Human Resources Director

City of St Joseph; Kalamazoo (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Texas Township seeks an experienced Human Resources Director to manage the full scope of HR functions. The role partners with the Township Superintendent and department heads to support recruitment, benefits, employee relations, compliance, payroll oversight, training, and policy development.

The position leads workplace investigations, labor relations, and compensation programs while maintaining confidential HR records and internal controls. Public sector experience is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible HR experience, preferably in a public/municipal setting.
• Michigan Driver's License required.
• SHRM or equivalent certification preferred; ability to obtain within one year may be required.

Responsibilities

• Lead recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and offboarding processes.
• Onboard new employees, elected officials, and committee members.
• Oversee payroll processing in coordination with the Clerks' Office.
• Maintain and update personnel policies and ensure legal compliance.
• Manage employee benefits programs and open enrollment.
• Oversee performance management, training, and development initiatives.
• Lead employee relations, conflict resolution and corrective actions.
• Serve as ADA and FMLA coordinator and ensure leave-law compliance.
• Assist in labor relations and collective bargaining administration.
• Develop and maintain internal HR communications programs.
• Serve as primary HR resource to Superintendent and department leaders on personnel matters.
• Maintain confidential HR records and documentation.
• Administer compensation and classification programs.
• Coordinate workers' compensation and OSHA reporting; manage risk with carriers.
• Develop standardized HR procedures and internal controls.
• Conduct workplace investigations into complaints or policy violations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

HR knowledge

Communication

Microsoft Office

HR software

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

HR software

Job description

The Human Resources Director is responsible for the full scope of human resources functions for Texas Township and serves as the primary HR professional within the organization. This position reports to the Township Superintendent and works with Department Heads to support recruitment, benefits administration, employee relations, labor relations, compliance, payroll oversight, training, employee engagement, and policy development. The HR Director plays a key role in maintaining a positive, respectful, and legally compliant workplace.

Duties

• Lead recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and offboarding processes.
• Onboard new employees, elected officials, and committee members to ensure a smooth transition into Township service.
• Oversee payroll processing in coordination with the Clerks' Office to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Maintain and update personnel policies; ensure compliance with applicable employment laws.
• Manage employee benefits programs, open enrollment, and vendor coordination.
• Oversee performance management, training, and employee development initiatives.
• Lead employee relations, conflict resolution, and corrective actions.
• Serve as the ADA and FMLA coordinator, ensuring compliance with leave laws.
• Assist in labor relations and collective bargaining agreement administration, including contract interpretation, grievance administration, disciplinary matters, and participation in collective bargaining negotiations.
• Develop and maintain an internal employee communications program.
• Serve as the Township's primary resource to the Superintendent and department leaders on personnel matters, employment practices, and organizational policies.
• Maintain confidential personnel records and HR documentation in accordance with applicable legal and records-retention requirements.
• Administer the Township's compensation and classification program, including job descriptions, wage and salary reviews, and recommendations regarding pay structure.
• Coordinate workers' compensation, workplace injury reporting, OSHA reporting requirements, disability claims, return-to-work processes, and related employee risk management activities, including coordination with insurance carriers and third-party administrators.
• Develop and maintain standardized HR procedures, forms, documentation, and internal controls to promote consistent personnel practices across Township departments.
• Conduct or coordinate workplace investigations involving employee complaints, policy violations, harassment, discrimination, or other personnel matters.
• Other duties as assigned by the Superintendent.

• Bachelor's degree.

• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible human resources experience, preferably in a public sector or municipal setting.

• A Michigan Driver's License and reliable transportation.

• SHRM or equivalent professional HR certification preferred; ability to obtain an approved HR certification within one year of employment may be required.

Preferred Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:

• Experience as a standalone HR professional or in a small HR department is strongly preferred.
• Thorough knowledge of federal and state employment laws, including FMLA, ADA, FLSA, Title VII, and Michigan-specific regulations.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build effective working relationships across all levels of the organization.
• Ability to manage sensitive and confidential matters with discretion and professionalism.Excellent organizational and critical thinking skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and ability to learn and use HR software and systems.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and projects independently.
• Experience with unionized workforces, collective bargaining, grievance administration, and labor contract interpretation preferred.