Chief of Staff and Human Resources Officer @ Des Moines Public School District

Des Moines Public Schools invites applications from dynamic, innovative leaders for the 2027–2028 school year. Join us in advancing our Reimagining Education efforts and supporting our school community.

The posted salary range reflects the first quartile through the midpoint of the position's salary range. Compensation will be determined based on skills, relevant work experience, and education. In addition to base salary, this position qualifies for a 14% tax-sheltered annuity (TSA).

Des Moines Public Schools provides single and family health benefits valued at approximately $35,000 annually at no cost to employees. Relocation assistance of up to $6,000 is also available.

TITLE

Chief of Staff and Human Resources Officer

CLASSIFICATION

Non-Licensed Administrator

HIRING SPECIFICATIONS

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• Juris Doctorate or advanced degree in organizational development, public administration, human resources, policy development, or educational administration or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience

Work Experience

• Five years previous supervisory
• Five years administrative experience in an educational setting

Licensure or Certification: One of the following certifications, preferred:

• License to practice law
• Iowa Administrator license
• SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Extensive knowledge of federal and state employment laws, education laws, regulations, and compliance requirements affecting public school districts.
• Knowledge of board governance and policy governance models, including the district policy development and adoption process.
• Ability to align policy, staffing, legal, and compliance considerations into coherent, operationally sound recommendations and practices.
• Knowledge of the state and federal legislative process and its application to public school districts, including legislative analysis and advocacy.
• Ability to serve as a liaison to legal counsel, governmental bodies, and community partners on behalf of the Superintendent.
• Ability to coordinate and drive cross-departmental initiatives and district priorities on behalf of the Superintendent.
• Knowledge of human resources management principles, including recruitment, retention, employee relations, performance management, compensation, classification, and succession planning.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex laws, regulations, contracts, and policies and translate them into operational practices.
• Skilled in negotiation, conflict resolution, and consensus-building.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholder groups, including colleagues, employees, unions, and external partners.
• Effective written and oral communication and presentation techniques.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong supervisory and leadership skills.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and commitment to quality and accuracy.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Attend work on a prompt and regular basis.
• Maintain satisfactory and harmonious working relationships with the public, students, and other employees.

Job Summary

The Chief of Staff provides strategic leadership across two integrated portfolios: serving as Chief of Staff to the Superintendent and leading the district's human resources functions. As Chief of Staff, the position serves as the district's integrator, aligning policy, staffing strategy, legal compliance, and intergovernmental and legislative liaison work into a coordinated approach that advances the Superintendent's priorities and the district's strategic plan. Additionally, the position provides strategic leadership and operational oversight of human resources functions across the district.

The position serves as a key advisor to the Superintendent, is a member of the Superintendent's Cabinet, and ensures the district complies with applicable laws and district policies. The position requires a high degree of autonomous decision-making, strategic foresight, and knowledge of state and federal laws. The essential functions, as shown below, are representative of key areas of responsibility; specific position requirements will vary depending on the assignment of projects by the Superintendent.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with applicable laws, policies, and regulations. Responsible for analyzing new laws, policies, and regulations and turning these into operational requirements.
• Serve as the Superintendent's strategic advisor and primary coordinator with legal counsel on personnel matters, policy development, employment law, and regulatory compliance.
• Serve as Chief of Staff to the Superintendent, aligning district policy, staffing strategy, legal compliance, and intergovernmental liaison functions, and coordinating cross-functional Cabinet initiatives to ensure alignment and follow-through across departments.
• Direct and coordinate the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of district policies and administrative regulations, ensuring alignment among policy, staffing structures, legal requirements, and operational practice.
• Advise the Superintendent and Board of Directors on legislative matters, monitoring and analyzing state and federal legislation, coordinating the district's legislative priorities and advocacy, and serving as a liaison to state, intergovernmental, and community partners.
• Direct organizational design initiatives, including classification, compensation, staffing structures, and workforce effectiveness strategies.
• Develop and execute short-term and long-term goals related to human resources.
• Direct recruitment, retention, evaluation, succession planning, employee relations, and workforce engagement efforts to build and sustain a high-performing and diverse workforce.
• Oversee labor relations activities, including collective bargaining, contract administration, and grievance resolution.
• Direct the continuous improvement of human resources systems, programs, and service delivery.
• Serve as the point of contact for federal and state offices, as assigned by the Superintendent.
• Collaborate with executive leadership to forecast staffing needs and align human capital strategies with the district's strategic plan.
• Actively support the efforts of the Board, Superintendent, and colleagues to achieve district goals and objectives.
• Maintain professional learning and growth through professional organizations, seminars, course work, and collaboration.
• Other duties, as assigned.

Department: Human Resources

Reports to: Superintendent

Highest Level Supervised: Director

Bargaining Group: N/A

FLSA Status: Exempt

Calendar: 12 Month / 8.0 Hour Day

Physical Requirements

PHYSICAL DEMAND

FREQUENCY

Standing

Frequent 33% - 66%

Walking

Frequent 33% - 66%

Sitting

Frequent 33% - 66%

Bending/Stooping

Occasional 1% - 32%

Reaching/Pushing/Pulling

Occasional 1%- 32%

Climbing/Stairs

Occasional 1% - 32%

Driving

Occasional 1% - 32%

Lifting (10 lbs.)

Occasional 1% - 32%

Carrying (25 feet)

Occasional 1% - 32%

Manual Dexterity Tasks

Telephone

Frequent 33% - 66%

Computer

Frequent 33% - 66%

Other

Never 0%

Working Conditions

Inside

Constant 67%+

Outside

Occasional 1% - 32%

Extremes of Temperature/Humidity

Occasional 1% - 32%

The Des Moines Independent Community School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, disability, religion, creed, age (for employment), marital status (for programs), sexual orientation, gender identity and socioeconomic status (for programs) in its educational programs and its employment practices. If you have questions, concerns or a complaint related to this policy, please contact Carol Wynn-Green, 901 Walnut Street, Des Moines, IA 50309; phone: 515-242-7709; email: [email protected]. Complaints can also be directed to the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, 400 E. 14th Street, Des Moines, IA 50319-1004, (515) 281-4121, or Region VII Office for Civil Rights, Citigroup Center 500 W. Madison Street, Suite 1475 Chicago, IL 60661-4544.

All candidates offered a position will be required to successfully pass a criminal background check, and a child and adult abuse registry check. Certain positions may require fingerprinting, a drug and alcohol test, a physical capacity test and/or a motor vehicle record check.

Approved By: Matthew Smith

Date: 11/05/2026