HR Director

Position Objective:  
Under general direction of the Pennington County Board of Commissioners, the Human Resources Director plans, develops, leads, and coordinates the County’s Human Resources policies, programs, activities and procedures ensuring compliance with all applicable federal, state and local laws and/or regulations.  The Human Resources Director works with the Board of Commissioners, advising them whenever employment actions or new regulations warrant, and when policies are implemented or updated. Additionally, the Human Resources Director works with all other Elected Officials and Department Heads to provide support in the areas of staff development, employment law and employee relations. This position’s duties are directly related to the management and general operations of the Pennington County Human Resources Department.

Essential Functions:

• Plan, develop, lead, and coordinate the County’s Human Resources policies, programs, activities and procedures ensuring compliance with all applicable federal, state and local laws and/or regulations. Provides direction through strategic short and long-term goal setting and planning.
• Collaborate with Elected Officials and Department Heads to understand organizational and/or departmental goals and strategies related to staffing, recruiting, and retention.
• Oversee and support the recruitment, applicant tracking, selection process, interviewing, background and reference checking, hiring, orientation and records management of County employees.
• Supervise and coordinate the work of the Human Resources Department staff; hires, trains, provides work direction and oversight, and evaluates job performance.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, and recommended best practices; reviews and modifies policies and practices to maintain compliance.
• Direct the County in a manner that ensures compliance with applicable ordinances and laws through research and application of applicable state and federal human resource, employment, and benefits related legislation.
• Advise Elected Officials and Department Heads and employees regarding employment-related matters such as compensation, hiring, orientation, motivation, performance reviews, training and disciplinary processes. Serve as a mediator to resolve inter and intra-department conflicts.
• Develop and administer training programs for Elected Officials and Department Heads and employees including harassment prevention, non-discrimination, customer service, wellness, performance review processes, recruitment and selection, reference checking, management and leadership.
• Oversee the Risk Management and Insurance programs of the County.
• Oversee and support the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) administration process.
• Oversee the design, administration, compliance, and ongoing evaluation of all County employee benefit programs, including health, dental, life, SDRS-Retirement, deferred compensation, Retirement Health Savings, paid leave, and employee assistance programs. Analyze financial data, ensure compliance with federal legislation, negotiate contracts, manage RFPs, and communicate benefits effectively to County employees. Recommend revisions to benefit plans or related policies for approval by the Board of Commissioners.
• Direct and manage the County’s compensation and classification programs, including collecting and analyzing market data, developing pay structures, recommending adjustments, and ensuring internal pay equity. Provide leadership in implementing fair and competitive compensation and classification practices that support the County’s strategic goals. Recommend revisions to compensation and classification plans or related policies for approval by the Board of Commissioners.
• Develop and manage the Human Resources Department budget by forecasting needs, developing annual budget and monitoring expenditures.
• Oversee ADA accommodations for the County, ensuring compliance with all aspects of the Americans with Disabilities Act, including grievance resolution.
• Maintains compliance with all County policies and procedures.

Education and/or Experience Required:

• Bachelor's Degree in human resources management, public or business administration or related field is required.
• Ten years of progressively-responsible work experience in the human resources management field with experience managing other employees and other managers is preferred.
• A documented combination of relevant training, education and work experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities may be considered.

• Professional certification, i.e. PHR/SPHR and/or SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP, is required. If not currently certified, must attain within twelve (12) months of placement in position.

• Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state and local standards, including meeting qualitative and quantitative productivity standards
• Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state and local standards
• This position frequently remains stationary for long periods of time and needs to occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.
• Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery such as a calculator, copy machine and printer.
• Must be able to move up to 20 pounds unassisted, and move 40 pounds with assistance.
• Must be able to communicate clearly and effectively in English, including over the telephone, in person, and in writing.

Working Environment:

• Most work is performed indoors in an office where noise and interruptions often occur.  
• Occasional nights and weekend hours may be required to meet project deadlines and attend after-hour meetings.
• Some travel may be required for training and meetings.