Under administrative direction of the County Administrator, performs highly responsible supervisory and administrative work in directing the operations of the Human Resources Department including, but not limited to: workforce planning, employment, employee development, labor/management relations, affirmative action, compensation and rewards, benefits, organization development, human resource information systems, and policy development and implementation.

Illustrative Examples of Work:

1. Directs the management of human resource functions including, but not limited to, the County's labor relations, organization development, employment, compensation, employee benefit and employee development programs, strategic development, and regulatory compliance; forecasts and assesses human resource management needs for the County and develops solutions to meet those needs.
2. Advises and assists in formulating the County’s goals and position during collective bargaining negotiations; directs contract negotiations with bargaining unit representatives.
3. Serves as the key staff advisor to the Board of Supervisors on matters relating to personnel administration; develops broad philosophies on human resources that most effectively support County objectives; recommends appropriate policies and procedures to implement the directives of the Board of Supervisors.
4. Conducts special projects as assigned; prepares written reports for management review; makes presentations to the Board of Supervisors, Elected Officials, Department Heads, County staff, and the general public on labor relations/benefit issues.
5. Develops and utilizes a team-based approach to work with all members of the Human Resources Staff; develops and implements a program of development for County employees including but not limited to work/life initiatives, career assessment and career development, succession planning, management development, and training programs.
6. Monitors both internal and external influences which affect the organization’s human resources functions including organizational climate, market conditions, and legislation; develops and implements action plans to deal with these influences.
7. Serves on various internal/external committees and boards as a representative of the Polk County Human Resources Department; participates in professional human resource associations outside the organization; interacts with representatives of the media to provide information regarding various personnel topics and issues.
8. Provides guidance and direction to elected officials, department heads, and other management staff on issues relating to labor relations, organization development, employment, compensation, employee development and employee benefits.
9. Prepares the department's budget and strategic plan; manages the department's budget; controls expenditures and monitors progress toward achievement of strategic goals.
10. Performs related duties as required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Thorough knowledge of human resource management practices and principles, including labor relations, organization development, employment, planning, benefits administration, and employee development.
• Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices, and procedures of public personnel administration.
• Thorough knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, regulations, administrative rules, and guidelines pertaining to labor relations and benefits administration/employment law including the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Public Employment Relations Act, COBRA, FMLA, unemployment, workers compensation, and insurance regulations.
• Knowledge of strategic planning principles procedures and practices.
• Knowledge of the current principles and practices of effective supervision.
• Knowledge of modern management techniques and principles.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong leadership and decision-making skills.
• Ability and skill to plan, organize, direct, and coordinate the activities of professional and administrative support personnel.
• Ability to develop and implement a team-based approach in setting and working toward department goals.
• Ability to develop, design, and implement human resources program objectives and performance goals and assess progress toward their achievement.
• Ability to develop, interpret, and administer contract provisions.
• Ability to analyze facts and make sound decisions based on evidence presented and applicable laws, rules, and precedents.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with County officials, representatives of other agencies, the media, other County employees, and the general public, fostering a collaborative and professional work environment.

Training and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field, and
• Ten years of experience as the Director or Assistant Director in human resource administration, or
• Any equivalent combination of training and experience that will have provided the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Graduation from an accredited law school and licensure to practice law in the State of Iowa is preferred.

Special Requirements:

• A criminal background check is required.
• A drug screen is required prior to final offer of employment.