Director of Professional Services

Bluffton Township Fire District•Bluffton, SC

20h•Onsite

About The Position

This position serves as the District’s Director of Professional Services and employee relations. The position is responsible for the administration, coordination, compliance, and strategic support of assigned employee relations functions while overseeing administrative operations within the division, including payroll, finance coordination, records management, and office systems. This position advises the Fire Chief, executive leadership, Deputy Chiefs, and supervisors on employee relations, benefits, policy interpretation, personnel compliance, and employment law matters while ensuring consistent application of federal, state, and local requirements. The position also supports efficient business operations by coordinating division workflows, assisting with payroll and finance processes, and ensuring the effective administration of professional services functions.

Requirements

Knowledge of federal and state employment laws and regulations (FMLA, ADA, FLSA, COBRA, HIPAA, EEO).
Knowledge of HR best practices, benefits administration, payroll coordination, and finance; background in government finance, public-sector budgeting, or related local government financial operations preferred.
Skill in handling confidential and sensitive personnel matters.
Ability to interpret policies, laws, and regulations.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Ability to analyze data and prepare reports.
Proficiency in HR/Benefits/finance systems and standard office software.
Bachelor’s degree in business administration or related field.
Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in related field(s).

Nice To Haves

Experience in public sector or public safety environment preferred.
Professional HR certifications such as SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR preferred.

Responsibilities

Advises the Fire Chief, executive leadership, Deputy Chiefs, and supervisors on employee relations, disciplinary matters, performance management, policy interpretation, and personnel compliance.
Provides guidance on complex personnel issues and supports consistent application of District policies, procedures, and employment practices.
Assists in developing, revising, implementing, and evaluating policies, procedures, and programs to improve efficiency, effectiveness, and compliance.
Administers employee benefit programs and serves as a resource to employees regarding benefits enrollment, eligibility, claims issues, beneficiary forms, and annual open enrollment.
Ensures compliance with applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, including FMLA, ADA, FLSA, COBRA, HIPAA, and EEO requirements.
Administers FMLA, medical leave, and other leave programs; coordinates workers’ compensation claims, return-to-work efforts, and case management; and serves as a liaison between employees, medical providers, and insurance carriers.
Coordinates recruitment and onboarding processes including job postings, applicant screening, background and reference checks, hiring documentation, and exit procedures.
Oversees daily administrative operations of the Professional Services Division and serves as office manager by coordinating office procedures, administrative workflows, records management, and support functions.
Supervises assigned staff within the Professional Services division.
Coordinates division workflow across personnel, benefits, payroll, finance, and related administrative support functions to promote efficiency, accountability, and service continuity.
Oversee payroll administration processes to support timely and accurate payroll processing in accordance with District policy, applicable wage and hour requirements, and established procedures.
Coordinates with finance staff and leadership regarding budget preparation, payroll changes, benefit deductions, leave balances, personnel action forms, invoices, purchasing documentation, and other personnel-related financial matters.
Assists with budget tracking, account reconciliation support, benefit billing, COBRA billing coordination, and financial documentation related to personnel and professional services functions.
Maintains personnel, payroll, benefits, and related administrative records in compliance with legal, regulatory, and organizational requirements and ensures confidentiality of sensitive information.
Supports audits, compliance reviews, and reporting requirements related to personnel, payroll, benefits, and administrative operations.
Prepares reports, workforce metrics, and trend analyses for leadership related to turnover, vacancies, leave usage, benefits utilization, and other personnel or administrative data to support planning and decision-making.
Performs other related duties as assigned.