Senior Executive Director of Employee Relations

Senior Executive Director of Employee Relations and Benefits (Job )

• Position Type:
  Administration / Executive Director
• Date Posted: 2/27/2026
• Location:
  
  Human Resource Services, Durham Public Schools
• Date Available:
  
  As soon as possible
• District:
  Durham Public Schools

General Definition of Work
The Senior Executive Director of Employee Relations and Benefits, under minimal supervision, performs senior level work with extensive decision‑making discretion. The role oversees district wide employee relations functions, providing timely guidance on employee policies, disciplinary matters, and responses to charges of unlawful discrimination. He or she carries out Board of Education policies across a wide variety of programs and activities under the direction of the Chief Human Resources Officer.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function 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.

State Salary Schedule – Full‑time, 12 months

Chief Human Resources Officer

The normal place of work is on the premises used by Durham Public Schools. The district reserves the right to require work at other locations as reasonably required.

• Adhere to all state, federal, and local laws, policies, and procedures.
• Ensure that all Human Resources systems are fair, equitable, and comply with applicable laws and school board policies.
• Lead, manage, supervise, and evaluate assigned staff/programs.
• Investigate, analyze, and formulate methods for handling special projects and reports.
• Manage and monitor the departmental budget.
• Counsel principals and other administrators, both in an advisory capacity and by providing pragmatic assistance on a variety of employee issues.
• Review, approve, and administer corrective action for employees in accordance with local, state, and federal laws and board policy/regulations.
• Oversee and research complex issues related to personnel matters, including EEO and employment law issues.
• Oversee and provide guidance on the employment dismissal process, termination appeals hearings, grievance investigations, and EEOC compliance.

• Collaborate and review documentation for cases involving misconduct and poor performance.
• Oversee benefit programs, including health insurance and flexed benefits.
• Interpret laws and provide training to supervisors on personnel policies and regulations (e.g., DPS Board Policy, NC Public School Law, FLSA, Title IX, Title VII, EEOC, ADA, age discrimination, equal pay, sexual harassment, progressive discipline).
• Oversee leave of absence programs (FMLA, STD, LTD, USSERR, etc.).
• Facilitate staff meetings and attend related meetings as needed.
• Manage processes to ensure accurate personnel records and reporting across multiple platforms.
• Complete local, state, or federal surveys and reports accurately and promptly.
• Participate in professional development workshops and leadership training.
• Create an inclusive environment with positive communication and public relations.
• Perform related work as assigned or required.

• Comprehensive knowledge of public school system policies and human resources programs.
• In-depth understanding of federal, state, and local regulatory requirements applicable to school system HR programs.
• Thorough knowledge of county and school board policies, procedures, and standards regarding funding, position control, and allotments.
• Ability to maintain professional and emotional control under stress.
• Ability to reflect appropriate responses to situations while maintaining a professional demeanor.
• Ability to learn and use specialized tools, equipment, or software related to business needs.
• Ability to develop and monitor a budget.
• Ability to direct and evaluate the work of others.
• Ability to implement local, state, and federal rules, guidelines, and procedures into daily business…