Director of Human Resources

The Fergus Falls School District is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Director of Human Resources to lead our HR department. This pivotal role requires a strategic thinker with a strong background in employee relations, talent acquisition, and compliance with employment labor laws. This full-time position is scheduled to work 234 days / year and will begin March 2025. This position typically follows a Monday through Friday schedule, from 7 : 30 a.m. to 4 : 00 p.m., with occasional evening hours.

The compensation package (includes health insurance, life insurance, 403b contribution, long term disability, and retirement benefits through the Public Employees Retirement Association-PERA, along with sick and personal leave) with a reasonable estimate of annual salary in the range of $95,500 - $112,500 (actual compensation may vary based on experience, skills, education and performance).

The Fergus Falls School District is located in the beautiful Lakes Country of west central Minnesota in Otter Tail County; and is currently comprised of four elementary schools serving grades Pre-K-5, the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center serving grades 4-5, one secondary school that provides education to our middle school and high school students (grades 6-12), a K-12 online school, and an Area Learning Center. The District employs nearly 500 staff, and serves an enrollment of over 3000 students. Additional information can be found at

To be considered for this position, an applicant’s completed file must include the completed online application (found at and the following uploaded documents :

• A cover letter indicating a desire to become a candidate for the human resource director position.
• A set of up-to-date credentials, which includes : a current resume, two letters of recommendation, and a copy of the candidate’s unofficial transcript(s).

QUALIFICATIONS :

1.   Bachelor's degree or equivalent in business administration, human resources or related field

2.   Previous HR experience in a public school sector is highly desirable, but not required

3.   SHRM / PHR Certification, preferred.

4.   Highly functional knowledge of federal, state and local regulations and compliance requirements related to human resources

5.   Self-motivated and action oriented. Anticipates needs and proactively embraces opportunities to serve others

6.   Excellent time management skills and ability to plan and set priorities; and pay close attention to detail

7.   Excellent verbal and written communication skills

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES :

The tasks listed below are not intended to limit other tasks that might reasonably be assigned as necessary.

1. Manage the HR department, including maintaining accurate and up-to-date personnel records for all school employees. Ensure comprehensive documentation of contracts, employment, retirement, and leave-related matters.

2. Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, including EEO, FMLA, ADA, Title IX, and workers' compensation.

3. Address employee concerns by resolving complaints and personnel issues, along with mediating conflict. Act as a resource for principals, directors, and supervisors, handling grievances and initiating disciplinary actions when necessary.

4. Conduct job evaluations, classify positions, create job descriptions, and assign employees to the wage scale in accordance with the district’s comparable worth framework. Prepare and submit required reports, including pay equity and EEO-5.

5. Collaborate with payroll to ensure accurate compensation and benefit administration.

6. Oversee the hiring process, including job postings, recruitment, application screening, candidate interviews, and the setup of wages / contracts for payroll and onboarding.

7. Interpret and communicate personnel-related contract language, and district procedures to ensure consistency and compliance.

8. Participate in collective bargaining and contract negotiation processes.

9.  Maintain and distribute seniority records for certified and support staff, and prepare tenure documentation for certified personnel.

10. Collaborate with administration on recommendations for Tier 1, Tier 2, and probationary teachers to be non-renewed or for specific teachers with continuing contract rights to be placed on Unrequested Leave of Absence (ULA); Provides notice of non-renewal, proposed placement or placement on ULA to corresponding teachers; If necessary, set up individual hearings for teachers concerning proposed placement on ULA.

11. Coordinate and notify administrators / supervisors about annual evaluation cycles for certified and support staff. Inform certified employees of their evaluation cycle placement.

12. Advertise, recruit, and onboard licensed substitute teachers and support staff throughout the school year, ensuring the completion of all required paperwork and training.

13. Collaborate with the superintendent and school board policy committee to review and revise district policies. Ensure consistent interpretation and implementation of personnel policies and procedures.

14. Prepare and distribute annual contracts for co-curricular activities / coaches, mentorship, targeted services, committees, and summer programs.

15. Manage workers' compensation cases, including injury reporting and return-to-work protocols.

16. Supervise and guide HR / payroll specialists and front desk receptionist, serving as office manager for the district office.

17. Update and maintain the HR Department’s site on the school district’s website.

18. Serve as the Districtwide Title IX Coordinator, ensuring compliance with all related requirements.

Application deadline : Open until filled

We invite qualified candidates who are passionate about human resources to apply for this exciting opportunity to shape our organization's workforce.

Start date : March 2025

Accommodation :  If you have a disability that requires accommodation during the selection process, please email HR at ejahnke@fergusotters.org or call 218-998-0544, ext. 9010.

Background Check Upon Conditional Offer :  Background checks are conducted upon receiving a conditional offer. Employees must complete a background check and are responsible for the background fee. A passing background is required.  C riminal convictions are not an automatic bar to employment.  Each case is considered on its individual merits and the type of work sought.  Making false statements or withholding information during the  hiring process will cause you to be barred from employment or removed from employment.

Veteran’s Preference :  Eligible veterans as defined by Minnesota Statute 197.447 may claim Veterans Preference during the hiring process. A DD214 and required supporting documentation must be included with the employment application to receive preference.

Fergus Falls Public Schools are a tobacco-free workplace.

The Fergus Falls Public School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Educator, who fully and actively supports equal access for all qualified applicants, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability status, Genetic Information or Testing, Family & Medical Leave, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law, and prohibits retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint, or otherwise oppose discrimination.

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Salary : $95,500 - $112,500