Senior Executive Director of Employee Relations

Senior Executive Director of Employee Relations and Benefits

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

Position Number: 140101 | Assignment Type:
Full-Time | Position Term: 12 months | FTE: 1.0 | Classified:
State Salary Schedule

Exempt

The Senior Executive Director of Employee Relations and Benefits, under minimal supervision, performs senior level work with extensive decision‑making discretion overseeing Employee Relations and Benefits. The work involves making independent decisions and administering employee relations functions district wide to include providing competent, relevant, and timely guidance regarding employee policies and disciplinary matters and responding to charges of unlawful discrimination and other matters on behalf of the district.

Employee performs advanced and supervisory work to carry out Board of Education policies and procedures related to 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. Durham Public Schools reserves the right to require you to work at such other place(s) as it may reasonably require from time to time.

• Adhere to all state, federal, and local laws, policies, and procedures
• Ensure that all Human Resources systems are fair, equitable, and adhere to state, federal, and local laws, and school board policies
• Lead, manage, supervise, and evaluate assigned staff/programs
• Investigate, analyze, and formulate methods for handling special projects/reports
• Manage and monitor 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 by local, state, and federal laws along with 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 relevant documentation for cases involving misconduct and poor performance for employees
• Oversee benefit programs, including health insurance and flexed benefits
• Interpret laws and provide training to supervisors on personnel policies, and regulations, including but not limited to DPS Board Policy, NC Public School Law, FLSA, Title IX, and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, EEOC, ADA, and age discrimination, equal pay, sexual harassment, and progressive discipline
• Oversee leave of absence programs to include FMLA, STD, LTD, USSERR, etc.
• Facilitate staff meetings and attend other related meetings as needed/required
• Oversee and manage processes to ensure accurate management of personnel records and reporting through 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/public relations
• Perform related work as assigned or required

• Comprehensive in-depth knowledge and understanding of the principles, practices, and procedures of public school system policies and human resources programs
• Comprehensive knowledge of federal, state, and local regulatory requirements applicable to school system human resources 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 response to situations, while maintaining a professional and personal 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 operations
• Ability to communicate effectively
• Ability to reason, make judgments, and maintain effective working relationships
• Ability to employ positive communication skills in all settings/mediums
• Ability to problem‑solve utilizing sound judgment
• Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding school system business
• Ability to develop related charts, graphs,…