Human Resources Director

This position is highly responsible for directing all aspects of the Human Resources and Labor Relations functions for the city, including recruitment and selection, succession planning and retention, equity and inclusion, employee and labor relations, job classification and compensation, benefits and leave administration, workers’ compensation, performance management, personnel policy development, training and organizational development, personnel recordkeeping, and drug testing program management, and worksite wellness programs. This position is a member of the Leadership Team for the City. Work is performed independently with wide latitude for judgement with supplemental guidance from the City Manager. Provides general supervision to staff in Human Resources, including the Human Resources Technician and other employees as designated.  

Essential Job Functions

1. Oversees the recruitment process which includes preparing job notices, posting ads, scoring applications, conducting interviews, creating and administering applicant testing, selection of candidates, preparing appointment letters, orientation, and placement of candidates for employment.
2. Ensures policies, priorities, and organizational and operational objectives keep pace with changing human resources and public employment environment; interprets and administers City policies; prepares and updates policies for City Manager approval. Communicates and approves policy or procedure changes to affected employees.
3. Oversees and coordinates efforts to ensure the City is an equitable, inclusive, and respectful organization and supports the City’s mission, vision, and core values. Provides consultation to departments on equity strategies and initiatives related to human resources and shares best practices.
4. Sets negotiation strategy and serves as lead negotiator during contract negotiations, provides arbitration support and serves as primary contract interpreter for City and oversees and participates in labor-management committees.
5. Leads investigations into allegations of misconduct and/or policy violations and provides recommendations to the relevant department head and City Manager.
6. Coordinates the administration of the City’s employee insurance benefit programs including:  health insurance, life insurance, dental insurance, and long term disability insurance; works with outside insurance agents, brokers, and plan administrators to assure comprehensive coverage. Manages the renewal of insurances process, change in providers, and open enrollment.   Administers federal and state laws pertaining to continuation of insurance.
7. Oversees the workers’ compensation program, including working with claims adjusters, nurse case managers, and qualified rehabilitation consultants; identifies actions to reduce number and severity of injuries; manages injury on duty and return to work issues.  Manages city-wide safety committee activities.
8. Oversees family and medical leave (FMLA and PFML) requests and tracks leave.
9. Coordinates wellness programs and leads the City Wellness Committee.
10. Conducts employment investigations and assists with issuing disciplinary action when necessary.
11. Develops and coordinates employee performance evaluation processes.  Advises management and supervisory staff on how to address employee performance issues.   
12. Reviews, analyzes, and keeps aware of changes in state and federal laws and rules and regulations related to employment and labor relations; determines actions necessary for compliance. Prepares and submits pay equity reports and ensures the City meets all requirements for compliance.
13. Prepares a variety of materials for presentation, discussion, and distribution at council meetings, group employee meetings, and individual employee meetings.
14. Recommends, develops, administers and evaluates City human resources policies and procedures.  Interprets and assures adherence to policies and procedures pertaining to human resources management.
15. Prepares reports and maintains records as related to personnel management for the City, as well as to fulfill state and federal requirements.
16. Develops, reviews, and revises position descriptions and assures they accurately reflect duties, responsibilities, and requirements of the job. Recommends the appropriate classification and compensation for positions to the City Manager. 
17. Conducts surveys of wages and benefits.  
18. Administers City’s drug and alcohol testing programs; works with outside providers for referrals to substance abuse professionals and compliance with relevant laws and regulations. Oversees management of the Drugfree Workplace act and DOT drug testing 
19. Oversees the handling of all unemployment claims, to include participation in administrative hearings for disputed claims.
20. Provides consultation to employees and management on complex employee issues including but not limited to allegations of misconduct, reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol testing, fitness for duty examinations, ADA accommodation requests, leave of absence inquiries, investigative procedures, identifying legal risks associated with actions or non-action and monitors compliance and applies best practices in human resource policy and practices.
21. Oversees and assists in the administration of employee recognition programs, including years of service and Employee of the Year.
22. Serves as Acting City Manager as needed.
23. Attends meetings related to assigned duties as required.
24. Performs other duties and assumes additional responsibilities related to the position as apparent or assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, management, public or business administration, labor or industrial relations, and organizational development, or other closely related field.
• Must have at least seven years of progressively responsible professional human resource experience including staffing, performance management, employee relations, compensation, benefits, training and project management.

• Master’s degree in human resources, management, public or business administration, labor or industrial relations, and organizational development, or closely related field.
• Previous experience in public sector personnel administration.
• Labor relations experience. 
• Previous benefits administration experience.
• Three or more years of supervisory experience.
• IPMA-CP, IPMA-CS, SPHR, PHR, CLRP, and/or CEBS certification or coursework.

• Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of public sector human resources administration.
• Considerable knowledge of the functions, organization, staffing, and operating procedures of the various city departments, or the ability to acquire such knowledge in a relatively short period of time.
• Considerable knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and policies affecting human resources and labor relations.
• Knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of negotiation and administration of labor contracts.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration.
• Ability to present proposals and recommendations clearly and effectively at public meetings and group settings.
• Ability to administer a comprehensive human resources program and to implement policies and procedures.
• Ability to clearly communicate ideas, explanations, and recommendations both orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with division heads and departments heads, co-workers, elected public officials, labor unions, the public, and a variety of outside organizations.
• Ability to use critical thinking skills in analyzing situations and developing solutions.
• Ability to perform duties with tact, diplomacy, and discretion, and to handle private and confidential information appropriately.
• Ability to plan, assign, delegate, and direct the work of subordinate positions in a manner conducive to full performance.
• Demonstrates ability to understand and respect the diversity of customers and co-workers, effectively communicating with individuals whose first language may be one other than English.

Position will remain open until filled with first review of applications starting on 4/27/2026.

--AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER--  M/F/V/H

The City of Columbia Heights does not discriminate on the basis of disability in employment or the provision of services.