Human Resource Director

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement workforce strategies aligned with municipal goals; collaborate across Town departments to manage the full employee lifecycle, including recruitment, onboarding, talent development, training, performance management, and employee engagement.
• Serve as a strategic partner to departmental leaders, guiding culture, developing employees, and aligning workforce initiatives with the Town's strategic objectives.
• Counsel management on policy interpretation and adherence; lead investigations and resolutions of employee complaints; coach managers on appropriate intervention and resolution of employee relations issues.
• Oversee benefits programs and act as a liaison between employees and Third-Party Administrators or insurance providers to resolve benefit-related problems and optimize plan utilization and employee relations.

Requirements

• Degree in Human Resources, Public Administration, or a related field; Master’s Degree and/or professional HR certification (PHR/SPHR or SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP) is preferred.
• Seven years of progressively responsible HR experience in an organization similar in size to the Town of Westport, including 4–6 years in a senior management or supervisory capacity and 3–5 years in labor relations, workers compensation, and benefits administration; equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience will be considered.
• Knowledge of human resource management theory, methods, and practices, and the legal environment for HR including federal and state laws, labor relations, benefits trends, costing, and compliance.
• Diplomacy, collaborative problem solving, leadership, and organizational behavior management skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, supervisors, directors, town officials, and the public; apply analytical and problem-solving principles to identify sound recommendations.
• Willingness and ability to attend evening meetings, labor negotiations, Board and Commission meetings, and other municipal events as required.
• Experience in public sector or municipal government; knowledge of FOIA/public records, town governance, etc.
• Experience collaborating with elected officials, boards, and commissions.
• Expertise in collective bargaining, union grievance administration, and labor negotiations.