Job Description:

Job Summary:
The Chief Personnel Officer (CPO) is responsible for leading and overseeing all Human Resources functions, including employee relations, hiring and selection processes, benefits administration, and compliance. The CPO plays a critical role in strategic workforce planning, legal compliance, policy development, and district-wide human capital initiatives to support the mission and goals of the district.Essential Functions & Core Competencies

Leadership & Strategic Planning

• Provides leadership in the development and execution of short- and long-term workforce planning to meet district staffing needs.
• Serves as a key advisor to the Superintendent and Governing Board on personnel matters, workforce trends, and human capital strategies.
• Develops and implements HR policies and procedures aligned with district goals and legal requirements.

Talent Acquisition & Retention

• Oversees recruitment, hiring, and selection processes for all district positions, ensuring equity and compliance with hiring practices.
• Coordinates hiring procedures for administrative and executive positions, providing strategic recommendations on staffing needs.
• Develops and implements employee retention strategies, including mentorship programs, career development pathways, and engagement initiatives.

Employee Relations & Performance Management

• Provides leadership in developing employee performance evaluation systems to support professional growth and accountability.
• Advises district leaders on employee relations issues, investigations, and conflict resolution, ensuring compliance with employment laws.
• Assumes primary leadership in handling legal and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) charges related to employment matters.

Compensation & Benefits Administration

• Oversees the administration of employee benefits programs, including health, retirement, and wellness plans.
• Supervises the district’s liability and workers’ compensation plans, collaborating with attorneys and Valley Schools Trust representatives to address claims and risk management.
• Monitors industry trends to ensure competitive salary structures and benefits offerings to attract and retain top talent.

Compliance, Policy, & Risk Management

• Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, including wage and hour regulations, labor laws, and workplace safety standards.
• Leads the review and revision of Board policies related to personnel and employment practices, recommending necessary changes.
• Oversees internal audits and investigations related to HR policies, discrimination claims, and workers’ compensation cases.

Budget & Resource Management

• Develops and manages HR department budgets, ensuring fiscal responsibility and alignment with district priorities.
• Provides financial oversight of employee benefits costs and risk management programs to maintain sustainability.
• Coordinates with finance and legal teams to assess staffing expenditures, liability issues, and compensation planning.

Stakeholder Engagement & Communication

• Represents the Human Resources Department in Cabinet, Governing Board, Budget Committee and Counsel meetings, providing reports and recommendations.
• Builds and maintains strong relationships with school administrators, employees, associations and community partners to support district initiatives.
• Oversees internal HR communications to ensure clarity and transparency in policies, benefits, and personnel matters.

Knowledge & Skills Required

• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• Knowledge of best practices in HR management, benefits administration, and labor relations.
• Skills in workforce planning, recruitment, and retention strategies.
• Skills in conflict resolution, mediation, and employee relations.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and HR initiatives effectively.
• Ability to communicate complex HR policies and procedures clearly to stakeholders.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Human Resources, Education Administration, Business Administration, or a related field (Doctorate preferred).
• Minimum five (5) years of experience in school site administration, with at least two (2) years at the District Administration Center or equivalent experience.
• Valid Arizona teaching/administrative certificate (preferred).

OR any equivalent combinations of experience and education from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.

Other Requirements

• Ability to pass a fingerprint and background clearance check.
• Valid Arizona driver’s license and the ability to travel as required.
• Flexibility to work outside normal business hours as needed.