ABOUT US
The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) is one of the leading school systems in Maryland and the nation. To learn more about us and our 2024 -2029 Strategic Plan , please visit our website and our careers page . Join our award-winning workforce and make a difference in the lives of our students!
ABOUT THE APPLICATION PROCESS
Before you begin, please read the job posting below carefully including the Application Requirements specific to this position. Be sure your application reflects experience and education required to meet the minimum and any preferred qualifications listed. Our application guide includes detailed instructions to assist you. Once your application has been submitted, you will not be able to add documentation or make any changes.
Please note that application submission will be available only through 11:59 PM on the date p rior to the indicated end date. If no end date is indicated, the posting will remain open indefinitely .
Job Posting End Date:
Reminder: Current permanent and temporary employees must apply through the Jobs Hub in Workday, not the external career site.
This position will be posted until filled. Initial review of applications will begin on June 1, 2026. First consideration will be given to applications submitted by May 31, 2026. Applications submitted after this date may be considered based on the needs of the school system.
Under the direction of the Superintendent and Deputy Superintendent, the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) establishes and executes a clearly articulated vision and strategic plan to lead and align the Departments of Human Resources and Employee and Labor Relations and closely collaborate with General Counsel. As a key member of the Superintendent’s Cabinet, this position provides executive leadership to shape and drive a systemwide human capital strategy in support of the school system’s mission and strategic priorities, while promoting a positive, inclusive, and supportive work environment aligned with system values and equity commitments.
The CHRO leads the implementation of innovative, data-driven strategies to recruit, develop, support, and retain a highly qualified, diverse, and culturally proficient workforce to ensure the success of all students. In this role, the CHRO is also responsible for creating an exceptional customer experience by fostering a culture of service that consistently exceeds the expectations of employees and organizational stakeholders. The CHRO leads a comprehensive, end-to-end talent management system spanning recruitment, onboarding, development, retention, and succession planning to ensure a high-performing workforce aligned to system priorities. This position collaborates with school system leaders to implement human resources, employee and labor relations, and employment-related legal practices that comply with federal and state laws, Board of Education policies, and negotiated agreements, and ensures that policies, procedures, and practices align with compliance and equity standards .
The CHRO provides strategic guidance and oversight on workforce planning, labor relations, and organizational risk, ensuring coordinated, efficient, and legally sound practices across the organization. This role serves as a trusted advisor to the Superintendent and Board of Education on matters related to human capital, employee relations, and legal compliance.
This position requires an inspiring, collaborative, and innovative leader with outstanding people and management skills, and the ability to balance strategic leadership with sound judgment in a complex public education environment.
Applicants must meet the qualifications below to be considered for the vacancy.
Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in human resources, business administration, public administration, educational administration, law, or a related field .
Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in human resources, employee and labor relations, or a related field, including:
Direct communication, collaboration, and partnership with executive leadership, a Board of Education or other comparable governing body, government officials, and internal and external stakeholders
The ideal candidate for this role will also possess a combination of the additional qualifications below. If you don’t meet every one of the preferred qualifications, we still encourage you to apply, as we welcome applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Significant experience working closely with legal counsel on matters including employment, labor relations, student matters, Board governance and policy, procurement and contracts, and litigation in a public sector or education setting
ESSENTIAL POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES
The below list is a summary of the functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, and duties.
Strategic and Systemwide Leadership
Establishes and leads a comprehensive, data-driven human capital strategy aligned with system priorities, student outcomes, and workforce needs.
Presents data, recommendations, and progress updates to the Superintendent and Board of Education , including the Human Resources Annual Report .
Workforce Strategy & HR Operations
Oversees the development and implementation of strategies to recruit, hire, develop, and retain a diverse and high-performing workforce.
Ensures the design and delivery of responsive, high-quality human resources services through clear service standards, streamlined processes, and continuous feedback mechanisms that consistently exceed stakeholder expectations.
Leads the development and oversight of the Human Resources budget, ensuring strategic allocation of financial and human resources aligned with system priorities, enrollment trends, and organizational needs.
Ensures the effective design and oversight of employee services, including total rewards, to support recruitment, retention, and employee well-being.
Ensures the integrity and strategic use of human resources information systems (HRIS) and data, including the development of dashboards, metrics, and reporting structures to support decision-making, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Employee & Labor Relations
Provides executive oversight of labor relations strategy, including collective bargaining, contract administration, and dispute resolution.
Ensures consistent, fair, and legally compliant handling of employee relations matters, investigations, and grievances.
Collaborates with the Office of Geneal Counsel to ensure the provision of timely , accurate , and strategic legal advice to the Superintendent, Board, and system leaders.
Ensures compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and policies.
Advises on legal risk related to employment, labor relations, Board governance, policy implementation, student matters, and organizational decision-making.
Collaborates with legal counsel on Board policies, administrative procedures, contracts, and litigation matters.
Works with system leaders to e stablish and implement a systemwide performance management framework that defines clear expectations, evaluation standards, and feedback processes to ensure consistency, accountability, and high performance across all employee groups.
ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
The below list is a summary of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for success in this position, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list.
Knowledge of human resources management, employee and labor relations, and applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and policies.
Knowledge of the PreK–12 public education environment, including current issues, trends, and the budget process.
Ability to build strong relationships and collaborate effectively with executive leadership, the Board of Education, labor partners, and internal and external stakeholders.
This position is classified as “essential” and requires the ability to be on call and respond to calls 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Individuals in this position are issued an HCPSS mobile phone for these purposes. Accepting this position would require that you meet these requirements during your tenure with HCPSS.
Complete applications must be submitted , and o nce your application has been submitted , you will not be able to add documentation or make any changes. I ncomplete applications will not be consider ed . Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.
Supplemental Application Questions
T his position requires applicants to provide r esponses to the below supplemental application questions to determine whether you meet the minimum and preferred qualifications . Please upload your responses in a separate file to the supplemental application questions section of the application.
1. Describe your leadership experience in human resources, employee and labor relations, or a related field . In your response, includ e your experience with the following : Supervision of professional and senior-level staff, e xperience leading complex organizational change and strategic initiatives , e xperience developing, monitoring, and evaluating programs using data and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) , and d irect communication, collaboration, and partnership with executive leadership, a Board of Education or comparable governing body , government officials, and internal and external stakeholders . Identify the position(s) in which you gained this experience.
2. Describe your experience leading or supporting collective bargaining negotiations within the last two (2) years. Identify the position(s) in which you gained this experience.
3. Describe your experience working with legal counsel on matters including employment, labor relations, student matters, Board governance and policy, procurement and contracts, and litigation in a public sector or education setting. Identify the position(s) in which you gained this experience.
4. Describe your experience overseeing or aligning total rewards strategy within a large organization. Identify the position(s) in which you gained this experience.
5. Describe a specific example of how you have used data analytics to inform organizational decision-making and workforce strategy. Identify the position in which you gained this experience.
6. Describe any professional human resources certifications that you hold (e.g., SHRM-SCP, SPHR, IPMA).
Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be included in further evaluation. Interviews will be limited to those applicants who, in addition to meeting the basic requirements, have experience and education which most closely match the position qualifications and the needs of the school system.
This is a 12-month per year position in the Executive employee unit. The salary range for this position is $206,000-$225,000 . Actual salary placement will be in accordance with the salary procedures of the Howard County Public School System which considers relevant prior experience. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, this position is exempt from overtime.
Membership in the Maryland State Retirement Agency (MSRA) pension plan is a mandatory condition of employment for all employees who meet the eligibility and membership criteria defined in the State Personnel and Pensions Article and the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR). A qualifying employee cannot reject membership, nor can an ineligible employee elect membership. The annual contribution to the pension plan will be 7% of an employee’s annual salary .
HCPSS offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees. Information about additional benefits such as paid time off can be found in the negotiated agreement for employees in this bargaining unit.
Pre-Employment Requirements
Professional references will be contacted prior to any offer of employment. Recommended candidates will be required to provide references from current and recent supervisors.
A ll employees, regular and temporary, must be fingerprinted, have a criminal background investigation completed, and successfully complete the Maryland Employment History Review, pursuant to Section 6-113.2 of the Education Article, Annotated Code of Maryland. In addition, s ome positions will require completion of a physical examination and/or drug testing .
Anyone offered employment is required to provide proper identification and documentation of eligibility for employment in the United States. HCPSS participates in E-Verify and does not offer employee sponsorship.
For questions regarding this posting , please contact Julia Bialeski, Coordinator, Recruitment & Hiring at [email protected] .
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
To request an accommodation during the application or interview process due to a documented disability, please email [email protected] .
HCPSS celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any kind. HCPSS is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees in providing them with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at HCPSS are based on organizational needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, veteran status or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
