Human Resources Manager

Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians•Dowagiac, MI

About The Position

The Human Resources Manager coordinates, administers, and leads the day-to-day operations of the HR Department and the administration of HR policies, procedures, and programs. The role supports the Pokagon Band’s commitment to exemplary service, dignity, and respect for Tribal Citizens, the Tribal Council, and staff members, including identifying and addressing service concerns through designated channels. The manager leads and develops HR staff; supports employee relations, recruitment, performance management, compensation, benefits, and training and development; and partners with organizational leaders to maintain legally compliant policies and effective HR systems. The role supports the Pokagon Band Preference Code and collaborates with the Tribal Preference Liaison on the Pokagon Skill Band. It also helps foster the Band’s values and an organizational culture that promotes an Employer of Choice atmosphere. The position works in a general office environment using standard office equipment and HR and business software. Local travel is necessary.

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management, Labor Relations, or a related field from an accredited institution whose program is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation or the United States Department of Education.
  • At least five years of progressive experience in a primary HR role, including employee relations, performance management, and training and development responsibilities.
  • At least one year of supervisory experience and/or successful completion of a leadership program.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to speak effectively before groups of employees.
  • Proficiency with MS Office Applications.
  • Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
  • Willingness to attain a professional HR certification if not already held.
  • Ability to travel locally as needed.
  • Pokagon Band Preference Code applies.

Nice To Haves

  • Professional in Human Resources (PHR), SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP), and/or Tribal Human Resource Professional (THRP) certification.

Responsibilities

  • Direct, coordinate, evaluate, coach, and develop HR staff, including hiring, onboarding, training, work assignment, performance feedback, professional development, and disciplinary actions.
  • Address staff concerns and improve departmental workflow and service to Tribal Citizens.
  • Assist with department budgeting, monitor goals and objectives, and prepare business case justifications and cost-benefit analyses for HR spending and initiatives.
  • Serve as a link between management and employees by answering questions, interpreting and administering policies and regulations, and helping resolve work-related problems.
  • Investigate employee relations matters, including harassment allegations, work complaints, and other concerns; ensure issues are documented and resolved in a timely manner.
  • Confer with management to develop or implement policies and procedures, and ensure policies are current, meet workforce needs, and comply with applicable requirements.
  • Issue HR communications and maintain and update HR documents and employment records in the human resources management system.
  • Support the Pokagon Band Preference Code and collaborate with the Tribal Preference Liaison on the Pokagon Skill Band.
  • Identify vacancies and recruit, interview, and select applicants in accordance with the Pokagon Band Preference Code; recommend or refer qualified applicants and process hiring paperwork.
  • Handle staffing challenges, mediate disputes, and administer disciplinary procedures.
  • Complete job evaluations and assist with compensation, classification, and compensation-policy administration and compliance.
  • Partner with leaders on disciplinary and performance matters, ensuring policies are followed consistently.
  • Support performance management and organizational development and improvement systems; train and assist leaders with performance management, coaching, and related techniques.
  • Conduct exit interviews, analyze results, and recommend personnel or systems improvements.
  • Coordinate Complaint and Grievance Processes.
  • Assist with administration of employee benefits, including retirement plans, leave policies, wellness programs, and health, life, and disability insurance.
  • Monitor government regulations and market trends to ensure benefit programs are legal, current, and competitive with the market and Tribal Governments.
  • Oversee distribution of pay and benefits information and maintain accurate HRIS records for new hires, terminations, status changes, and benefit enrollment.
  • Audit benefit eligibility reports and assist with standard operating procedures, guidelines, and benefit-policy evaluations.
  • Partner with Directors, Supervisors, and employees to identify training and development needs and develop strategies to address them.
  • Facilitate and advise on initiatives that promote Pokagon Band values and an organizational culture that fosters an Employer of Choice atmosphere.
  • Use knowledge of Learning Management Systems and training software to support the development of leaders, staff, and Citizens.
  • Develop the training calendar and class schedules; assess, monitor, evaluate, and report on training effectiveness and organizational impact.
  • Maintain the HR careers website page.
  • Prepare, process, and distribute payroll and benefits information in the HRIS.
  • Assist with pre-employment screening, background checks, employment verifications, and payment of related invoices.
  • Perform other related functions as assigned.
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