Deputy Director of Human Resources - Massachusetts State Senate

Commonwealth of Massachusetts • Boston, MA

108d

About The Position

The Deputy Director of the Senate Office of Human Resources (HR) plays a key leadership role in the Senate Office of Human Resources, supporting the Director of Senate Human Resources in implementing HR strategies, policies, and programs and in managing the HR staff. This position ensures compliance with applicable laws, procedures, and Senate HR policies, enhances employee relations and experience, and fosters a positive workplace culture. The Deputy Director of Senate HR works closely with the Director of the Senate Office of Human Resources (Director) to oversee key HR operations, including payroll processing, benefits administration, time reporting, recordkeeping, recruitment, training, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) programs, and other personnel matters. The Deputy Director works collaboratively and proactively with the Chief of Staff to the Senate President, Senators, Senate staff, and the Deputy Director’s counterpart in the House of Representatives. The Deputy Director reports to the Director.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Public or Business Administration, or a related field and at least 6 years of relevant work experience, or any of the following combinations of education and experience: Associate’s degree in a related field and at least 8 years of relevant work experience; Graduate degree or higher in a related field and at least 7 years of relevant work experience; or at least 10 years of relevant work experience.
• Knowledge of traditional payroll functions, benefits and leave administration, and recordkeeping compliance practices.
• Demonstrated expertise and knowledge of best practices across all HR functions such as policies, procedures, and systems.
• Demonstrated management experience and skills to successfully lead a professional team with heavy workloads and unpredictable work hours in a high-pressure environment.
• Capacity to take initiative and lead on projects, while also being able to take direction.
• Proficiency in office and HR computer applications, such as Microsoft Office Suite and remote meeting platforms.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and temperament to communicate with a variety of personalities and stakeholders in a tactful, positive, collaborative, and professional manner.
• Excellent oral and written communication and consultative skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to exercise discretion in handling confidential information.
• Ability to think critically and work both independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to produce quality work, manage a high-volume workload, and maintain accuracy under pressure and in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to maintain a flexible schedule including working extended hours, possibly on nights and weekends.
• Effective and professional written communication skills along with presentation skills.
• Experience in implementing HR technologies and data-driven HR strategies.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree or higher in a related field.
• Professional HR certification (e.g., SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR, CBP, CEBS).
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive HR experience in public or private sectors, including 4 years of progressively responsible supervisory experience.
• Knowledge and understanding of the State House and legislature.
• Knowledge of the policies, procedures, specifications, standards, guidelines, laws, rules, and regulations governing public sector personnel and payroll processing.
• Experience in developing and implementing professional development programs.
• Experience in the effective implementation of diversity, equity, and inclusion models and programs.
• Strong knowledge of state and federal laws specific to Human Resources.
• Proven crisis management and deft communication skills to handle a wide range of people and institutional issues with an understanding of the political implications.
• Knowledge of organizational development theory and practices.

Responsibilities

• Provide collaborative, forward thinking, and responsive leadership in the planning, development, implementation, maintenance, and management of the Senate’s human resources operations, programs, and services.
• Assist the Director in developing and implementing HR strategies, policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Supervise, as assigned by the Director, day-to-day HR operations, ensuring compliance with applicable laws, procedures, and Senate HR policies.
• Provide guidance to the Director and the Senate President’s Office on applicable laws, best practices, training, and risk mitigation, working with the Office of Senate Counsel.
• Supervise, coach, mentor, and develop HR staff.
• Oversee and participate in key HR operations, including talent acquisition efforts, development of DEI training programs, administration of payroll, benefits, and expense reimbursement operations, job classification and compensation system, and development and implementation of training and professional development programs.
• Work with the State Comptroller’s Office on payroll and benefits related matters and coordinate between the Senate and HR counterparts in the House and certain state agencies.
• Serve as a Leave Administrator with the Department of Family and Medical Leave, reviewing and approving employee applications for medical and bonding leave.
• Participate in the exit process with separating employees, analyze related data, and make recommendations to the Director and the Senate President’s Office.
• Analyze HR metrics and collaborate with the Senate President’s Office to provide insights supporting data-driven decision-making and recommendations on the Senate classification and compensation system.

Benefits

• 75% state-paid medical insurance premium
• Reasonable Group Dental and Vision Plans
• Flexible Spending Accounts and Dependent Care Assistance programs
• Low-cost basic and optional life insurance
• Retirement Savings: State Employees' Pension and a Deferred Compensation 457(b) plan
• 12 paid holidays per year and competitive Sick, Vacation, and Personal Time
• Competitive Senate-sponsored parental leave
• Tuition Benefit for employees and spouses at state colleges and universities
• Long-Term Disability and Extended Illness program participation options
• Employee Assistance Programs
• Professional Development and Continuing Education opportunities
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree