Director of Human Resources & Labor Relations

Job Description:

Director of Human Resources & Labor Relations

Description

Description

Under the administrative direction of the Mayor or his or her designee, plans, organizes, administers, monitors and ensures compliance with the City's human resources, civil service, labor relations and benefits administration programs as outlined in the City Charter, Municipal Code and Connecticut General Statutes. Directs all activities of the City's human resources program relating to employee selection as prescribed in Chapter VIII, Section 5(e) of the City Charter, including, but not limited to, the publication of announcements, the conduct of competitive examinations, the maintenance of eligibility lists, the certification of eligibles, and the authorization of temporary appointments. Develops, implements and administers comprehensive human resources management programs, policies, guidelines, procedures and practices that are consistent and in compliance with City Charter provisions, state and federal requirements and sound professional principles and practices. Directs the maintenance of classification and pay plans for City employees. Directs the maintenance of employee records, including record retention, and the development and management of electronic information pertaining to employees' classification and employment history. Certifies all appointments and promotions of employees in the classified service as to the propriety of their appointment and employment. Identifies needs and develops training and education programs for City employees. Prepares and monitors the department budget and presents to the Mayor and Court of Common Council. Periodically reviews the operation and effect of the personnel provisions of the City Charter, Municipal Code and the Personnel Rules and Regulations and recommends needed revisions. At the direction of the Mayor negotiates labor contracts. Directs the administration of labor contract compliance. Advises elected executives, directors and others on labor relations and employee relations matters, including grievance and arbitration procedures and actions. Works with managers and labor organizations to resolve labor issues. Develops new programs, policies and procedures for improving the quality and efficiency of the City's work force, and ensures that all programs, policies and procedures are administered in a fair and equitable manner. Develops and administers affirmative action and diversity programs, and directs the investigation and resolution of discrimination and other complaints. Directs the City's employment benefits including but not limited to, group medical and dental insurance, life insurance, family and medical leave management, and unemployment benefits. Performs related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This position is in the classified, non-union service and incumbent is appointed by the Mayor through an open competitive examination in accordance with Chapter VIII, Section 5(e), Subsections (1) and (3)(iii) of the City Charter. Incumbents are required to obtain Hartford Residency within six (6) months of appointment to the position in accordance with Article XVIII, Section 2-850 of the Municipal Code, and you will be required to maintain Hartford residency for the duration of your appointment.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

The City of Hartford is seeking candidates for this role with:

Thorough Knowledge of:

• Principles of public human resources administration, labor relations, and benefits administration and the techniques utilized in these fields.
• Recognized standards of merit system administration and their operating requirements.
• Principles and practices of labor management relations, including negotiations and contract administration.
• Federal, state and local laws and regulations pertaining to civil service, human resource management and benefits administration.
• Principles and practices of public administration including budgeting, purchasing, and maintenance of public records.
• Current trends and practices in human resource management.
• Principles and practices of effective management and supervision of staff.

Ability to:

• Lead, plan, direct and supervise the activities of the City's human resources, civil service labor relations and benefits administration programs.
• Develop and execute strategic objectives and supporting work plans and make sound recommendations on complex human resource management issues.
• Exercise tact and diplomacy in dealing with sensitive, complex, and confidential issues and situations.
• Understand and apply City, state and federal law, policy, regulations and court decisions governing the City's human resource management programs.
• Represent the City effectively in negotiations and other dealings with employees and labor organizations on various issues.
• Prepare clear, concise and comprehensive reports, studies and other written materials.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with departmental officials, subordinates, employees and their representatives, professional groups and the general public.

Qualifications

Open to all applicants who meet the following qualifications:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in a field related to Human Resources Management, Public Administration, Labor or Industrial Relations, Business Administration, or a closely related field, AND five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in human resources management or labor relations, which includes the supervision of professional staff in such activities.

Wherever possible, an equivalent combination of training and experience deemed sufficient to perform the duties of the position will be considered.

A Master's Degree in Human Resources Management or a related field as noted above is preferred.

LICENSES; CERTIFICATIONS; SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

A valid driver's license may be required for certain assignments. A copy of this license must be submitted with your application.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed primarily in an office environment with some travel to different sites; incumbents may be required to work extended hours including evenings and weekends.

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT
In accordance with Article XVIII, Section 2-850 of the Municipal Code, you must establish Hartford residency within six (6) months of appointment, and you will be required to maintain Hartford residency for the duration of your appointment.

A COPY OF YOUR DEGREE OR TRANSCRIPT MUST BE SUBMITTED WITH YOUR APPLICATION. A DEGREE OR TRANSCRIPT SUBMITTED WILL BE VERIFIED BY THE HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT.

APPLICATION MUST BE COMPLETED IN ITS ENTIRETY, INCLUDING REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION. APPLICATIONS WITHOUT PROPER DOCUMENTATION SHALL RESULT IN YOUR DISQUALIFICATION.


APPLICATIONS VIA FACSIMILE OR EMAIL ARE NOT ACCEPTED

Other Information

If selected, you will be required to pass a physical examination administered by a City physician, a drug and alcohol screening examination, and a background check. If appointed, you will serve 3-12 months of probation. This examination and employment process is subject to all federal, state, and municipal laws, rules and regulations.

ALL CORRESPONDENCE AND INFORMATION CONCERNING THE APPLICATION AND TESTING PROCESS WILL OCCUR THROUGH EMAIL, UNLESS OTHERWISE REQUESTED AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION.

IN ADDITION TO YOUR INBOX, PLEASE BE SURE TO CHECK YOUR JUNK AND SPAM EMAIL FOR ALL RECRUITMENT COMMUNICATION.

VETERAN'S PREFERENCE:
Preferential Points may be given to Eligible Veterans. Must submit a Veteran's Preference Form along with a DD214 and Disability letter (if applicable) from the Office of Veteran's Affairs.

The Human Resources Department provides reasonable accommodation to persons with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you need an accommodation in the application or testing process, please contact the Human Resources Department.

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The City of Hartford is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, veterans and persons with disabilities.



Closing Date/Time: 7/7/2025 5:00 PM Eastern

Salary:

$108,192.08 - $167,205.22 Annually