Professional Standards Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Executive Director of Employee Services-Office of Professional Standards
Reports to: Chief of Staff
Pay Grade: 1003
Days: 239 Days
FSLA Status: Exempt        
Position Purpose

The Senior Executive Director of Employee Services and Office of Professional Standards provides strategic, executive-level leadership and oversight of all employee conduct, investigative, compliance, and professional standards functions for the District. This role directs the District's Office of Professional Standards (OPS), including investigative teams, employee standards, ethics, grievance administration, and regulatory compliance operations. The Senior Executive Director ensures the integrity, consistency, and effectiveness of all investigative processes and employee-related compliance programs, maintaining adherence to federal, state, and local laws, Board policies, and regulatory requirements. This position leads the development of systems that promote a safe, ethical, and non-discriminatory working and learning environment and ensures timely, thorough, and defensible investigations and resolutions.

The role serves as a key strategic advisor to executive leadership, guiding high-impact decisions related to employee misconduct, risk mitigation, discipline, and organizational culture. The Senior Executive Director drives continuous improvement through data analysis, cross-functional collaboration, and alignment with District priorities, ensuring accountability, transparency, and operational excellence across all employee services functions.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Strategic Leadership & Administration

    Provides executive leadership for the Office of Professional Standards, employee services, and compliance functions. 
    Establishes vision, goals, performance metrics, and accountability systems aligned to District strategic priorities. 
    Advises senior leadership on high-risk employee matters, investigations, and compliance issues. 
    Leads long-range planning to strengthen systems related to employee conduct, workplace culture, and organizational risk. 
    Ensures consistency, equity, and integrity in the handling of employee issues across the District.

Investigations Oversight (OPS)

    Directs and oversees all investigative functions conducted by OPS, including allegations of misconduct, abuse, discrimination, retaliation, fraud, and criminal activity. 
    Provides leadership and supervision of investigators, ensuring timely, thorough, and legally defensible investigations. 
    Establishes investigative protocols, standards, and quality assurance measures. 
    Reviews complex investigative findings, recommendations, and reports prior to executive or legal action. 
    Serves as liaison with legal counsel, law enforcement, regulatory agencies (EEOC, TEA, SBEC), and external entities. 
    Ensures proper documentation, case management, and reporting compliance for all investigations.

Compliance & Employee Standards

    Oversees District-wide compliance with employment laws and regulations (Title IX, Title VII, ADA, FMLA, etc.). 
    Directs employee grievance processes and complaint resolution procedures in alignment with Board policy. 
    Ensures compliance with SBEC reporting requirements and employee certification-related obligations. 
    Leads development and implementation of policies, procedures, and guidelines governing employee conduct and ethics. 
    Monitors legislative and regulatory changes and advises leadership on organizational impact.

Employee Relations & Risk Management

    Provides executive oversight of employee relations strategies, including proactive issue resolution and conflict management.
    Guides leadership in disciplinary actions, non-renewals, terminations, and corrective measures.
    Identifies trends and risks through case data, audits, and reporting; implements mitigation strategies.
    Ensures alignment between employee services practices and District culture, equity, and inclusion goals.
    Selects, trains, supervises, and evaluates staff, and makes recommendations relative to assignment, retention, discipline, and dismissal.

Training, Communication & Continuous Improvement

    Oversees development of training programs on employee conduct, investigations, compliance, and legal requirements. 
    Promotes awareness of ethical standards and professional expectations across the District. 
    Uses data and stakeholder feedback to improve systems, processes, and service delivery. 
    Leads cross-functional collaboration to streamline workflows and enhance organizational effectiveness.

Supervisory Responsibilities

    Directly supervises assigned staff within the Office of Professional Standards and Employee Services. 
    Selects, trains, evaluates, and develops staff; makes recommendations regarding assignment, retention, discipline, and dismissal. 
    Builds high-performing teams and ensures continuous professional growth and accountability.

Personal Work Relationships

    Demonstrates commitment to the District's mission, vision, and strategic goals. 
    Maintains the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, and confidentiality. 
    Builds strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders. 
    Promotes collaboration, cultural competence, and a respectful work environment.

Other Duties as Assigned

    Performs all job-related duties as assigned and in accordance to the Board rules, policies and regulations. All employees are expected to comply with lawful directives in rare situations driven by need where a team effort is required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

    Knowledge of employee investigations, including procedures related to misconduct, discrimination, harassment, abuse, fraud, and criminal allegations.
    Knowledge of federal and state employment laws and regulations, including Title IX, Title VII, ADA, FMLA, ADEA, and related compliance requirements.
    Knowledge of grievance processes, employee discipline, due process, and regulatory reporting requirements (including SBEC).
    Knowledge of K-12 school district operations, organizational structure, and public-sector human resources practices.
    Knowledge of employee relations strategies, conflict resolution, and workplace culture management.
    Knowledge of compliance systems, investigative standards, and risk mitigation practices within a large, complex organization.
    Skill in leading and overseeing complex investigations and compliance programs.
    Skill in strategic planning, organizational leadership, and execution of large-scale initiatives.
    Skill in analyzing data, identifying trends, and implementing process improvements.
    Skill in verbal and written communication, including preparing executive-level reports, presentations, and recommendations.
    Skill in stakeholder engagement, including working with legal counsel, law enforcement, regulatory agencies, and executive leadership.
    Skill in conflict resolution, decision-making, and handling high-risk, sensitive situations.
    Ability to lead enterprise-level functions involving investigations, compliance, and employee standards.
    Ability to interpret laws, policies, and regulations and translate them into effective operational practices.
    Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and confidentiality in highly sensitive matters.
    Ability to manage multiple high-priority issues simultaneously while maintaining accuracy and timeliness.
    Ability to build and maintain strong working relationships across all levels of the organization.
    Ability to remain composed and effective under pressure and in complex, high-stakes situations.
Travel Requirements
    Travels to school district buildings and professional meetings as required.

Physical & Mental Demands, Work Hazards

    Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment, including computer and peripherals.
    Posture: Prolonged sitting and standing; occasional stooping, squatting, kneeling, bending, pushing/pulling, and twisting.
    Motion: Frequent repetitive hand motions, including keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching.
    Lifting: Occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds).
    Environment: Works in an office setting, and works outside (exposure to sun, heat, cold, and inclement weather); frequent exposure to noise; noise levels in the office are usually moderate; 
    noise levels outdoors and around events may be elevated or become loud; frequent talking and listening; frequently requires irregular and/or prolonged hours.
    Attendance: Regular and punctual attendance at the worksite is required for this position.
    Mental Demands: Maintains emotional control under stress; works with frequent interruptions.

Minimum Required Qualifications

    Education:
o    Master's degree from an accredited college or university required.
o    Major in a field related to human resources management, labor relations, public relations or education administration preferred.
    Certification/License:  Certification in human resources such as Professional in Human Resources (PHR) or Professional Human Capital Leaders in Education (pHCLE) preferred.
    Experience:
o    5 years of progressively responsible experience in human resources management or education administration required;
o    Experience in a role that includes conducting formal or informal investigations, responding to stakeholder complaints or conflict resolution required.
o    Experience working directly with executive leaders preferred.

This document is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.