Human Resources Manager - Appeals Court

Massachusetts Trial Court • Boston, MA

1d • $113,439 - $167,296 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Human Resources Manager administers the day-to-day human resources functions for the Massachusetts Appeals Court, including recruitment, employee relations, payroll, benefits, leave management, performance management, and employee development. As the court’s dedicated HR professional, the manager provides hands-on support across HR functions and partners with employees and leadership to foster a positive workplace culture and ensure HR programs, policies, and practices are administered effectively and consistently.

The position reports directly to the Court Administrator and collaborates with the Fiscal Director, Administrative Office staff, and the Trial Court Human Resources Department as needed. It serves as the Appeals Court’s ADA Coordinator and may supervise others. The role requires independent judgment and initiative, while receiving general supervision. The position is non-exempt, non-union, and designated as management. It currently offers a hybrid schedule with two remote days per week, subject to change, and is eligible to participate in the Court’s remote work policy. Massachusetts residency is required, and employment is contingent on passing a criminal record check. Court employees may not engage in the practice of law.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field is preferred; equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered toward minimum requirements.
• A minimum of five years of progressive HR experience is desirable.
• Working knowledge of federal and state workers’ compensation laws and ADA, FMLA, PFML, FLSA, COBRA, and related employment regulations.
• Experience managing employee accommodations, return-to-work processes, and interactive discussions.
• Strong analytical and case management skills, including the ability to evaluate medical documentation and coordinate with third-party administrators.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to collaborate professionally with people at all levels, including judges, and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, exercise good judgment, and handle sensitive situations professionally.
• Ability to generate and analyze data reports.
• Ability to understand and administer Massachusetts Appeals Court policies and procedures.
• Well-developed writing skills to draft business correspondence and clearly and concisely present project information.
• Commitment and ability to strictly protect sensitive information maintained by the Appeals Court.
• Ability to multitask and manage multiple assignments.
• Ability to adapt quickly to changing circumstances and develop workarounds for issues requiring timely resolution.
• Ability to maintain accurate records.
• Ability to work independently with attention to detail.
• Ability to develop and effectively present training seminars.
• Must be a Massachusetts resident.
• Must pass a criminal record check as a condition of employment.
• Must demonstrate the stated competencies through the interview process, including ethics and values, mission alignment, problem solving, customer service, collaboration, applied HR knowledge in a unionized employee environment, commitment to diversity, and continuous learning.

Nice To Haves

• Certifications such as SHRM, SPHR, or Lean/Six Sigma are desirable.

Responsibilities

• Manage talent acquisition, including recruiting, interview scheduling, hiring facilitation, and onboarding and offboarding.
• Assist with data entry in the Human Resource/Compensation Management System (HR/CMS).
• Administer employee benefits, leave programs, unemployment claims, workers’ compensation, and accommodation processes, coordinating with the Court Administrator, Administrative staff, and Trial Court HR as needed.
• Coordinate employee performance reviews and support managers throughout the review cycle.
• Respond to employee questions about HR policies, procedures, benefits, payroll, and employment matters.
• Maintain and update the Appeals Court Personnel Policies & Procedures Manual.
• Support court culture initiatives, employee engagement and recognition programs, and court events.
• Coordinate HR administrative activities and provide administrative support.
• Assist in resolving employee concerns and workplace issues while maintaining confidentiality and professionalism.
• Guide managers and employees on court policies, procedures, and employment practices.
• Maintain accurate and confidential personnel records, HR data, organization charts, and job descriptions.
• Assist with administering and communicating court policies and procedures and help ensure consistent application.
• Maintain employment records and HR practices in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• Conduct HR research and help evaluate the effectiveness of HR programs, policies, and procedures.
• Recommend improvements to HR policies, programs, and processes to enhance employee experience and organizational effectiveness.
• Prepare reports and analyze HR data to support business and workforce decisions.
• Coordinate employee training, development, and onboarding activities.
• Keep current on employment law, regulatory changes, and HR best practices.
• Assist the Administrative Office with payroll processing and maintain accurate payroll records, ensuring timely completion.
• Liaise with the Trial Court Human Resources Department on HR issues as needed.
• Serve as ADA Coordinator for the Massachusetts Appeals Court.
• Perform other assigned duties, including covering Administrative Office staff duties when necessary.

Benefits

• Generous State benefit package, including a defined benefit pension plan subject to vesting.
• Eligible to participate in the Court’s remote work policy; the current schedule offers two remote days per week, subject to change.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager