(Internal Only) Human Resources Director

To apply: Upload the letter of interest and resume to the Town Administrator by October 7, 2026 by 12:00pm.  

POSITION OVERVIEW:  The Human Resource Director is responsible for planning, directing, and administering the Town’s comprehensive human resources program. The position oversees a broad range of human resource functions, including recruitment and selection, employee relations, labor relations, benefits administration, compensation, policy development, regulatory compliance, performance management, leave administration, and employee training. The Human Resource Director also manages special projects and performs other related duties as assigned by the Town Administrator.

The position requires the exercise of independent judgment to ensure compliance with applicable federal and state laws, regulations, the Home Rule Charter, Town bylaws, personnel policies, collective bargaining agreements, employment contracts, and agreements with third parties.  The Human Resource Director is entrusted with highly confidential and sensitive information, including employee relations matters, disciplinary investigations, labor negotiations, personnel records, legal issues, policy development, and other confidential municipal business. The ability to maintain strict confidentiality, exercise sound judgment, and provide objective, professional guidance is essential to the successful performance of this role.

SUMMARY:  The following description is a general summary of responsibilities with some specific duties. It is not a total delineation of all duties nor does it limit the responsibilities to those stipulated. This position functions as a part of the overall municipal executive team to ensure effective and efficient municipal operations. The Human Resource Director  is responsible for a broad range of administrative, managerial, technical, and professional work related to the planning, administration, and oversight of the Town's human resources functions. The position exercises independent judgment in administering personnel policies, employment practices, labor relations, employee benefits, regulatory compliance, and other human resource programs. The Human Resource Director has access to highly confidential information and must consistently demonstrate sound judgment, discretion, professionalism, and adherence to applicable legal requirements and ethical standards in handling sensitive personnel and organizational matters.

SUPERVISION:  Works under the administrative direction of the Town Administrator and under the policy direction of the Board of Selectmen. Performs varied responsible and highly complex functions which require considerable judgment and initiative in determining courses of action which may or may not be guided by statute, established guidelines, collective bargaining agreements or precedent; work involves the ability to interpret and apply statutes, regulations, policies and procedures to a wide variety of individual problems and situations.

JOB ENVIRONMENT:  Administrative work is performed under typical office conditions, with frequent interruptions and requests for information; attends board and commission meetings and forums as necessary. Operates personal computer and standard office equipment such as copier, facsimile machine, etc. Makes regular contact with Town boards and committees, employees, department heads, state and federal agencies, labor counsel and town counsel, union officials, and consultants; contacts involve a wide variety of complex Town issues; contacts require considerable judgment, persuasion, strategy, patience, courtesy and discretion and the ability to handle sensitive and confidential information in a professional manner.

Has access to Town-wide confidential information including personnel records, legal proceedings, negotiating positions and collective bargaining strategies and plans. Errors in judgment could affect the Town’s ability to deliver services and could result in substantial monetary and/or legal repercussions, could expose the Town to certain legal liabilities, and could affect the public’s confidence.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:  The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

• Serves as the Town’s primary human resources advisor to the Town Administrator, department heads, and employees.
• Directs and administers all human resource functions for all Town personnel, to include, but not limited to, benefits administration, managing un-employment benefits , state and federal regulation compliance, wage and salary administration, position descriptions and job classifications, collective bargaining negotiation and administration, policy administration, grievance procedure administration, program administration and performance evaluations.
• Develops, implements, and interprets personnel policies and procedures.
• Assists with conflict resolution and employee performance issues.
• Works to improve communication within Departments.
• Provides advice and counsel to Department Heads on a wide variety of topics.
• Develops procedures for and oversees orientation of new employees; maintains and revises Employee Handbook.
• Administers workers’ compensation, MGL C.41, §111F compensation, property and casualty insurance, general liability insurance, unemployment compensation and all other insurance for the Town.
• Makes recommendations to Town Administrator for all insurance policies and practices.
• As a staff executive and member of the executive management team, assesses the climate for effective performance, training and development needs, employee relations and organizational structure as it effects employee motivation and interdepartmental relations; makes recommendations for optimizing human resources.
• Develops and recommends to the Town Administrator administrative controls, policies and procedures regarding Town-wide administration; advises on the effectiveness of policies and procedures and keeps senior management informed on relevant issues.
• Has frequent contact with Town employees, Department Heads, Town Boards and Commissions, other municipal and governmental bodies, labor representatives, Town residents and the general public; frequently responds to requests for information from governmental entities and from organizations or individuals under the Public Records Law and Freedom of Information Act.
• Maintains and disposes of departmental records in accordance with Massachusetts Public Records Laws.
• Oversees recruitment, advertising, testing, interviewing, selection, hiring, onboarding, offboarding, and orientation.
• Develops recruitment strategies to attract and retain qualified candidates.
• Coordinates background investigations, reference checks, pre-employment physicals, and other hiring requirements.
• Maintains personnel records and employment documentation.
• Advises supervisors and department heads on employee relations matters.
• Conducts or oversees workplace investigations involving complaints, misconduct, harassment, discrimination, and policy violations.
• Recommends corrective and disciplinary actions consistent with Town policies and collective bargaining agreements.
• Serves as a member of the Town’s collective bargaining team.
• Assists in negotiating and administering collective bargaining agreements.
• Interprets labor contracts and advises management regarding contract administration.
• Administers FMLA, ADA accommodations, military leave, workers’ compensation, MGL C.41, §111F compensation, and other statutory leave programs.
• Coordinates return-to-work and reasonable accommodation processes.
• Conducts salary analyses and recommends compensation adjustments.
• Develops and updates personnel policies, employee handbook, and administrative procedures.
• Monitors changes in employment laws and implements necessary policy updates.
• Ensure compliance with wage and hour laws, equal employment opportunity requirements, OSHA, and other employment regulations.
• Develops and delivers supervisory and employee training programs.
• Coordinates mandatory compliance training.
• Promotes employee development, leadership training, and succession planning.
• Works with legal counsel on employment-related litigation and claims.
• Identifies employment risks and recommends corrective action.
• Performs similar or related work as required, directed or as situation dictates.

QUALIFICATIONS: Education and Experience

Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Public Administration or equivalent preferred. Five to seven (5-7) years of related administrative experience preferably in a municipal setting; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience. HR Certification is desirable.

Preferred Qualifications

Candidate must be able to demonstrate possession of the required knowledge skills and abilities to perform this work.

Knowledge, Ability and Skill

Knowledge:Knowledge of Human Resources concepts and practices. Thorough knowledge of office procedures, practices and terminology.  Knowledge of Massachusetts General Law, Open Meeting Law, and rules and regulations as dictated by the Attorney General’s Office. Thorough knowledge of department operations.  Knowledge of office equipment and the operation of computer software applications, particularly word processing, spreadsheet, database, email and internet.

Ability:  Communicate effectively orally and in writing. Ability to work independently. Ability to give presentations.  Ability to exercise a high degree of diplomacy and judgment. Ability to implement policy directives. Ability to work with all levels of the organization, i.e., appointed and elected boards, department heads, and front-line staff, as well as legal counsel, union representatives, consultants, community and business leaders and the general public. These contacts involve a wide variety of complex Town issues; contacts require considerable judgment; persuasion; strategy; patience; courtesy and discretion and the ability to handle sensitive and confidential information in a professional manner. Ability to identify goals and objectives and organize workload. Ability to administer and interpret regulations, policies and procedures firmly, tactfully and impartially. Ability to multi-task effectively and work within time lines. Ability to maintain records and prioritize tasks.

Skill:Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills. Excellent communication skills in dealing with all levels of management. Excellent presentation skills. Skills in operating computers and utilizing appropriate software applications to include database and spreadsheet applications. Excellent organizational skills.  Skill in all of the above listed tools and equipment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: This is primarily an office-based job in a municipal setting. Minimal physical effort required to perform duties under typical office conditions. Frequently required to sit, stand, and walk over various surfaces. May spend sustained periods on a computer, telephone, or operate other office equipment. Regular interruptions to assist employees. Occasionally required to move, push or pull items weighing up to 30 pounds. Vision requirements include the ability to read and analyze routine and complex documents and use a computer.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and is subject to change by the employer, as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

The Town of Seekonk is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer