HR Manager - VT ISP Operating Company (VISPO)

About the role

VISPO (Vermont ISP Operating Company) is a non-profit dedicated to providing essential government services for East Central Vermont Telecommunications District (ECFiber), a Communications Union District serving over 10,000 customers across 31 towns in East Central Vermont. VISPO builds, operates, and maintains the ECFiber fiber optic network. The organization has a startup feel with a team-centered culture focused on making a difference in rural Vermont communities.

VISPO seeks a hands-on HR Manager with strong compliance and regulatory expertise who is passionate about helping people grow in their careers. The ideal candidate builds relationships and trust across the organization, serves as a resource for leadership and staff, and possesses strong HR competencies, effective communication, people skills, and discretion. This role embodies a flexible "startup" mindset — willing to wear many hats and pivot as needed to support company growth and transformation.

Location: South Royalton, Vermont (Onsite)
Reports to: Chief Community Officer
Employment status: Full-Time, Exempt

Responsibilities

Compliance, Policies, and Regulations

• Comply with laws, regulations, and policies while proactively educating stakeholders to identify, mitigate, and respond to organizational risk
• Monitor OSHA, EEO, ADA, FMLA, FLSA, ERISA, and HIPAA compliance
• Create and maintain job descriptions for all positions
• Work with department managers regarding involuntary terminations to ensure proper processes and documentation

Talent Acquisition and Onboarding

• Represent VISPO at job fairs and develop relationships to strengthen the talent pipeline
• Utilize talent sourcing tools and techniques to identify and engage prospective candidates
• Manage internet communications (social media posts) to align with talent acquisition strategies and promote the organization's innovative potential
• Maintain HR section of VISPO website
• Welcome new hires on Day One with introduction to core values
• Ensure new hires have everything needed for a great experience including benefit information, key introductions, and engaging company overview

Talent Development and Employee Relations

• Assess organizational needs to tailor training techniques and methods aligning with current and future goals
• Oversee and manage apprenticeship and internship programs
• Plan proactively to meet specific talent needs by working closely with managers and teams to understand unique skillsets and staffing requirements
• Develop relationships, orchestrate educational offerings, and culture-building programs
• Partner with managers on insightful 30-day, 6-month, and yearly performance evaluations that promote career and organizational goals
• Address and resolve employee relations matters
• Work closely with Chief Community Officer and Finance team to ensure employee needs are addressed promptly

Benefits Administration

• Oversee total rewards package and work closely with leadership on benefits and compensation planning
• Lead education efforts so employees fully understand and utilize their benefits, including opportunities for employee ownership
• Plan, develop, and chair the VISPO Wellness Committee
• Prepare annual calendar of wellness initiatives and implement programs with wellness committee, wellness consultant, insurance carriers, and community partners

Culture

• Serve as business partner for leadership and teams to promote culture of collegiality, collaboration, continuous improvement, and customer focus
• Communicate and reinforce VISPO vision, values, and goals to all personnel
• Embody flexible "startup" mindset — willing to wear many hats and pivot as needed

HR Strategy

• Collaborate with senior management on developing and implementing strategic HR initiatives
• Advise leaders on HR-related matters
• Perform additional assignments as directed by the executive team

Requirements

• 4-year degree in business, HR, or related field
• 3–5 years of progressive experience in HR
• Demonstrated ability to partner with leaders at all levels to develop and implement HR and organizational initiatives
• Experience/knowledge of corporate objectives, policies, procedures, and standards with thorough understanding of their impact on the organization
• Advanced knowledge and experience of all facets of labor relations, personnel management, and federal regulations
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills
• SHRM or HRCI credential preferred
• Proficient computer skills
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with a wide cross-section of individuals

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance with shared employer and employee contributions
• Employer contribution to a Health Savings Account (HSA) when electing an eligible medical plan
• Term Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) providing on-demand counseling and wellness programming for employees and household members
• 401(k) retirement plan enrollment upon eligibility, with 3% employer contribution
• Paid Time Off (PTO) including vacation, holidays, personal floating holidays, and sick time
• Ancillary and voluntary benefits available for optional employee purchase

VISPO reserves the right to modify benefits offerings in accordance with applicable law and business needs.

Pay

$80,000 – $90,000 per year, depending on experience

Schedule

Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (flexible schedule may be considered)