Human Resources Director (Job ID: 11-2026-01)

Human Resources Director

The City of Independence is looking for a Director to lead its Human Resources Department. The Human Resources Director will oversee the HR function for all municipal staff for the City of Independence, under the supervision of the Mayor. The HR Director is responsible for the planning and coordination of strategic initiatives and day-to-day operations of the Human Resources department. This position plays a critical role in shaping the workforce strategy in conjunction with the Mayor, department heads, supervisors, employee representatives, and employees. This person will ensure legislative compliance, policy implementation, and enforcement, as well as compliance with all applicable employment, federal, state, and local laws, including those related to collective bargaining units, staff: full- and part-time, temporary, and contract employees. The position shall be appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the Mayor.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of Human Resources and coordinate with city administration to implement the mission and vision statements of the city.
• Update City of Independence handbook and maintain and disseminate changes / updates as needed and in compliance with all applicable laws.
• Provide strategic counsel to executive leadership on HR matters, including workforce planning and development.
• Create and maintain organizational chart.
• Work with department directors to determine appropriate staffing based on needs and workload.
• Manage the city's performance evaluation program, including training in effective performance reviews.
• In collaboration with department directors, set and track performance reviews for consistency and timeliness.
• Maintain and monitor compensation ranges for all positions researching and conducting valid market data research for accurate pay ranges specific to municipalities in Ohio.
• Develop and implement training programs to enhance employee skills and knowledge and encourage participation.
• Create a training matrix for all departments and track training programs for efficiency and targeted development.
• Collaborate with the City's Finance Department to ensure accurate and timely payroll processing and reporting, including all applicable taxes, deposits, deductions, benefit premiums, and retirement contributions, while maintaining up-to-date employee records on taxes, benefits, deductions, and garnishments.
• Manage and track all leaves of absence for compliance purposes and return to work matters.
• Track PTO for proper usage.
• Works with the Finance Department to verify and maintain entries in the Ahola HRIS system for payroll accuracy; addresses any discrepancies with city departments in a timely manner and manages the direct deposit process.
• Maintain accurate records and generate reports on HR metrics and workforce demographics.
• Maintain all confidential files (employee, medical, discipline, performance, compensation, I9s) records, reports, and other related and confidential documentation.
• Oversee and prepare all necessary benefit programs and retirement documents for appropriate entities.
• Adheres to the highest standards of confidentiality, professionalism, and discretion in all matters related to the HR function.
• Assist with City-wide grant writing and related grant related functions.
• Supervision of the department's intern.
• Performs all other duties as assigned by the Mayor or his designee.
• Perform other duties as assigned
  eeded.

Necessary Competencies

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills,
• Customer service focus,
• Solves problems independently with direction commensurate with the task,
• Strong attention to detail,
• Works effectively with a team environment.
• Basic mathematics and accounting knowledge.
• Knowledge in the complete Microsoft Office Suite.
• Knowledge in the operation of Audio/Visual systems.

Requirements

Experience:

• A minimum of seven years' experience of progressive HR experience, with at least two of those years being in a leadership role is preferred.
• Experience in local, regional, or state government (Unionized environment) is preferred.
• Strong knowledge of local, state, and federal employment laws, regulations, and compliance requirements.
• Experience managing seasonal and temporary workforce planning and recruitment.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills with all levels of the City staff.
• Proven leadership abilities and experience in team management and strong problem-solving, organizational, and decision-making skills.
• Proven experience managing employee relations, workforce planning, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

Education:

• A Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Human Resources or a related field is required.
• A Master's or advanced degree is preferred.

Professional Certification:

• HR Certification (i.e., SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR, PSHRA-CP, PSHRA-SCP) or ability to obtain certification within one calendar year of hire is required.

Additional Requirements

• Valid State of Ohio Driver's License in good standing is required.

Physical Demands

• Ability to both stand and sit for extended periods of time,
• Ability to clearly and effectively communicate in-person, on the phone and in e-mail correspondence,
• Ability to multi-task in an office environment,
• Ability to lift up to twenty-five pounds occasionally.
• Ability to bend, stoop, walk, climb stairs.
• Ability to travel between multiple buildings in and around the City of Independence campus.
• Ability to perform all the essential functions of the position.

Salary Information

• The starting pay rate will be determined by the candidate's experience, education, peer equity, and other applicable factors.
• This complete pay range for this exempt role is $62,906.00 (minimum) - $145,000.00 (maximum) in accordance with a Level 7 Exempt role.

Application Process

• Interested candidates must follow the application process through the City of Independence website.

Americans with Disabilities Act

• The City of Independence is committed to providing reasonable accommodation(s) to qualified individuals with disabilities.

The City of Independence is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information. This position is an "at will" position, and the successful candidate serves at the pleasure of the City of Independence, Ohio leadership.