POSITION SUMMARY
The Director of Human Resources serves as a vital member of the District’s leadership team, reporting directly to the Superintendent. This role is responsible for the strategic planning for the HR department, administration, and integration of all human resources functions across the Bering Strait School District.
The successful candidate will lead a mission-driven department focused on recruiting and retaining high-quality educators, ensuring rigorous compliance with state and federal regulations, and fostering a supportive, equitable workplace culture. As a key advisor on personnel matters, the Director balances high-level strategy with operational excellence to support the District’s primary goal: providing an exceptional education for every student in our region.
QUALIFICATIONS
Master’s Degree in HR Management, Educational Leadership, or Business Administration
Valid Alaska Type B Administrative certificate preferred
Experience 5+ years of satisfactory administrative or supervisory experience
Deep knowledge of federal laws/regulations and Alaska Statutes on labor management topics, proficiency in administrative computer systems, and the ability to manage complex tasks under high-stress, and confidential conditions.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Strategic Leadership & Policy
Collaborates with Superintendent and District leadership to understand the organization’s goals and strategy related to staffing, recruitment, and retention.
Formulate and implement procedures to ensure compliance with School Board policies and Alaska Statutes.
Monitors and ensures the organization’s compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, and recommended best practices; reviews and modifies policies and practices to maintain compliance.
Maintains knowledge of trends, best practices, regulatory changes, and new technologies in human resources, talent management, and employment law; applies this knowledge to communicate changes in policy, practice, and resources to district administrators.
Oversee the department’s annual budget and contribute to the District’s overall fiscal planning.
Talent Acquisition & Management
Direct the District’s recruitment and retention plan to secure high-quality educators and staff.
Modernize and manage the application, tracking, and reappointment processes.
Coordinate the certification process for instructional staff to ensure all classrooms are led by qualified professionals.
Operations & Compliance
Supervise the District’s payroll functions, ensuring accuracy and compliance with state and federal reporting.
Administer background checks, evaluation assessment plans, and certification compliance.
Ensure the timely and accurate preparation and submission of all compliance reports as mandated by state and federal entities.
Lead investigations and provide recommendations for employee discipline or termination based on investigative findings and contract language.
Serve as the primary liaison with District legal counsel on all personnel-related legal matters, including litigation and employment claims.
Manage and coordinate the District’s official response to legal inquiries, subpoenas, and requests for personnel records.
Equity & Professional Standards
Serve as the primary monitor for educational equity in recruitment, hiring, and compensation.
Provide proactive leadership in promoting the District’s vision and mission.
REPORTS TO: Superintendent
SALARY: Placement on Administrator's Salary Schedule.
LENGTH OF EMPLOYMENT: 245 days
LOCATION: District Office, Unalakleet, AK
TO APPLY: Please complete our online employment application and include an initial letter of application along with your resume.
Email hr@bssd.org with any questions.
Bering Strait School District is located in western Alaska. Working and living in our region is far more similar to an overseas teaching position than it is living and working in the mainstream schools of the Lower 48 states. Cultural traditions are still strong, and we have 15 villages that still practice subsistence hunting and fishing as a lifestyle in the community. Nearly all of our students are Yup'ik, Siberian Yup'ik, or Iñupiaq. Teachers looking for a non-traditional, cross-cultural setting with a progressive district are ideal candidates.
Our goal is to instill a passion for learning through quality instruction in small classroom settings. BSSD provides a competitive salary and benefits package, signing and longevity bonuses, paid staff development, and partially subsidized housing. We also offer adventurous educators the opportunity for memorable, one of a kind authentic experiences, outdoor adventures, and an Alaskan lifestyle that values richness in cultural tradition.