Join to apply for the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) role at Darlington County School District
Description
Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO)
Salary
Board Approved Salary Schedule/Full-time, 12 months.
Location
District Office.
Available
2026-2027.
FLSA Status
Exempt.
Reports To
Superintendent.
Job Goal
The Chief Human Resources Officer serves as the district’s strategic leader for people and culture—building systems that attract, develop, and retain high-quality employees in every role. Under limited direction, the CHRO plans, develops, and implements all human resource functions for the district, with a focus on using data to drive decision‑making, improve organizational effectiveness, and align talent management with the district’s mission of Excellence in Teaching and Learning for Each Child, Every Day.
Essential Functions
Strategic Leadership
* Serves as a key member of the Superintendent’s Senior Leadership Team, contributing to districtwide strategy, performance, and culture.
* Designs and implements HR systems that support the district’s strategic plan and ensure alignment between staffing, performance, and student outcomes.
* Provides data-driven insights to inform staffing models, retention strategies, compensation structures, and pipeline planning.
* Builds a high-functioning Human Resources team focused on service, efficiency, and continuous improvement.
Recruitment and Retention
* Leads all recruitment, hiring, and onboarding processes for certified and classified employees, ensuring efficient practices.
* Develops and monitors comprehensive recruitment campaigns that strengthen the teacher pipeline.
* Establishes retention dashboards and feedback systems to identify trends and guide targeted support and recognition efforts.
* Partners with universities, alternative certification programs, and workforce agencies to expand candidate pipelines.
* Performs other related work as assigned or required.
Talent Systems, Data, and Technology
* Oversees development and use of HR analytics, dashboards, and key performance indicators to monitor workforce trends (e.g., turnover, attendance, evaluation results, hiring timelines).
* Leads efforts to modernize HR information systems (HRIS), digital recordkeeping, and workflow automation to enhance transparency and efficiency.
* Promotes integration of HR data with Finance, Payroll, and Student Information Systems to ensure accuracy, alignment, and insight-driven decision‑making.
* Collaborates with the Finance and Academic divisions to ensure accurate staffing allocations and alignment of HR data with budget, payroll, and student data systems.
* Recommends policy or procedural changes based on analysis of data and best practices.
Employee Relations and Compliance
* Ensures compliance with federal and state employment laws, district policies, and certification regulations.
* Serves as the district’s Title IX Coordinator and ADA compliance officer.
* Provides guidance to principals and supervisors on employee relations, progressive discipline, and conflict resolution.
* Oversees the development and consistent implementation of evaluation systems for certified and classified staff.
Compensation, Benefits, and Development
* Administers salary schedules, pay adjustments, and leave policies in coordination with Finance.
* Supports design of compensation models and incentive systems that promote attendance, performance, and retention.
* Oversees employee wellness, recognition, and professional growth initiatives.
* Coordinates programs for beginning teachers and leadership pipeline development.
Operations and Supervision
* Directs the daily operations of the Human Resources Department, including employee records, contract management, and personnel transactions.
* Supervises and evaluates Human Resources staff, fostering a culture of service, accountability, and innovation.
* Manages the HR budget and ensures responsible stewardship of district resources.
* Represents the district in state and regional HR organizations and serves as liaison to legal counsel on personnel matters.
Education and Experience
Minimum Qualifications
* Master’s Degree in Human Resources, Education, Public Administration, or related field required.
* Specialist or Doctorate in a related field preferred.
* Minimum five (5) years successful experience in leadership (principal or higher).
* Valid South Carolina Leadership Certification (Superintendent or Principal) preferred.
* Demonstrated experience leading people operations or human capital systems that improve organizational performance.
Special Requirements
* Possess and maintain a valid South Carolina driver’s license or ability to provide own transportation.
* Ability to travel to schools and professional meetings; occasional overnight travel required.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
* Deep understanding of state and federal employment law, certification processes, and HR best practices.
* Demonstrated success using data systems (e.g., PowerSchool, Munis, or comparable HRIS) to inform strategic decisions.
* Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills with a service-oriented mindset.
* Ability to build trust, maintain confidentiality, and foster positive relationships across employee groups.
* Commitment to the district’s core values of Excellence, Evidence-Based Practice, Urgency, Partnership, Innovation, and Candor.
Disclaimer
This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of duties but a reflection of the general nature and level of work expected. The Superintendent may assign or modify responsibilities as needed to meet the evolving goals of the district.
Requirements
A complete application packet must be submitted through the online application system prior to the closing date in order to be considered for this position. ALL of the following requirements must be submitted before the posted deadline:
* Online Administrative Application – Reference section requires contact information for three (3) supervisory references, one of which must be your current Superintendent; reference forms will be emailed directly to the references listed.
* Letter of Interest
* Résumé
* Current Certification
NOTE: It is the responsibility of the applicant to insure that all required application documents are submitted prior to the posted deadline. An incomplete application will render the applicant ineligible for the position posted.
CLOSING DATE: MONDAY, January 5, 2026 at 12:00 Noon, or until filled.
The District reserves the right at any time to extend the deadline without notice and without final consideration of any pending application.
Darlington County School District provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
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