Human Resources Director

Zelle Human Resource Solutions; Lincoln (NE); On-site; USD 150,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation 120 hours/yr

Sick leave 104 hours/yr

11 paid holidays + 3 personal days

Health insurance start first month

Retirement with employer match

Job summary

Zelle Human Resource Solutions is seeking a Human Resources Director to guide the development and future direction of a county-wide HR function. You will provide strategic leadership across all HR operations while shaping the vision, structure, and future of the department.

The role requires extensive independent judgment, confidentiality, and a deep understanding of public-sector HR practices, labor relations, and legal compliance, with a focus on aligning workforce planning with County goals.

Qualifications

• Extensive expertise in public sector HR administration.
• Comprehensive knowledge of employment laws and regulations.
• Strong leadership and management capabilities.
• Demonstrated ability to direct a comprehensive HR program and implement effective solutions.
• Thorough knowledge of budgetary principles and methods.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for all County-wide HR functions.
• Advise County leadership on workforce planning, structure, and personnel administration.
• Lead initiatives to improve organizational effectiveness and mitigate HR risk.
• Direct talent acquisition and workforce planning for county operations.
• Oversee compensation and classification initiatives and benefits programs.
• Serve as strategic advisor on workforce, financial matters, and compliance.

Skills

Public HR administration

Employment laws

Leadership

HR program management

Budget principles

Communication & relationships

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

This is an exciting opportunity to guide the development and future direction of a county-wide HR function. As the Human Resources Director, you will provide strategic leadership across all HR operations while shaping the vision, structure, and future of the department. The ideal candidate will bring deep HR expertise, strong leadership and communication skills, and a passion for serving employees and the community through HR practices.

Salary Range: $150,000 - $180,000

NATURE OF WORK

Under the direction of the County Board of Commissioners, the Human Resources Director will perform highly responsible administrative work, providing strategic leadership and oversight for all County-wide human resources (HR) functions and serving as the department head of the Human Resources Department (Department).

Work involves developing, implementing, and managing comprehensive HR programs, including recruitment, compensation, employee and labor relations, leave administration, benefits, training and workforce development, organizational development, succession planning, policy administration, HR information systems, safety programming, and compliance with employment laws and regulations. The Human Resources Director leads and supervises Department staff, oversees Department operations and performance, and serves as a strategic advisor to County leadership on workforce planning, labor relations, organizational effectiveness, and legal compliance. The role requires extensive independent judgment, discretion, and confidentiality. This is an unclassified position.

EXAMPLES OF WORK

Participate in leadership meetings to develop strategic plans, establish policies, and make decisions impacting County operations and services.

Advise County leadership on HR matters, including workforce planning, organizational structure, employee relations, and personnel administration.

Lead initiatives to improve organizational effectiveness, mitigate employment-related risk, and align workforce strategies with County goals.

Lead talent acquisition and workforce planning efforts and the recruitment and retention of a qualified workforce.

Lead County-wide compensation and classification initiatives.

Serve as a key member of the County's collective bargaining team.

Lead workplace investigations in partnership with legal counsel.

Promote a positive and productive workplace culture.

Develop and direct County-wide benefits and wellness strategies.

Direct County-wide compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.

Direct workforce development, succession planning, employee engagement, and organizational effectiveness programs.

Provide strategic oversight of the County's HR information systems.

Lead the development and use of workforce analytics, reporting, and technology solutions.

Serve as a strategic advisor on workforce and personnel-related financial matters.

Act as secretary to the County Personnel Policy Board.

Collaborate with County Risk Management regarding leave administration, workplace safety, workers' compensation, and risk management.

Represent the Department through professional contacts and legislative matters.

Perform other duties as necessary.

DESIRABLE KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

Extensive expertise in public sector HR administration.

Comprehensive knowledge of employment laws and regulations.

Strong leadership and management capabilities.

Demonstrated ability to direct a comprehensive HR program and implement effective solutions.

Thorough knowledge of budgetary principles and methods.

Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with relevant major coursework and eight years of progressively responsible professional HR experience, including at least five years of senior management or executive-level experience directing HR programs, personnel, budgets, and organizational initiatives.

BENEFITS

• Vacation: 120 hours per year
• Sick leave: 104 hours per year
• 11 paid holidays plus 3 personal convenience days annually
• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance begin the first of the month following hire; FSA options are also available
• Post-employment health plan: County contributes $25 per pay period after six months of employment
• Life insurance: $50,000
• Retirement: 8% employee contribution with an 8% County match
• Paid parental leave: Up to six weeks, usable within 12 months following birth, adoption, or foster placement