Assistant Director of Human Resources

Dallas County, IA; Adel (IA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Dallas County is seeking an energetic Assistant Director of Human Resources to lead HR operations in a growing local government setting. The role partners with the HR Director to oversee benefits, leaves, payroll, recruitment, workers’ compensation, safety programs, onboarding, compliance, and a broad range of HR initiatives.

The Assistant Director serves as Acting HR Director in the Director’s absence and drives policy development, program implementation, and best practices across HR functions

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 5–7 years of HR experience, preferably in government.
• Comprehensive knowledge of HR laws, payroll, benefits, safety and risk management, recruitment and compensation principles.
• Experience administering FMLA, benefits programs, and employee leaves.
• HRIS and payroll systems familiarity; Tyler Technologies software (Tyler ERP) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support the HR Director and lead administration of benefits, leaves, payroll, recruitment, safety programs, onboarding, compliance, and HR initiatives.
• Oversee workers’ compensation program, OSHA reporting, and safety training implementation.
• Administer compensation programs and employee leave management, including FMLA.
• Manage benefits administration, onboarding/offboarding, open enrollment, vendor coordination, payroll reconciliation, and regulatory compliance.
• Process and track STD claims and coordinate with third-party admins for pay and reporting.
• Oversee COBRA administration, maintain HRIS data, and support ACA reporting.
• Support performance evaluation process and guidance to department leaders.
• Assist with bi-weekly payroll and provide backup for payroll operations.

Skills

HR laws

Payroll

Benefits administration

FMLA

Employee leaves

HRIS

Payroll systems

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Tyler ERP

Job description

Dallas County is seeking an energetic, forward-thinking Assistant Director of Human Resources to help lead and strengthen Human Resource operations within a dynamic and growing local government organization. This role is ideal for a collaborative Human Resource professional who thrives in the public sector, excels at navigating complex administrative challenges, and is committed to delivering exceptional service to employees at all levels of the County.

As a key member of the Human Resources team, the Assistant Director serves as a strategic partner to the Human Resources Director in leading and advancing the County's Human Resources functions. Working in close collaboration with the Director, this position takes a lead role in the administration and oversight of benefits, employee leaves, payroll, recruitment, workers' compensation, safety programs, onboarding, compliance, and a broad range of Human Resources initiatives that support efficient County operations. The Assistant Director helps drive departmental goals, provides guidance and support across HR functions, and contributes to the development and implementation of policies, programs, and best practices. This position also serves as Acting Human Resources Director in the Director's absence, ensuring continuity of leadership and service.

• Support the overall management and administration of Human Resources for Dallas County and serve as acting Director of Human Resources when required.
• Oversee the workers’ compensation program, including claim monitoring, OSHA reporting, and coordination with injured employees, while supporting the implementation of safety training programs.
• Administer compensation programs and employee leave management, including FMLA and other protected leaves. Responsibilities include guiding employees through the FMLA process, reviewing eligibility, tracking leave, and ensuring compliance with state and federal laws.
• Manage benefits administration—including onboarding and offboarding, open enrollment, vendor coordination, monthly reconciliation, and compliance with regulatory requirements and collective bargaining agreements.
• Process and track Short-Term Disability (STD) claims and coordinate with third-party administrators to ensure accurate pay and reporting.
• Oversee COBRA administration, maintain accurate HRIS data, and support ACA reporting requirements.
• Support the performance evaluation process and provide guidance to department leaders.
• Assist with the bi-weekly payroll process in partnership with HR staff and serve as the primary backup for payroll operations.
• Assist in maintaining and troubleshooting the County’s employee timecard system to ensure accurate timekeeping and smooth system functionality.
• Assist with overseeing County recruitment programs and related initiatives.
• Maintain tracking tools for leave not captured in the HRIS and ensure accurate recordkeeping across all HR systems.
• Build strong relationships with internal and external partners, including County leadership, elected officials, vendors, and regulatory agencies.

• Bachelor’s degree and 5–7 years of relevant Human Resources experience required—preferably in the government sector.
• Comprehensive knowledge of Human Resource laws, regulations, and best practices, including employment law, payroll requirements, benefits administration, safety and risk management, recruitment, and compensation principles.
• Experience administering FMLA, benefits programs, and employee leaves.
• Familiarity with HRIS and payroll systems; experience withTyler Technologies software (e.g., Tyler ERP) is highly preferred.
• Strong communication, problem-solving, planning, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to manage complex projects and competing deadlines.
• A collaborative leadership style and the ability to support HR team members while independently managing critical Human Resources functions.

Why Join Dallas County?

As one of Iowa’s fastest-growing counties, Dallas County offers an engaging work environment where your Human Resource expertise can have a meaningful impact. You’ll join a supportive team, collaborate with leaders across the organization, and help develop initiatives that strengthen both County operations and the community we serve.

The statements above describe the general nature and level of work performed in this classification and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or required skills. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement and may be modified as organizational needs evolve.

Dallas County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, minorities, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Dallas County participates in E-Verify.