Human Resources- Compensation and Classification Manager

Dakota County; Hastings, Maidenhead; On-site; USD 88,000 - 139,000; Full time

Job summary

Dakota County is seeking a Human Resources Manager to oversee compensation programs and manage HR staff. The role involves strategic planning, policy implementation, and ensuring compliance with legal requirements. Ideal candidates will have a bachelor's degree and significant experience in HR management.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits

Generous paid time off

Pension with employer contribution

Work from home flexibility

Qualifications

• 4 years of experience in employee compensation programs.
• 2 years of experience managing/supervising staff.
• CCP and/or PHR/SPHR certifications preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage and direct HR staff activities.
• Oversee compensation and HCM programs.
• Analyze data reports for effective compensation policies.

Skills

Compensation design

Job classification

Data analysis

Communication

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or related field

Master's degree in Human Resources or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

General Description

POSTING TYPE: Open competitive
DEPARTMENT: Human Resources
HOURS: Full-time, M-F
SALARY RANGE: $88,458- $138,216/year
LOCATION: Hastings ADC
UNION: None
CLOSE DATE: 4:30pm on 6/2/2025

Who We Are

Dakota County is Minnesota's third largest county and home to more than 400,000 residents. Our motto is "Be More" and we strive every day to achieve excellence in public service, with a focus on four values: Service, Integrity, People and Innovation.

Dakota County aims to create an environment that is welcoming and inclusive of diverse people, backgrounds and experiences. Our goal is to have a workforce that is reflective of the communities and individuals we serve. We promote an equitable and culturally aware work environment where everyone can be their authentic selves.

This position performs highly responsible duties managing assigned operations and personnel of the Human Resources Department to include the planning, development, and implementation of employee compensation and job classification programs. Directs staff in the planning, development, and implementation of new or revised programs, policies, and procedures to be responsive to County goals and competitive practices.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Industrial Relations, Business Psychology, Business Management, or a closely related field, AND 4 years of experience in delivering employee compensation programs, to include a minimum of 2 years of experience managing/supervising staff in a formal HR capacity.

OR

• An equivalent combination of education and experience to total 8 years. Direct work experience must include 2 years of experience managing/supervising staff in a formal HR capacity.

Preferred Education and Experience Beyond Minimum Requirements:

• Master's degree in human resources, Industrial Relations, or a closely related field is strongly preferred.
• CCP and/or PHR/SPHR Certifications strongly preferred.
• Previous Public Sector experience is strongly preferred.

Duties & Responsibilities

These examples do not include all possible tasks in this work and do not limit the assignment of related tasks in any position of this classification. Regular attendance according to the position's management approved work schedule is required for all positions.

1. Manages and directs the activities of staff that includes work assignments, review of work performed, performance evaluations, setting goals and priorities, and disciplinary procedures.
2. Manages the administration, design, development, planning and implementation of County compensation and HCM data management programs that include:
   • Monitors the effectiveness of existing County compensation policies, guidelines, and procedures.
   • Recommends plan revisions as well as new plan designs which are cost effective with County objectives for compensation plans.
   • Ensures that programs are current, competitive and in compliance with legal requirements.
   • Serves as primary Human Resource contact regarding Human Capital Management (HCM) systems and data. Collaborates with executive leadership and colleagues in HR and IT to identify needed improvements and enhancements to existing information services and databases; recommends and implements solutions.
   • Analyzes data reports and makes recommendations to ensure County compensation programs, policies and practices are effective.
   • Directs and supports staff to investigate and implement techniques for creating, streamlining, and enhancing processes and services.
   • Provides mentoring and coaching to compensation team and administrative groups.
3. Participates in and contributes to the development of departmental and County-level goals, objectives and strategic plans and establishes criteria and standards for achievement.
4. Leads the development and implementation of relevant departmental and annual County goals.
5. Leads the development, planning and implementation of programs related to Compensation and Classification systems.
6. Conducts research and analysis for special projects and recommends appropriate actions.
7. Counsels County management regarding programs, policies, procedures. Research policy manuals, regulations, past practices and union contracts to provide clarity and ensure compliance.
8. Initiates, develops, and revises personnel and Human Resources policies, procedures, and programs.
9. Works with Human Resources Generalist and Department Managers with assessing, making changes, providing guidance and expertise to the job evaluation and classification system.
10. Develops and maintains effective working relationships and communication with peers within the Human Resources Department and other County departments.
11. May represent the County as the subject matter expert to external agencies and on internal workgroups.
12. Develops Requests for Board Approval (RBAs) for various contracts or projects to present to county board of commissioners.
13. Works closely with vendors on statement of work, contracts, and renewals annually.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities and Work Environment

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in compensation design and administration.
• Demonstrated knowledge of evaluating jobs and classifying them in their appropriate classification.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently.
• Ability and skill to develop, design, implement and monitor comprehensive programs, systems, policies, and procedures in the compensation area.
• Comprehensive knowledge and advanced skills in Microsoft Office programs.
• Knowledge of employment laws and regulations, compensation trends, and human resource practices and principles.
• Deep knowledge of the Fair Labor Standards Act and other compensation-related laws and regulations.
• Knowledge of government functions and organizations affecting County government.
• Ability to work efficiently and effectively while working on multiple projects at one time.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive cooperative and meaningful working relationships with County staff, representatives of government and private sector, policy makers, the public, and elected officials.
• Ability to understand and apply rules, ordinances, standards, and guidelines.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to deliver messages and communications professionally and positively.
• Ability and skills to determine priorities, and to organize and delegate work.
• Ability to organize work tasks and use time effectively.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Sedentary or light physical requirements including a lifting requirement of up to 20 pounds on an occasional basis. Equipment used may include a laptop, printer, telephone, copier, fax, and calculator.

Benefits

• Comprehensive and affordable medical, dental, vision, and other benefits
• Excellent work-life balance
• Generous paid time off (accrual rate starts at four weeks per year)
• Eleven paid holidays and one floating holiday each year
• Pension with a generous employer contribution
• Ability to work from home some of the time

Selection Process

• You submit an online application that includes supplemental questions
• We assign you a score based on your qualifications
• Top scoring candidates are referred to the hiring manager for interview consideration
• We conduct interviews and reference checks before extending an offer
• We extend an offer and conduct background checks