Administrative Hearing Officer

International Public Management Association for Human Resources; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 65,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The International Public Management Association for Human Resources seeks an Administrative Hearing Officer to support City Manager’s Office functions in Kansas City, MO. The role involves presiding over hearings, advising on disciplinary procedures, and ensuring due process in municipal disputes.

Candidates should have a Juris Doctorate, Missouri Bar admission or reciprocity, and prefer experience leading hearings and knowledge of labor and employment law.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
• 1 year legal experience involving administrative hearings, administrative law, municipal law, labor and employment law, litigation, arbitration, grievance administration, workplace investigations, regulatory compliance or closely related area.
• Must be admitted to the Missouri Bar or a jurisdiction with reciprocity.
• Certification as a Certified Hearing Officer by the National Association of Hearing Officials is preferred and must be maintained throughout employment.
• Experience presiding over administrative hearings, arbitrations, mediations, grievance proceedings or other contested matters is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Presides over informal administrative hearings, appeals, and related proceedings for City departments as required by City Code and HR Manual.
• Establishes hearing schedules, deadlines, and procedures to support efficient and fair resolution of disciplinary matters.
• Receives, reviews, and evaluates testimony, exhibits, records, and other relevant evidence.
• Rules on procedural issues, admissibility questions, continuance requests, and related matters within delegated authority.
• Ensures hearings are conducted impartially and in accordance with due process requirements.
• Maintains and applies in-depth knowledge of applicable ordinances, regulations, policies, labor agreements, and relevant legal authority.
• Analyzes evidence and apply legal and administrative standards to decide cases.
• Drafts clear, well-reasoned findings of fact, conclusions, determinations, and recommendations.
• Maintains accurate, complete, and confidential hearing records and case documentation.
• Coordinates with City departments, Human Resources staff, legal counsel, union representatives, appellants, respondents, witnesses, and members of the public as needed and appropriate to perform the functions of the job.

Education

Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school

Job description

The City Manager’s Office provides executive leadership and operational oversight to ensure efficient, cost-effective delivery of municipal services under the council–manager form of government. The office serves as a strategic advisor to the mayor and City Council, supporting policy development, budget preparation, and organizational direction. Oversees department leadership appointments, enforces municipal laws and ordinances, and coordinates citywide operations and programs. The City Manager works to deliver staff support to the City Council and its committees, including policy analysis and implementation. Manages high-profile, citywide initiatives and special events, ensuring successful coordination across departments and stakeholders.

• Presides over informal administrative hearings, appeals, and related proceedings for City departments as required by City Code and HR Manual.
• Establishes hearing schedules, deadlines, and procedures to support efficient and fair resolution of disciplinary matters.
• Receives, reviews, and evaluates testimony, exhibits, records, and other relevant evidence.
• Rules on procedural issues, admissibility questions, continuance requests, and related matters within delegated authority.
• Ensures hearings are conducted impartially and in accordance with due process requirements.
• Maintains and applies in-depth knowledge of applicable ordinances, regulations, policies, labor agreements, and relevant legal authority.
• Analyzes evidence and apply legal and administrative standards to decide cases.
• Drafts clear, well-reasoned findings of fact, conclusions, determinations, and recommendations.
• Maintains accurate, complete, and confidential hearing records and case documentation.
• Coordinates with City departments, Human Resources staff, legal counsel, union representatives, appellants, respondents, witnesses, and members of the public as needed and appropriate to perform the functions of the job.
• Monitors compliance with procedural deadlines and notice requirements.
• Recommends process improvements that enhance consistency, efficiency, and legal compliance with due process.
• Provides technical guidance to City staff regarding hearing procedures.
• Participates in professional development and training related to administrative law, ethics, records management, and due process.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

REQUIRES:

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school:
• 1 year legal experience involving administrative hearings, administrative law, municipal law, labor and employment law, litigation, arbitration, grievance administration, workplace investigations, regulatory compliance or closely related area.
• Must be admitted to the Missouri Bar or a jurisdiction with reciprocity.
• Certification as a Certified Hearing Officer by the National Association of Hearing Officials is preferred and must be maintained throughout employment.
• Experience presiding over administrative hearings, arbitrations, mediations, grievance proceedings or other contested matters is preferred. Public sector or labor and employment experience is also preferred.