HR ADMINISTRATOR IV

State of Maryland; Maryland; On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) is seeking an HR Administrator IV/Deputy HR Director to manage daily HR operations and act as lead for Classification and Compensation. The role requires strong organizational and problem-solving skills within a state personnel system and the ability to work across multi-functional HR programs.

The position reports to the CHRO and involves supervising staff, extending job offers statewide, and ensuring compliance with SPMS, FLSA, FMLA, and ADA.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Four years of HR generalist or specialist experience.
• Experience in classification and compensation, recruitment, and employee relations.

Responsibilities

• Support HR Director in managerial administration of HR programs.
• Supervise HR staff and oversee daily HR operations.
• Process salary placements and offers in compliance with SPMS/COMAR 17.
• Lead classification and compensation initiatives and policy updates.
• Represent management in personnel proceedings and negotiations.

Skills

HR generalist

data analysis

leadership

policy interpretation

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Excel

SPMS

SPS

Job description

Introduction

As a State agency, Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. MOPD is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, physical or mental disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status or genetic information.

Introduction

As a State agency, Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. MOPD is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, physical or mental disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status or genetic information. All applicants must be able to communicate with clients and visitors and possess the ability to complete tasks in a fast-paced work environment. Applicants must be able to work in various positions, and travel to various courtrooms and office environments throughout the state. MOPD is further committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs and activities by modifying or adjusting the job application process or the job or work environment to make reasonable accommodations to the known applicant or employee to enable the applicant or employee be considered for the position they desire; to perform the essential functions of the position in question; or to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment as are enjoyed by other similarly situated employees without disabilities, unless the accommodation imposes an undue hardship. Applicants must be able to operate a computer and other office equipment. Applicants must have access to a motor vehicle or be able to navigate public transportation. If a reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact Tawanda Jackson, Human Resources Supervisor, 410-767-8503 [e-mail]

The Office of the Public Defender is currently seeking applicants for an Assistant HR Director / Deputy HR Director position at our Central Human Resources Division, located in Baltimore City, Maryland. The primary responsibility for this role is to serve as a Generalist Managerial administrator who assists the HR Director in managing daily, multi-functional agency HR operations and serves as the lead technical expert for the agency's Classification and Compensation program. We are looking for candidates who possess excellent organizational, administrative, and problem-solving skills in high-level human resources management.

GRADE

STD0021

LOCATION OF POSITION

6 St. Paul Street, Baltimore, MD 21202

Main Purpose of Job

A Human Resources (HR) Administrator IV is a managerial-level professional who works in the administration of HR programs in the State Personnel Management System (SPMS). Professional HR work is characterized by the use of knowledge, discretion and independent judgment in the interpretation and application of HR laws, regulations, policies and guidelines to address a variety of administrative activities, problems, issues, and projects. This position oversees daily, multi-functional HR operations and exercises delegated operational authority on behalf of the HR Director/CHRO during their absence. The incumbent will serve as the agency's working lead and technical expert for Classification and Compensation.

POSITION DUTIES

• Serve as the primary operational assistant to the HR Director in the managerial administration of overall agency HR programs.
• Directly supervise the HR Recruitment Manager and subordinate classification/generalist staff.
• Extend all job offers for Core Staff statewide, determining start dates and salary placements in compliance with SPMS and COMAR Title 17.
• Function as the agency's working lead and technical expert for Classification and Compensation.
• Review, approve, and process Acting Pay requests across the agency.
• Evaluate benchmark reclassification requests, non-competitive promotions, vacancy downgrades, and pay plan amendments.
• Execute specialized, high-priority projects assigned directly by the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), including drafting proposed HR policy revisions and executive reports.
• Interpret and apply HR laws, COMAR Title 17 regulations, FLSA, FMLA, ADA, and SPMS guidelines across employee relations, recruitment, and generalist functions.
• Assume full operational authority to act on behalf of the HR Director or CHRO during their absence, following required consultation protocols.
• Represent management in administrative step conferences, settlement discussions, or legislative/court proceedings regarding personnel matters.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.

Experience: Four (4) years of professional human resources generalist or specialist experience involving classification and compensation, recruitment and employment, employee relations, policy formulation, or HR program evaluation.

Notes

• Additional professional HR management experience or paraprofessional personnel work experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for up to four (4) years of the required education.
• Graduate credit hours (30 credits) in HR management, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related fields may substitute for up to two (2) years of the required experience.
• U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in HR management classifications may substitute on a year-for-year basis.

Preferred Qualifications

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Proven experience building accurate spreadsheets and reports to satisfy data requests from executive leadership, budget authorities (such as DBM), union representatives, and legislative bodies.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (including pivot tables, data summaries, personnel budgeting, and forecasting) with a demonstrated ability to analyze complex workforce, position, and salary data.
• Experience managing classification and compensation programs, including evaluating reclassification requests and executing salary reviews.
• Demonstrated experience in extending job offers, calculating salary placements, and processing complex personnel transactions.
• Proven experience in supervising or managing subordinate professional HR staff and coordinating unit workflows.
• Advanced knowledge of state and federal employment laws, COMAR Title 17, FLSA, FMLA, and ADA.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

Employees in this classification are required to obtain certification in State Personnel Management System (SPMS) policies and procedures and in the functionality of the Statewide Personnel System (SPS) within six (6) months from the time of appointment, with recertification required every six (6) months thereafter. Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator’s license valid in the State of Maryland.

SELECTION PROCESS

Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date. Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified and placed on the eligible (employment) list for at least one year.

EXAMINATION PROCESS

The examination will consist of a rating of your education, training and experience related to the requirements of the position. You may be required to complete a qualifications supplement, or the rating may be based on your application. Therefore, you must provide complete and accurate information on your application. Report all experience and education that is related to this position.