Director of Human Resources

City of West Fargo, ND•West Fargo, ND

45d•Onsite

About The Position

Under administrative direction, the Director of Human Resources serves as the City's chief human resources official, providing strategic leadership for all workforce-related policies, programs, and services. The Director partners with the City Administrator, senior leadership team, and department heads to align HR strategy with organizational goals; foster a positive, inclusive workplace culture; and ensure compliance with applicable employment laws and regulations. The Director leads and develops Human Resources staff and ensures high-quality, professional services are provided to the organization. Serves as a key member of the City's leadership team, advising on workforce strategy, organizational design, and change management. Helps lead citywide initiatives related to employee engagement, culture, and continuous improvement, ensuring HR practices support the City's mission, vision, and values. Establishes and manages the goals and objectives for Human Resources in accordance with City Commission policy directives and applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Participates in City Commission and other public meetings to provide information and recommendations on HR activities, programs, policies, etc. Serves as the City's compliance officer for EEO and ADA employment-related matters. Assists with the City's budget by preparing, forecasting, recommending, and monitoring operating expenses for Human Resources services. Administers the City's work classification and compensation system, ensuring job descriptions and position evaluations are accurate, equitable, and aligned with organizational values. Conducts job analyses and periodic market and benefits studies, recommending adjustments as needed to promote fairness, transparency, and external competitiveness. Oversees the City's employee benefits programs, including plan administration, vendor relationships, and contract management. Conducts periodic program evaluations, manages RFP processes, and recommends improvements to enhance value and cost-effectiveness. Oversees the employee recruitment process to ensure legal, equitable, and consistent hiring practices. Oversees employee relations and performance management, including investigations, dispute resolution, and disciplinary processes. Provides guidance to supervisors on corrective actions, ensuring fairness, consistency, and compliance with City policy. Provides guidance and recommendations on new or existing Human Resources policies. Oversees the City's workforce safety and insurance program; monitors return-to-work status; communicates with injured employees, WSI representatives, nurses, and vocational rehabilitation representatives. Oversees the HRIS system, including proper utilization, security and accuracy of data, and training on the software. Develops and coordinates citywide employee training and professional growth programs. Oversees the City Drug and Alcohol Prevention Program, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations. Manages testing procedures, program monitoring, and policy updates in coordination with appropriate staff. Participates in the Emergency Response Team Program and performs duties as assigned. Represents the City in a variety of public and professional settings to cultivate working relationships, explain policies, and promote an improved understanding of Human Resources programs. Provides leadership and supervision to HR staff, fostering professional development. Works safely, follows safe work practices, and identifies and reports unsafe work conditions. Performs other duties as required or assigned.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in human resources management, or a closely related field; and six years of progressively responsible experience, including two years in a managerial or supervisory capacity.
An equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the essential duties of the position will be considered.
Maintains a professional HR certification (e.g., SHRM-SCP, SHRM-CP, IPMA-SCP, PHR, or SPHR) or obtains within 12 months of employment.
Comprehensive knowledge of state and federal employment laws including ADA, EEO, FMLA, labor relations, and workforce safety.
Ability to interpret and apply local, state, and federal policies, laws and regulations regarding human resources, compensation, and benefits administration.
Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with peers, superiors, subordinates, board/committee members, vendors, contractors, government agencies, and other City partners.
Strong communication skills, both verbally and in writing.
Valid driver's license.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a public-sector or governmental setting
Master's degree in a relevant field

Responsibilities

Serves as a key member of the City's leadership team, advising on workforce strategy, organizational design, and change management.
Helps lead citywide initiatives related to employee engagement, culture, and continuous improvement, ensuring HR practices support the City's mission, vision, and values.
Establishes and manages the goals and objectives for Human Resources in accordance with City Commission policy directives and applicable laws, rules, and regulations.
Participates in City Commission and other public meetings to provide information and recommendations on HR activities, programs, policies, etc.
Serves as the City's compliance officer for EEO and ADA employment-related matters.
Assists with the City's budget by preparing, forecasting, recommending, and monitoring operating expenses for Human Resources services.
Administers the City's work classification and compensation system, ensuring job descriptions and position evaluations are accurate, equitable, and aligned with organizational values. Conducts job analyses and periodic market and benefits studies, recommending adjustments as needed to promote fairness, transparency, and external competitiveness.
Oversees the City's employee benefits programs, including plan administration, vendor relationships, and contract management. Conducts periodic program evaluations, manages RFP processes, and recommends improvements to enhance value and cost-effectiveness.
Oversees the employee recruitment process to ensure legal, equitable, and consistent hiring practices.
Oversees employee relations and performance management, including investigations, dispute resolution, and disciplinary processes. Provides guidance to supervisors on corrective actions, ensuring fairness, consistency, and compliance with City policy.
Provides guidance and recommendations on new or existing Human Resources policies.
Oversees the City's workforce safety and insurance program; monitors return-to-work status; communicates with injured employees, WSI representatives, nurses, and vocational rehabilitation representatives.
Oversees the HRIS system, including proper utilization, security and accuracy of data, and training on the software.
Develops and coordinates citywide employee training and professional growth programs.
Oversees the City Drug and Alcohol Prevention Program, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations. Manages testing procedures, program monitoring, and policy updates in coordination with appropriate staff.
Participates in the Emergency Response Team Program and performs duties as assigned.
Represents the City in a variety of public and professional settings to cultivate working relationships, explain policies, and promote an improved understanding of Human Resources programs.
Provides leadership and supervision to HR staff, fostering professional development.
Works safely, follows safe work practices, and identifies and reports unsafe work conditions.
Performs other duties as required or assigned.