Assistant Human Resources Director

Oversees the management and daily operations of the Human Resources Department. Supports the HR Director in the planning, design, development, implementation, administration and improvement of human resources policies, procedures and programs in compensation and classification, benefits, employment, leadership development, labor and employee relations, legal compliance, collective bargaining and contract administration, payroll administration and human resources information systems. Participates in designing and implementing plans to ensure that the County can attract, retain, and motivate well qualified employees, and to properly discharge all its legal and ethical obligations to its work force.

This is a full-time, benefited position working out of the Fillmore Complex in West Olive, MI. Typical working hours are Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Occasional travel to other County locations as needed. 

The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Manages the daily operations of the Human Resources Department, ensuring effective workflows, service delivery, and compliance with county policies and applicable laws.
2. Supervise HR staff, assign work, provide guidance, evaluate performance, and support professional development.
3. Assist the Human Resources Director in planning, developing, and implementing countywide HR strategies, policies, and programs to accommodate changes in the legal environment of the County human resources administration and to improve organizational effectiveness.
4. Develops policies and procedures to attract, retain, reward, and motivate a qualified workforce with the skills and knowledge required to meet the changing needs of the County.
5. Support the development and implementation of leadership development initiatives, including training programs, succession planning, coaching resources, and competency-based development tools for supervisors and managers.
6. Serve as a resource to department heads and supervisors on employee relations, performance management, recruitment, and HR best practices.
7. Participate in labor relations activities, including contract interpretation, grievance handling, and negotiation preparation as directed by the Director.
8. Review and interpret federal, state, and local laws and regulations to ensure ongoing compliance across all HR functions.
9. Investigates claims of discrimination, harassment and other violations of policy, procedures and employment law and recommends appropriate disposition thereof.
10. Collects, compiles, analyzes and prepares reports of data required to implement human resources policies and programs, conduct contract negotiations, and/or resolve human resources issues. 
11. Serves as a member of the County's bargaining team in contract negotiations and develops economic and  non-economic proposals for consideration.
12. Participates in the development of the department's annual operating and capital budget requests.
13. Act as the department lead in the Director’s absence.
14. Performs other functions as assigned.

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Public Administration or related field required; Master’s degree preferred.

Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in public sector human resources administration or an equivalent combination of education and experience.  

Required Knowledge and Skills: 

1. Thorough working knowledge of federal and state statutes governing the employment relationship, including, but not limited to, FLSA; Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act; ADA; ADEA; FMLA; COBRA; ERISA; Bullard-Plawecki Right to Know Act; etc.
2. Experience designing or supporting leadership development programs.
3. Thorough working knowledge of the County benefit manuals and collective bargaining agreements.
4. Thorough working knowledge of the principles and practices of human resources administration.
5. Thorough working knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration.
6. Thorough working knowledge of management and supervisory principles and practices.
7. Thorough working knowledge of the principles and practices of conflict resolution and alternative dispute resolution.
8. Thorough working knowledge of the principles and practices of collective bargaining.
9. Thorough working knowledge of equal employment opportunity principles and regulations.
10. Thorough understanding of confidentiality and employee right to privacy issues.
11. Thorough working knowledge of health insurance business practices and plan design principles.
12. Thorough working knowledge of direct and indirect compensation theories and practices.
13. Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
14. Ability to interact positively and objectively with elected officials, department directors, managers, supervisors, employees, collective bargaining representatives, external consultants, state and federal agency staff, and employees from a wide range of cultural a socio-economic backgrounds.

Physical Requirements:

Must be able to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodations, including, but not limited to, visual and/or audiological appliances and devices to increase mobility. 

Working Conditions: 

Work is performed in a normal office environment. 

Disclaimer:

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Ottawa County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.