Director of Human Resources and Employee Engagement

For consideration of your application, you must apply directly to our Frontline Application: https://www.applitrack.com/wawmsd/onlineapp/

Position Summary:

The Director of Human Resources and Employee Engagement is a strategic partner advocating for a thriving, inclusive, and dynamic workplace. This leader oversees talent acquisition, employee engagement, retention, evaluation, well-being, and organizational culture while ensuring compliance with employment laws and alignment with the District's mission and values.

The Director is responsible for the lifecycle of employee experience, fostering a supportive environment that champions diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB), and ensuring effective, equitable policies and practices are in place across all areas of human resources.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Master's Degree in Educational Administration, Human Resources, or Business Administration.
• Wisconsin DPI license (#10 Director of Instruction or #51 Principal) preferred.
• Demonstrated leadership in human resources, talent development, or education administration.
• Proven success in employee recruitment, retention, evaluation, and engagement strategy.
• Experience in handling employee relations, personnel records management, and compliance.
• Knowledge of school district operational needs, labor laws, and best practices in employee well-being.
• Commitment to continuous improvement, collaborative leadership, and innovation.
• Other qualifications as the Board may determine appropriate.

Key Responsibilities:

Talent Acquisition and Retention

• Lead the strategic recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and retention initiatives to attract and retain high-quality and diverse talent.
• Oversee induction and mentoring programs for new employees.
• Coordinate staff recruitment efforts, including participation in job fairs and community partnerships.

Employee Engagement and Well-being

• Develop and implement initiatives to promote employee engagement, satisfaction, and well-being.
• Develop a consistent routine of employee pulse checks throughout the district's schools and offices.
• Partner with district leaders to foster a positive workplace culture rooted in respect, equity, and belonging.
• Oversee Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and employee wellness efforts.

Employee Relations and Compliance

• Serve as a resource for employees and supervisors regarding personnel concerns.
• Conduct and oversee investigations related to employee complaints.
• Facilitate dispute resolution and oversee grievance procedures.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and district employment policies and regulations.

Performance Evaluation and Professional Growth

• Oversee evaluation systems to ensure fair, consistent, and growth-oriented performance reviews.
• Facilitate professional learning opportunities aligned with employee and district goals.
• Partner with leadership to design and implement professional growth frameworks.

Personnel Records and Data Management

• Oversee the maintenance, accuracy, and security of personnel records.
• Provide timely and accurate personnel data to payroll, benefits, and finance.
• Ensure staff licensing and certification records are up-to-date and compliant.

Payroll and Employee Services

• Collaborate with the business office to support accurate and timely payroll processes.
• Manage leave of absence requests, FMLA, accommodations, and other employment-related benefits.
• Support pre-employment background checks and onboarding compliance.

Policy Development and Implementation

• Lead the review and updating of employee policies and procedures.
• Ensure the district's practices reflect legal compliance and modern HR standards.
• Provide guidance and training to administrators and staff on policies, procedures, and best practices.

Leadership and Supervision

• Supervise and mentor human resources department staff.
• Collaborate with district leadership to align HR strategies with district priorities.
• Develop department goals, monitor effectiveness, and recommend improvements.
• Budget and Resource Stewardship
• Prepare and manage the human resources department budget.
• Ensure resources are allocated effectively to support employee engagement and HR operations.

Skills and Attributes:

• Strong interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Commitment to fostering equity, inclusion, and belonging.
• Analytical thinker with experience using data to inform decisions.
• Knowledge of HRIS systems, data security, and confidentiality best practices.
• Ability to adapt and lead through change.
• An ethical, compassionate, and student-centered mindset.

Working Conditions:

• Standard office and school environment.
• Ability to travel between school sites and attend evening meetings as necessary.

Physical requirements: occasional lifting (up to 25 lbs.), extended periods of sitting, standing, and computer work.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

The West Allis-West Milwaukee School District is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.