensuring compliance with contractual agreements and operational efficiency. Oversees all aspects of the employee lifecycle, from recruitment and onboarding to separation. Ensures hiring practices are equitable, transparent, and consistent with district policy. Supervises direct reports, including hiring, performance evaluations, disciplinary actions, project assignments, attendance and leave management, and budget oversight. Supports the Chief of Staff in long-range strategic planning and districtwide initiatives related to policy development, budget planning, and organizational design. Provides guidance on employment regulations, licensure requirements, records management, retirement systems, and personnel matters. Serves as a resource to district leaders, employees, and external agencies. Prepares and presents personnel reports, recruitment strategies, and policy updates to the Board of Education, district leadership, and community stakeholders. Actively participates in Board meetings and other key leadership engagements. Leads and supports the recruitment and professional development of administrative staff. Trains hiring managers on interview techniques, selection protocols, and onboarding best practices. Ensures compliance with the Arkansas Teacher Excellence and Support System (TESS) and the Leader Excellence and Development System (LEADS). Acts as NLRSD's liaison to the Arkansas Department of Education for educator effectiveness initiatives. Performs other duties as assigned to support the district's strategic goals and operational needs. Competencies: The successful candidate will demonstrate strategic leadership by aligning human capital initiatives with the district's long-term goals and fostering a culture of excellence and accountability. They will exhibit strong collaboration and relationship-building skills, engaging effectively with diverse stakeholders, including school leaders, employees, and community partners to support shared decision-making and productive dialogue. A deep commitment to equity and cultural competency is essential, ensuring inclusive practices and equitable outcomes across all HR functions. The individual must possess advanced knowledge of employment law and policy, with the ability to ensure district compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.

In addition to strong policy acumen, the candidate will bring proven expertise in talent management, organizational development, and succession planning. They will be skilled in navigating complex employee relations matters, including conflict resolution, investigations, and corrective actions, with a focus on fairness, integrity, and confidentiality. Clear and effective communication-both written and verbal-is essential, particularly in preparing presentations for the Board of Education and other public forums. The candidate must be data-informed, using HR metrics and workforce analytics to guide strategic planning and continuous improvement. Finally, they will approach their work with operational excellence, systems thinking, and an unwavering commitment to ethical practice, confidentiality, and professionalism in all aspects of personnel administration.

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree preferred, along with a b road-based HR background with demonstrated competency in Business acumen, Leadership, and Business. Master's degree preferred in Human Resources , Public Administration , Organizational Management , or a related fieldA combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of specific degree requirements, with a minimum of eight (8) years of progressive leadership experience in human resources Certifications: PHR, SHRM-SCP, or SHRM-CP, preferred Skills and Abilities Required: The following characteristics and physical skills are essential for the successful performance of assigned duties.

Assessment Leadership Knowledge and Expertise: Demonstrates advanced skill in assessing organizational needs and aligning HR strategy with the district's mission, vision, and strategic goals Leverages workforce analytics, retention data, and employee engagement trends to inform short- and long-term talent planning Possesses comprehensive knowledge of: Federal and state employment laws and regulations (ADA, FMLA, EEO, Title VII, Title IX, ADEA, PWFA, etc.) Compensation systems and market-based pay structures Job classification and reclassification practices Performance evaluation systems and continuous feedback frameworks Succession planning, workforce planning, and organizational design

Provides transformational leadership that promotes a culture of transparency, innovation, and employee accountability Coaches and empowers department heads, principals, and district leaders in employee relations, performance conversations, and progressive discipline Navigates complex personnel issues, grievances, investigations, and compliance reviews with professionalism and confidentiality Develops and leads cross-functional HR projects and districtwide initiatives, including DEI strategies, digital transformation, and change management efforts Maintains expertise in Arkansas Department of Education licensure requirements and educator effectiveness frameworks Builds and sustains trust-based relationships across diverse employee groups, unions, and external partners Facilitates leadership development programs and succession pipelines that strengthen the district's leadership bench Advocates for employee well-being, equity in opportunity, and continuous learning at all levels of the organization Demonstrates political acumen and emotional intelligence in navigating sensitive personnel and organizational matters Stays current with national and state-level HR trends, legal updates, and professional standards to ensure compliance and innovation Champions systems thinking and process improvement to streamline HR functions and improve service delivery districtwide Work Environment: Work is primarily conducted in an office or school setting. Prolonged stationary work and attention to desk or computer tasks are required. This position is cognitively demanding and requires especially well-developed professional social skills and communication skills. Movement in and about schools and office buildings/grounds is a frequent requirement, and the ability to carry or lift items 75 lbs. or less. Empathy and Commitment to Cause: Demonstrates genuine care and concern for the well-being of all employees, recognizing the human element in every HR decision Builds a culture of trust, dignity, and respect through active listening, empathy, and inclusive practices Maintains a strong commitment to educational equity, student-centered service, and workforce diversity Advocates for policies and practices that promote psychological safety, belonging, and emotional well-being in the workplace Supports staff through life events, workplace challenges, and career transitions with compassion and fairness Balances organizational goals with individual needs, ensuring HR policies serve both people and purpose Models integrity, approachability, and discretion when dealing with sensitive employee concerns Collaborates with leadership to foster a culture of support, open communication, and continuous improvement Serves as a moral compass in decision-making, ensuring that compassion is not compromised by compliance Upholds the district's mission by aligning HR strategies with the broader goal of student success and community impact Problem Solving and Systems Thinking: Understands how various systems and departments interact to achieve district goals. Makes decisions using data and technology. Takes initiative to solve problems and create stakeholder buy-in. Identifies and prioritizes mission-critical issues with alignment of people, time, and resources. Offer innovative solutions to seemingly intractable challenges. Exhibits a strong focus on goals and results. Sets clear metrics for success. Removes barriers or obstacles that make it difficult for principals to achieve their goals, in addition to ensuring that school leaders have the resources they need to succeed. Demonstrates excellent execution and project management skills, including attention to detail, organizational skills, ability to balance the big picture with detailed steps to reach the end goal, and the ability to balance multiple projects under tight deadlines. Leadership Skills: Motivates, inspires, and moves other adults to action to achieve ambitious goals. Skilled at re-envisioning, building, and managing a team, especially in a time of growth and change; excellent at identifying talent and taking advantage of each person's skills and contribution to team effort. Builds and maintains positive relationships with all stakeholders. Moves groups to consensus and resolves conflicts. Exhibits willingness to have difficult conversations. Builds coalitions and works collaboratively with diverse stakeholders at all levels, including but not limited to district personnel, students, families, communities, and/or advocacy groups. Establishes clear expectations, deliverables, and deadlines. Ability to train, supervise, and evaluate staff from different cultural backgrounds and skill sets. Exhibits transformational and servant leadership characteristics in daily work. Additional Responsibilities: Performs other tasks and assumes other roles and responsibilities as the Chief of Staff and/or their designee may assign.