Director Of Human Resources

Valley Unified Education Service Center
Director of Human Resources

Location: Valley Unified Education Service Center (Serving Madawaska School Department, Maine School Administrative District No. 27, and Maine School Administrative School District No. 33)

Employing Agent: Madawaska School Department (Primary work location can be in either one of our Valley Unified offices: Fort Kent, Madawaska, or Frenchville.) 

Position Overview:

The Valley Unified Education Service Center is seeking a strategic, experienced Human Resources leader to oversee HR operations for our member School Administrative Units. As the Director of Human Resources, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the overall success of our educational community by leading and managing Human Resources functions. This position requires a strategic and hands-on leader who can navigate the unique challenges of three school districts, fostering a positive work environment and supporting the growth and development of our diverse workforce.

Key Responsibilities:

• Employee Acquisition and Management:
  • Oversee recruitment efforts to attract and retain high-quality educators, administrative staff, and support personnel.
  • Implement and maintain effective onboarding processes and professional development programs to support employee growth.
  • Execute best practices in talent acquisition, including the use of technology, diversity and inclusion initiatives, and streamlined processes.
  • Conduct exit interviews for retiring and resigning employees in order to make improvements to the employee experience
• Employee Relations:
  • Serve as a trusted resource for employees, providing guidance and resolution on HR-related issues.
  • Foster a positive and inclusive work culture through effective communication and conflict resolution.
  • Prepare/draft Collective Bargaining Agreements and provide the lead negotiator for each district with necessary information based on the direction from each SAU board. 
  • Serve as an administrative liaison to union leaders for meet and consult and other association matters.
• Policy Development and Compliance:
  • Develop and update board policies and procedures in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
  • Schedule and facilitate policy committee meetings in each SAU and Valley Unified ESC. 
  • Ensure compliance with employment laws and regulations. 
• Strategic Leadership:
  • Develop and implement human resource strategies aligned with the region's overall goals and objectives.
  • Collaborate with executive leadership to ensure HR initiatives support the overall strategic objectives of the district. Ensure the district's adherence to labor laws and educational regulations.
  • Serve as a strategic advisor to executive leadership on HR-related matters. 
• Benefits Administration:
  • Manage employee benefit programs, including health insurance, retirement plans, and other perks.
  • Collaborate with external vendors to ensure the effective administration of benefits.
  • Work with district bookkeepers regarding employee self service for absences and leaves. 
• HR Technology and Data Management:
  • Oversee the implementation and optimization of the Valley Unified Frontline Education system to streamline the employment processes and improve data accuracy.
  • Manage all Valley Unified online forms for professional development requests, course requests, and travel and expense reimbursement requests. 
  • Utilize HR analytics to make data-driven decisions and provide insights to the leadership team.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).
• SHRM or HRCI certification is a plus.
• Minimum of 3 years of progressive HR leadership experience, preferably in a school district or educational setting.
• Strong knowledge of labor laws, HR best practices, and educational regulations.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
• Flexible schedule/work hours.