HR Manager - VT ISP Operating Company (VISPO) - Based in So. Royalton, VT

Location: South Royalton, Vermont (Onsite) • Full-Time, Exempt • Reports to: Chief Community Officer • Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (flexible schedule may be considered) • Salary: $80,000–$90,000/year depending on experience

About the role

What started as a volunteer effort 20+ years ago to fill the broadband gap in rural Vermont has evolved into something special. VISPO is a non‑profit dedicated to providing essential government services for East Central Vermont Telecommunications District (d/b/a ECFiber), a Communications Union District in which 31 towns share broadband infrastructure. The District owns the ECFiber fiber‑optic network, delivering high‑speed internet to over 10,000 customers. VISPO builds, operates, and maintains that network on behalf of the District. The team has a start‑up feel where everyone pitches in, and the culture is centered on making a difference in the community.

VISPO seeks a hands‑on HR Manager with strong compliance and regulatory expertise who is passionate about helping people grow. 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.

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. Create and maintain job descriptions for all positions. Work with department managers on 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 candidates. Manage internet communications (e.g., social media posts) to align with talent acquisition strategies and promote the organization’s innovative potential. Maintain the HR section of the VISPO website. Welcome new hires on Day One with core values, benefit information, key introductions, and an engaging company overview.
• Talent Development and Employee Relations: Assess organizational needs to tailor training techniques and methods that align with current and future goals. Oversee and manage apprenticeship and internship programs. Plan proactively to meet talent needs by working closely with managers 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. Collaborate with the Chief Community Officer and Finance team to ensure employee needs are addressed promptly.
• Benefits Administration: Oversee the total rewards package and work with leadership on benefits and compensation planning. Lead education efforts so employees fully understand and utilize their benefits, including employee ownership opportunities. Plan, develop, and chair the VISPO Wellness Committee; prepare an annual calendar of wellness initiatives and coordinate with the wellness committee, wellness consultant, insurance carriers, and community partners to implement programs.
• Culture: Serve as a business partner for leadership and teams to promote a culture of collegiality, collaboration, continuous improvement, and customer focus. Communicate and reinforce the VISPO vision, values, and goals to all personnel. Embrace a flexible “startup” mindset—willing to wear many hats and pivot as needed to support company growth and transformation.
• 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 HR experience.
• 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 plus 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/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.