Executive Director

Jeffco Public Schools (Jeffco) is located in Jefferson County, Colorado. It is the second largest school district in Colorado serving 69,000 students across 155 schools. With 14,000 employees, the district is the largest employer in Jefferson County and has provided educational excellence for more than 70 years.

Jeffco embraces the spirit of the West and the natural beauty of the Rocky Mountain region with the county spanning more than 770 square miles running the length of the western edge of the Denver metropolitan area. The district is diverse in both population and geography, from urban to rural, including the mountain communities in the foothills west of Denver.

Overall, Jeffco has 31% of students that qualify for free and reduced lunch, an indicator of poverty, and 34% minority (25% Hispanic) student population. The district is implementing a new strategic plan, Jeffco Thrives 2025 that is focused on providing a world-class education that prepares all Jeffco students for bright and successful futures as local and global citizens. Come join us

Jeffco Public Schools is a Single-State Employer. All candidates hired by Jeffco Public Schools must reside within the state of Colorado.

SUMMARY Under the direction of the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), is responsible for and oversees all labor relations activity for Jeffco Public Schools. Plays a major role in building and sustaining collaborative and effective relationships with labor partners and in the interpretation, administration, training and enforcement of collective bargaining agreements in accordance with state and federal laws, Board and district policies.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:

• Owns and cultivates the district's relationship with the assigned bargaining unit(s) including coordination and participation in joint association-district committees, meetings and events.
• Serves as a leading member of the district's bargaining team and may be designated as the district's lead negotiator for assigned bargaining unit(s).
• Provides advice and counsel with the district's executive team in establishing negotiations strategies and tactics.
• Leads research necessary to support contract negotiations. Uses appropriate negotiation strategies to develop district bargaining goals and negotiate contracts consistent with the District's mission, values and goals.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with union representatives, fostering a collaborative and respectful environment. Develop and maintain effective communication channels between management and union representatives.
• Serves as a subject matter expert on collective bargaining agreements. Provides administration, interpretation, guidance and training on CBA's, as needed.
• Collaborate with the HR department to align labor relations strategies with broader human resources initiatives.
• Supports the grievance process as needed from step 1 through arbitration including providing advice and counsel to district leadership, assisting with determining and implementing grievance resolution and acting as hearing officer at step 2.
• Collects, analyzes, and reports on labor relations data to drive data-driven decision making.
• Manages the labor relations team budget, and coordinates with the CHRO on expenditures and departmental fiscal management.
• Supervises, evaluates, and directs the work of labor relations team members.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EXPERIENCE 5 years of experience in a manager or higher role in human resources, employee relations, and/or labor relations. Similar positions with overlapping responsibilities may be considered. Prior experience in a K-12 or public sector environment preferred.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING Bachelor's degree required. Preferred field of study in human resources, management, business, public policy, or a related field. Master's degree preferred.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS None required. Certified Labor Relations Professional, Senior Professional of Human Resources or similar certification preferred.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, & ABILITIES Advanced knowledge of federal, state, and local labor laws, including those affecting unionized environments and public education. Knowledge of theories and best practices in employee and labor relations, conflict resolution, and organizational behavior. Knowledge of organizational development principles and practices. Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage and inspire a team, drive organizational change, and make strategic decisions. Advanced skills in mediating and resolving conflicts, with the ability to handle sensitive issues with tact and diplomacy. Proficiency in negotiating with various stakeholders, including unions and employee representatives, to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes. Ability to analyze complex employee and labor relations issues and data, and develop effective solutions based on insights. Strong decision-making ability, particularly in high-stress or high-stakes situations, balancing organizational goals with employee needs. Ability to adapt to changing organizational priorities and external conditions while maintaining a focus on employee/labor relations objectives. High level of emotional intelligence to understand and address employee concerns, fostering a supportive work environment.

SPAN OF CONTROL This position advises administrators and act as the subject matter expert in labor relations, negotiation strategy, addressing grievance, and interpretations of collective bargaining agreements applicable statues. This position also oversees director(s) and manager(s) on team.

The physical requirements, mental requirements and work environment factors described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Ability to focus on objects at varying distances and distinguish between colors (with corrective lenses). Perform tasks that require manual dexterity, including operation of computers & small office equipment. Basic mobility and the ability to navigate the office environment safely. Ability to speak clearly, listen attentively (with assistance devices), and convey information accurately. May be required to give presentations to groups.

MENTAL REQUIREMENTS Ability to analyze complex situations, identify potential risks, and devise effective solutions. Ability to remain flexible in dynamic environments, adjusting plans and strategies as necessary to accommodate changing requirements or circumstances. Ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with other teams. Ability to manage time and priorities to meet deadlines.

WORK ENVIRONMENT Work is performed in a semi-secured office building with a typical office environment and risk factors.

The Jefferson County School District does not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, pregnancy, or gender.