Human Resources Director

The Gateway Regional School District is seeking a Human Resources Director to lead the district in all employment and personnel matters. This position is anticipated to begin on March 1, 2025, but can be flexible to meet the individual and district’s needs. The Human Resource Director serves as the principal advisor and leader of the Gateway Regional School District in matters related to personnel, employment, benefits, talent acquisition, and risk management. The Human Resource Director also provides support to the six towns in the Gateway Regional School District community with such matters. The Human Resource Director operates within the framework of the General Laws of the Commonwealth, the rules and regulations of the Department of Education, the Department of Labor, and Ethics Commission. Other obligations are to the policies of the Gateway Regional School District and collective bargaining agreements of all employee groups. QUALIFICATIONS: 1.Massachusetts certification as a school superintendent, principal (any level), or eligible for certification. Comparable experience will be considered. 2.Master’s degree or an earned higher academic degree. 3.Minimum of three years experience in business or schools. 4.Some administrative experience preferred. 5. Experience with regional school districts, preferred 6. Effective interpersonal and leadership skills; experience facilitating communication among divergent groups and leading group decision-making 7.Effective administrative and management skills, including demonstrated success as an office manager 8. Excellent speaking and writing skills, including the effective utilization of computers, technology, and information management tools This position is a full time, 12 month administrative position. PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES: Personnel Supervision and Support Coordinate and manage the functions of personnel services including employment, reappointment, non-renewal, termination, evaluation, contracts, personnel research, sick bank, unemployment compensation, employee investigations, worker's compensation, and retirement systems. Serve as the first point of contact for employment for new staff to begin and facilitate a strong and supportive onboarding process. Lead and coordinate mentor assignment and the orientation programs for employment Facilitate the paperwork of all new and returning employees including CORI, ESORI, DCF enhanced background checks, Fingerprinting, registration and contracts Coordinate the teacher certification process and supports staff with obtaining and renewing licensure within reasonable limits Coordinate and manage the process of selection of central staff and school administrative personnel in collaboration with the Superintendent Assist the Superintendent in organizational analysis and development. Coordinate and manage the development and implementation of personnel policies and procedures. Lead as the district’s Title IX Coordinator in collaboration with the Director of Pupil Services and legal counsel. Support all principals and the superintendent with the evaluation process for teachers, paraprofessionals, custodians, food service, and secretaries and serve as the point person for Frontline. Upload all evaluation information into DESE portal. Provide information to payroll for merit pay when applicable. Oversee mandated training compliance for all staff including athletic coaches Support professional development for all staff in the distinct beyond the mandated training requirements in collaboration with the superintendents and school principals. Preparation and direction of employee recruitment program including job fairs, on-campus visitations, and preparation and placement of advertisements. Plan, direct, and monitor the application and employment process of all personnel. Support college interns and practicums being placed in district. Conduct exit interviews for all employees leaving the district Maintain the district’s master staff list including seniority, licensure, and demographic information internally and on PowerSchool Prepare personnel reports to meet requirements of local, State, Federal agencies including but not limited to the Bureau of Labor, Hampshire County Retirement, EPIMS, and GASB. Advising and counseling employees as requested or directed. Serve as mediator between employees as needed. Serve as the point person for the Massachusetts Teachers Retirement System and the district. Serves on the Executive Board for the Hampshire County Group Insurance Trust Maintains accurate records of time off for all employees including the superintendent. Track compensatory time, sick time, personal time, as well as sick time and personal time benefit annually. Verify stipend sheets in collaboration with appropriate administrator. Direct and monitor the processing of leave requests in accordance with laws, regulations and contracts including but not limited to maternity, FMLA, and other leave requests. Facilitate the 403b, life insurance, 457, unemployment, and other benefit enrollment, compliance, and payout for current employees, former employees and retirees Serve as liaison for retirees and support their needs in relation to the district Coordinate workmans comp accident reporting, annual reporting, and auditing Establish and maintain up-to-date job descriptions for all staff members in conjunction with appropriate administrators for the school district. Conduct employment interviews and reference checks for supervisory and teaching personnel in collaboration with the school principals and superintendent. Serve as the Superintendent's designee for grievances and other matters as assigned Participates in negotiations with all units as requested as the superintendent’s designee Maintain website for new hire processes and employment procedures Community Collaboration Build relationships with the sending towns of Gateway Regional–Blandford, Chester, Huntington, Middlefield, Montgomery and Russell–to strengthen collaboration Support the six Gateway towns with human resource related procedures and operations Provide resources to the surround towns regarding employment-related matters Communicate with town administrators in the six Gateway communities regarding updates and procedures that support a robust employment process Grants Management 1.Serve as the district Title Grants Coordinator when assigned including preparing, overseeing, and completing reports on the federal title grants in collaboration with the Superintendent and School Business Administrator. Support Staff Supervision Build a competent, balanced, alert staff through sound selection, through orientation, and ongoing training, support and evaluation. Encourage the staff to suggest new ideas and to try new ways of doing things. The Human Resource Director, therefore, acts as a catalyst for innovative thinking and action on the part of others in the school. Supervise individual staff members to assist them in their self-improvement efforts. Foster sound interpersonal relationships among support staff members, teachers, and the administration. Establish and maintain up-to-date job descriptions for all support staff members in conjunction with appropriate administrators. Leadership and Administration Support the district’s safety plan and oversee that the plan is executed with fidelity at all levels. Help to establish and clarify both short and long range goals for the school district. Direct policy-making in regards to areas of responsibility and participate in the decision-making at all other levels when the policies in question affect the school district’s operation. Implement policy, accepting the responsibility, while sharing the authority in whatever manner the Human Resource Director considers to be in the best interest of the school district. Broaden the base of the decision-making process, involving students, teachers, support staff members, parents, and citizens whenever appropriate. Participate in continuous study and research in the administration of a school district. Participate in local, regional, state, and national professional/educational organizations to stay abreast of school finance and related issues Regularly confer with building principals and administrators regarding problems/solutions related to district operations Perform other tasks and assume other responsibilities the Superintendent may assign or delegate The Gateway Regional School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, gender identity, age, disability, sexual orientation or military or exercise of civil rights in admission to, access to treatment in or employment in its programs or activities.