Effectively immediately, the Human Resources Department is accepting online applications for the position of Director of Human Resources. This is a full-time, 12-month position, and reports to the Superintendent. South St Paul Schools pays a regionally competitive salary with an excellent benefits package.
Application Process
To be considered for the position, submit online application, cover letter, resume and two letters of recommendation at www.sspps.org. This position is open until filled, and application review will begin on Monday, July 7, 2025,
Job Summary
Responsible for personnel functions including staffing, labor relations, negotiations, benefits administration, policy administration, record keeping and legal compliance for the district. Plans, coordinates and supervises the strategic operations of the Human Resources Department.
Employee Staffing:Manage all aspects of the employment process for all staff including recruitment, screening, hiring, documentation, recommendations for hire and present to the School Board for action.
Manage all aspects of employment change recommendations for all staff including change of assignments, status change, leave of absence, resignation, terminations, retirements and present to School Board for action.
Manage employee requests for leaves of absence adhering to contract language, FMLA requirements, ADA process, and substitute needs.
Work closely with outside vendors to manage our substitute teacher and assistant needs, maintain substitute system, and oversee internal substitute needs.
Plan, manage and guide the annual district staffing process, including staff needs, staff reductions, layoffs, releases, unrequested leaves, tenure, probationary retention, and present to School Board for action.
Administer provisions of the collective bargaining agreements and/or district procedures with staffing, transfers, discipline, leaves, resignations, retirement, benefits, time off, absences & supplemental pay.
Manage the probationary status of all licensed teachers and administrators and adhere to MN statue requirements and timelines.
Ensure all new and retained certified staff members are properly licensed.
Labor Relations & Negotiations:Serve as lead negotiator with the various employee groups. Consult with the Superintendent, Finance Director and School Board regarding financial limitations, parameters, and recommend tentative agreements for School Board approval.
Plan and design the district’s strategy for negotiations and collaborate with district stakeholders to develop the district’s priority interests. Advise the school board on the district’s strategy and provide negotiation updates consistently through contract ratification.
Conduct compensation studies and make recommendations for change in classifications, salary ranges and pay structures as needed.
Lead and implement the district’s meet & confer process with teacher and other bargaining groups to hear union concerns and interests while building upon strong union/district relationships.
Serve as district liaison between employees and administration regarding human resources related issues, questions and concerns.
Manage the district grievance and arbitration process in accordance with contract language. Consult district legal counsel, when necessary, for guidance and support.
Provide guidance, coaching, training and development for district supervisors and leaders pertaining to labor relations and the management of employee concerns or questions, including the discipline process.
Conduct investigations pertaining to employee conduct or performance.
Serve as district’s Title IX Compliance and Equal Rights Officer responsible for investigation of complaints, recommended action and staff training.
Interface with district legal counsel on employment matters and ensure compliance.
Interpret and implement HR policies and procedures, union contracts and collective bargaining processes and procedures.
Benefits AdministrationProvide leadership and oversight of employee benefits plan enrollment/open enrollment and reporting processes for medical, dental, life, LTD, 403b and flexible spending plans.
Manage employee benefit plan bidding process, premium costs, utilization, communicate with insurance committee and present to School Board for action.
Lead the district’s insurance advisory committee made up of representatives from the district’s various labor bargaining groups.
Parter and collaborate with the district’s insurance broker to counsel and advise the insurance advisory committee regarding plan utilization and future decision making.
Explore, plan and develop benefit strategies to support the well-being of all staff, and partner with the Finance Director to design methods for benefit changes within the financial means of the district budget.
Policy & Legal Compliance:Manage and oversee workers compensation processes including the injury reporting process, return to work, and addressing employee safety issues.
Prepare and submit various State and Federal reports required by law including STARS and Pay Equity reports.
Collaborate and work closely with district administrators developing personnel processes and district policies, procedures and manuals. Serve on the district’s policy committee recommending changes to human resources related policies and providing input on other policies.
Coordinate and participate in preparing compliance and unemployment reports.
Liaison to district legal counsel of all employment legal matters. Support other district leaders with policy and/or legal compliance matters.
Advise, coach and counsel the executive leadership team, district supervisors and employees on legal changes impacting employee terms and conditions of employment and/or benefits.
Human Resource Department & District Leadership:Manage Human Resources Information System (Skyward) including district wide set up and system administrative processes for employee management, time off, and insurance. Provide guidance and instruction to HR team, administrators and employees.
Maintain Human Resources webpages on the district website.
Attend meetings and conferences to stay informed on education changes and ideas that may apply to South St. Paul Public Schools. Train, develop and inform staff regarding these changes.
Maintain department records based on retention requirements.
Serve on Superintendent’s executive leadership team and provide human resource strategic insight on the impacts of changes on unions and employees. Inform, coach and advise on human resources strategic plans regarding all areas of human resource management and legal compliance.
Provide supervision and guidance to Human Resources staff.
Design, develop and implement human resource department strategy aligned to the mission and core values of the district.
Grow and develop human resource staff to be efficient and effective human resource professionals that provide proactive service to all district employees.
All other duties as assigned
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Bachelor’s degree in human resources or business or management; master’s degree preferred
Minimum of five years’ experience in human resources in the public sector
Comprehensive knowledge of Minnesota school specific and general human resources laws, rules, regulations, requirements and guidelines
Comprehensive knowledge of personnel practices and procedures including recruitment and selection, wage and salary administration, and professional licensure
Experience leading employee negotiations
Experience building and developing strong relationships with unions and union leaders
Experience leading and managing employee investigations
Extensive knowledge and experience using Skyward HR and payroll, of similar systems
Strong technology skills
Outstanding planning and organizational skills
Strong oral and written communication skills
Ability to understand, interpret, apply, and explain rules, regulations, policies, and procedures
Ability to plan and supervise the work of others
Ability to prepare and implement district policies, practices, and procedures
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with school officials, associates and general public
Demonstrated prompt, regular and reliable attendance
Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, lift, use hands for fingering, grasping and feeling, wrists, hands and/or fingers for repetitive motions. The employee is occasionally required to kneel, reach, stand and walk. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. The employee is occasionally required to lift and/or move up to and over 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
Benefits at South St. Paul Public Schools:
HealthPartners medical coverage for medical and dental
403(b) retirement with district match
PERA (Public Employees Retirement Association) benefitsFlexible spending account
Paid time off and leave benefits
Complete benefits details available through Human Resources. Benefits vary by position and contract.