Human Resources Director

Under the general administrative direction of the County Administrator, the Human Resources Director serves as the head of the Human Resources Department. The Human Resources Director establishes goals, objectives and strategies for the department to ensure compliance with county policy directives as well as local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to departmental operations. This position oversees the development and implementation of the departmental budget, guiding the work of staff, and makes recommendations to improve the general operations of the Human Resources Department.

This position plans, organizes, and directs a comprehensive human resources program. The human resources services include but are not limited to: recruitment; training; personnel program monitoring and evaluation; policy development; labor relations; management of benefit and compensation programs; and related activities. As the Human Resource leader, this position will have a broader organizational management role which will participate in the development and execution of the organizational vision, strategy and goals of the departments of Nicollet County.

• Administers and maintains the County's official classification and compensation plan
• Administers the County's benefit plans. Collaborates with brokers to manage benefit plans including plan design and plan administration
• Attendance during regularly scheduled work hours and outside regular hours, as necessary. Works the days and hours necessary to perform all assigned responsibilities and tasks. Must be available (especially during regular business hours) to communicate with subordinates, supervisors, customers, vendors, and any other person or organization with whom interaction is required to accomplish work and employer goals
• Conducts or oversees employee investigations, complaints or concerns 
• Coordinates the County's performance management system. Develops and manages performance management programs, ensures programs are designed to reward and measure accomplishment
• Determines and recommends employee relations practices necessary to establish a positive employer-employee relationship and promotes a high level of employee morale and motivation. Meets and interacts with staff county-wide to understand organizational human resource needs, plans for the effective delivery of quality public services, and builds productive relationships between management and staff
• Develops an employee-oriented culture that emphasizes quality, continuous improvement, and high performance
• Develops and administers human resources budget; coordinates the personnel services portion of the annual budget for all County departments 
• Develops and administers personnel policies; leads compliance with all existing governmental and labor legal and government reporting requirements
• Develops and maintains position descriptions; manages recruitment, applications, and selection efforts; and monitors conformity and completes required reports for all applicable state and federal laws
• Develops training plans; conducts training needs assessments for employees; and conducts training when necessary
• Directs and oversees the Human Resources Department. Develops and maintains department structure, assigns tasks and functions to achieve short and long-term department goals
• Manages the County's labor relations functions
• Monitors and advises managers and supervisors in the progressive steps of discipline 
• Promotes a diverse, culturally competent, and respective workplace
• Serves as the County's Responsible Authority for compliance with the Minnesota Data Practices Act

• Valid MN Driver’s License, and
• Bachelor’s degree in human resources management or a related field, and
• Five (5) years of experience, and
• Three (3) years of supervisory experience, OR
• Any equivalent combination of education and experience to successfully perform the essential duties of the job

• Ability to listen, comprehend, and effectively communicate information both written and orally to all individuals
• Ability to make programming decisions based on financial considerations
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions
• Ability to prepare records and reports
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality
• Ability to administer and oversee Human Resources operations and programs
• Ability to effectively deal with conflict and reach appropriate and productive resolutions
• Knowledge of applicable State, Federal, and local laws, rules, and regulations
• Knowledge of and ability to use computer software sufficient for departmental operations
• Knowledge of supervisory principles and practices
• Knowledge of record retention schedule principles
• Knowledge of developing and implementing goals, objectives, policies, and procedures
• Knowledge of governmental budgeting, accounting, information management, and personnel administration
• Knowledge of, and ability to develop and implement, County and departmental policies and procedures
• Knowledge of program and policy developing principles and practices
• Knowledge of personnel administration, labor relations, recruitment and selection principles
• Knowledge of current practices involved in compensation and benefit programs  
• Skill in organizing work, setting priorities, meeting critical deadlines, and following up assignments with minimum direction
• Skill in preparing Human Resources recommendations