Anticipated Human Resources Director

About the role

An important, highly responsible, confidential position under the direct supervision of the Mayor and the Superintendent of Derby Public Schools or their designee. The Director of Human Resources oversees all aspects of the City's and Derby Public Schools' Human Resources functions, including day-to-day HR administration, benefits, employee relations, employment, labor relations, regulatory compliance, staffing, training and development, and the overall development, implementation, and oversight of HR policies and procedures.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree (Master's degree preferred) in Business, Human Resources, or a related field.
• Five to ten years of increasingly responsible generalist experience in human resources at the management level of a Municipality and/or a Board of Education.
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of HR-related regulatory requirements that may impact Municipalities and Boards of Education.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and multitask in a fast-paced environment.
• Necessary skills to effectively work with and communicate with employees, students, parents, Boards, Commission Members, outside vendors, and members of the general public.
• Excellent time management, organization, communication (written and verbal), and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse employee and community population.
• Proficiency in office skills, including the use of general office equipment, such as personal computers, copiers, and fax machines.
• Knowledge and proficiency in Microsoft Office programs, Google Suite, HRIS software, email, and electronic calendars.
• Knowledge and practical use of various payroll and HR practices preferred.
• Experience with negotiation and application of collective bargaining agreements, preferably in the public sector.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to maintain an effective working relationship with co-workers and the community.
• Must be able to maintain high levels of confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Maintains current knowledge and understanding of regulations, industry trends, current practices, new developments, and applicable labor, wage, and hour and statutory laws regarding human resources.
• Ensures Federal, State, and regulatory compliance pertaining to HR functions, including policies, procedures, and reporting.
• Conducts recruitment efforts for all exempt and nonexempt personnel, part-time, or temporary positions.
• Advertises vacant positions internally and externally and maintains the Frontline system for job postings, resume review, and email correspondence.
• Manages the hiring process, including background checks, pre-employment drug testing, and job offers.
• Meets with new employees to review employment paperwork and district procedures, and works with Payroll to ensure proper initiation into the system.
• Informs payroll of all pertinent changes involving personnel, salary, or insurance adjustments.
• Handles all Department of Labor inquiries regarding unemployment.
• Acts as advisor on human resources issues to management and all levels of employees, including performance and disciplinary issues, and responds to inquiries regarding HR policies, procedures, and programs.
• Processes all activities related to terminations and/or layoffs, including unemployment.
• Answers employee inquiries regarding all leaves of absence and generates necessary paperwork.
• Approves/denies and monitors all leaves, including FMLA, workers' compensation, maternity, and disability.
• Administers all employee and retiree benefits programs (Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability, COBRA, Workers' Comp, HRA, Deferred Comp, Retirement); serves as liaison to broker and insurance company, and acts as a resource directly to employees about benefits-related questions and issues.
• Processes all enrollments, terminations, and other changes related to benefits.
• Acts as ADA Coordinator for requests of accommodations.
• Calculates premium cost shares and produces salary reduction agreements for the annual open enrollment period and for plan/employee changes, as necessary.
• Collects and records retiree health insurance payments.
• Records and submits the first reports of injury to workers' compensation.
• Submits Teachers' Retirement contributions and demographic changes electronically.
• Answers inquiries regarding past service or TRB contributions for former employees.
• Completes verifications of employment in writing and verbally.
• Tracks employee attendance in AESOP and records in the Human Resources system.
• Assists the school staff in logging attendance and substitutes into AESOP.
• Enters and maintains data in the Educator Data System (EDS).
• Enters and maintains data in the ED163 Certified Staff File in the State of Connecticut DOE database.
• Completes state reporting for the ED162 Non-Certified Staff and Fall Hiring Survey.
• Directs and administers the City's and the Board's labor relations activities, Union contracts, negotiations, compliance, grievance processes, etc. Works with labor attorney as needed.
• Provides benefits and salary information to the Finance Director for budgeting purposes.
• Assists the Superintendent with the TEAM Program.
• Identifies, develops, implements, evaluates, and conducts training for all levels of employees; coordinates with outside vendors/consultants as needed.
• Writes job descriptions, letters, tests, notices, and communications on behalf of the department, the City, and the Board.
• Maintains the Human Resources page on the website and updates information and forms regularly for employees.
• Maintains all HR-related records, systems, and databases.
• Provides leadership on Safety and Risk Management initiatives.
• Leads Human Resource initiatives as appropriate and performs other duties as may be required by the Mayor and the Superintendent or their designee.

Working Environment

Works in an office environment. Required to sit for extended periods of time and to work subjected to interruptions and distractions. May occasionally be required to stand, walk, twist, or bend. At times may be required to use diplomatic communication skills in dealing with co-workers, students, parents, and other members of the general public.

Pay

Anticipated salary range: $100,000 - $110,000.