GRCS Executive Director of Human Resources
POSITION TITLE: Executive Director of Human Resources
BUILDING: Grand Rapids Christian Schools Administrative Services
EMPLOYMENT TERMS: Full time, full year, exempt, salary
REPORTS TO: Superintendent
COORDINATES WITH: Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations, Assistant Superintendent of Instruction and Advancement, Principals, District Supervisors, Business Office staff
POSITION SUMMARY
The Executive Director of Human Resources provides strategic leadership and oversight of human resource practices across Grand Rapids Christian Schools. This role ensures HR practices support a flourishing work culture, strong leadership, legally sound policies, and alignment with the mission and values of GRCS. The Executive Director supports and advises school leaders, at times serves as a hands-on HR technician, and collaborates across all departments and campuses to ensure consistency, equity, and effectiveness in all employment matters.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
Staffing (Hiring and Retention)
- Oversee equitable and consistent hiring processes across the district
- Support leaders in candidate evaluation and hiring decisions as needed
- Promote recruitment strategies that build a diverse and mission-aligned workforce
- Consult on employment terms and onboarding with district leadership and ASFO
- Lead retention planning and strategic workforce development
- Organize and lead new staff orientation
- Collaborate with team to implement and manage a new HRIS system
Staff and Leadership Development
- Guide district-wide staff development strategies, including Lunch & Learns and All Leaders Meetings
- Coach principals and supervisors on performance management and professional growth
- Support system-wide performance evaluation and retention strategies
- Recommend training initiatives and onboarding frameworks
Employee Relations
- Advise leaders on employee concerns, investigations, and resolution processes
- Serve as a neutral party or mediator in employment conversations, including corrective action and disciplinary processes, as needed
- Ensure policy-aligned responses to workplace issues
- Oversee staff separations in partnership with supervisors and the superintendent
- Maintain and review the staff handbook
- Track and respond to feedback from exit interviews
- Collaborate with Faculty Council on faculty-related matters when necessary
Payroll & Benefits Collaboration
While payroll and benefits report to the Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations (ASFO), the Executive Director of Human Resources provides dotted-line supervision and HR leadership in these areas. The Executive Director also provides dotted-line supervision to the Executive Assistant to the Superintendent, who serves as a Human Resources Generalist.
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Partner with the ASFO and payroll and benefits staff to support effective HR operations
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Support clear and timely employee communication regarding benefits
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Ensure employment and personnel data are accurate and consistently maintained
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Advise on employee leave policies, practices, and compliance
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Provide HR guidance and support related to payroll and benefits matters
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Collaborate with payroll, benefits, and other district leaders to ensure consistent application of employment practices
QUALIFICATIONS
The Executive Director of Human Resources must be deeply aligned with the Christian mission of Grand Rapids Christian Schools and committed to supporting a healthy, mission-centered workplace culture. The ideal candidate will demonstrate:
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Deep commitment to the mission, values, and Christian identity of Grand Rapids Christian Schools
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High levels of integrity, discretion, sound judgment, and confidentiality
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Strong leadership and strategic thinking
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Knowledge of human resources practices, employment law, and organizational development
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Experience coaching and advising leaders through complex employee matters
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Commitment to equitable and consistent recruitment, hiring, and employment practices
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Ability to build trust and work collaboratively across campuses, departments, and levels of leadership
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Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
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Ability to balance strategic leadership with practical, hands-on HR responsibilities
The Executive Director of Human Resources is a:
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Disciple of Christ
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Culturally Competent Professional
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Thoughtful Neighbor
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Justice Seeker
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Creative Solution Finder
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Lifelong Explorer
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Communicator and Collaborator
READY TO APPLY?
GRCS will begin reviewing applications on Monday, September 14, and the position will remain open until filled. Applicants should send a resume, letter of interest, and statement of faith to Aaron Winkle (awinkle@grcs.org), Superintendent, Grand Rapids Christian Schools.