Job Description
The Schenectady City School District, serving more than 9,000 students across an incredibly diverse PreK-12 community, is guided by a deep commitment to ensuring every child feels valued, safe, and supported. We work intentionally so that race, economics, disability, language, and other identity factors never predict a student's access, experience, or achievement. As a restorative practice district, we honor relationships, community wisdom, and the lived experiences of our students, families, and staff. We expect all leaders to understand how systems influence outcomes and to cultivate workplaces grounded in belonging, fairness, and dignity. The ideal candidate leads with integrity, approaches people with respect, meets individuals where they are, and guides them toward growth while maintaining neutral, factual, unbiased, and consistent processes in all HR matters. PRIMARY FUNCTION The Assistant Superintendent/Chief of Human Resources is an executive leader who establishes the vision and strategy for all human capital operations across the district. This leader fosters a high-performing, inclusive, and relationship-centered organizational culture that supports student success through an empowered workforce. The Chief oversees the full scope of Human Resources functions, including talent acquisition, employee engagement, labor relations, civil service processes, certification, APPR and tenure compliance, compensation and benefits, data systems, professional growth pathways, and customer service. This leader ensures HR systems reflect the district's commitment to restorative practice, equity, belonging, and community partnership, building a workforce that reflects and effectively serves Schenectady's rich diversity. The Assistant Superintendent/Chief reports directly to the Superintendent of Schools. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Strategic Leadership in Recruitment, Retention & Workforce Planning Leads a districtwide strategy to attract, hire, develop, and retain high-quality and diverse talent for all positions. Serves on the Superintendent's Executive Leadership Team, contributing to organizational planning, staffing allocations, and strategic initiatives. Partners with building and district leaders to align staffing and human capital planning to student needs and instructional priorities. Provides supervision, coaching, and development for HR staff and supports leadership development across employee groups. Oversees HR operations including budgeting, workflow systems, customer service, and continuous improvement. Develops HR-related policies and presents updates and recommendations to the Board of Education. Cultivates a positive, respectful, inclusive workplace culture where belonging and professionalism thrive. Talent Attraction, Recruitment & Staffing Implements proactive strategies to build robust and diverse talent pipelines. Develops career pathways, succession planning models, and "grow your own" initiatives for teachers, administrators, paraprofessionals, and support staff. Ensures hiring practices are grounded in consistency, transparency, and fairness. Oversees accurate and timely personnel transactions in accordance with NYSED, Civil Service, and district policies. Maintains strong partnerships with higher education institutions, residency programs, and recruitment partners. Oversees the Teachers of Tomorrow Grant Program, Teacher Residency Grant Program, and related initiatives with the Office of Teaching and Learning. Civil Service, Certification, APPR & Regulatory Compliance Serves as liaison to the Schenectady Civil Service Commission, ensuring compliance with civil service laws, classifications, exams, appointments, and eligibility lists. Oversees NYS certification compliance using the TEACH system and ensures appropriate credentials for all certificated staff. Ensures proper implementation of APPR timelines, documentation, tenure processes, and probationary requirements. Maintains accurate seniority lists, evaluations, and regulatory records. Ensures district-wide adherence to OSHA, EEO, ERISA, COBRA, ADA, FMLA, FLSA, Workplace Violence Prevention Act, and all relevant laws and policies. Serves as the Title IX Coordinator and Civil Rights Coordinator, ensuring compassionate, thorough, and impartial investigations. Employee Engagement, Labor Relations & Restorative Practice Acts as lead advisor on employee relations, conflict resolution, and restorative approaches to concerns. Ensures all HR decisions reflect consistency, neutrality, fairness, and respect for the dignity of all employees. Oversees investigations in