Human Resources Director B

Nigel Wright Consultancy Ltd (UK); Baton Rouge (LA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Louisiana Economic Development seeks an experienced HR Director to lead the agency’s comprehensive human resources program. You will oversee administration, classification and compensation, recruitment, payroll, benefits, performance management, and compliance with Civil Service Rules and federal/state laws.

You will supervise HR staff, advise management on HR policies, and manage audits, reporting, and employee relations to ensure effective, compliant operations across the organization.

Qualifications

• Eight years of human resources experience
• Six years of full-time experience in any field plus five years of human resources experience
• A bachelor’s degree plus five years of human resources experience
• An advanced degree in human resources, business administration, public administration, industrial and organizational psychology, organizational behavior, or a Juris Doctorate plus four years of human resources experience

Responsibilities

• Direct employee administration and ensure personnel and payroll actions are processed accurately and timely in LaGov HCM.
• Advise management and employees on Civil Service Rules, employment laws, HR policies, organizational structure, and personnel matters.
• Maintain organizational units, positions, reporting structures, and related data; conduct audits and resolve complex system or payroll issues.
• Administer ADA accommodations, EEO programs, HR training, personnel reporting, and critical employee-action reminders.

Skills

HR leadership

Regulatory guidance

Policy advisory

People management

Education

Bachelor's degree HR or related

Advanced degree in HR/business/public administration/IO psychology/organizational behavior or JD

Job description

The mission of Louisiana Economic Development is to cultivate jobs and economic opportunity for the people of Louisiana.

Position Summary

Under the broad direction of the Deputy Undersecretary 1, the HR Director leads Louisiana Economic Development's comprehensive human resources program. Areas of responsibility include employee administration, classification and compensation, recruitment, payroll, benefits, performance management, employee relations, training, EEO, ADA, FMLA, workers' compensation, safety, and regulatory compliance. The position ensures HR programs comply with Civil Service Rules, agency policies, audit requirements, and applicable state and federal laws.

• Eight years of human resources experience; OR
• Six years of full-time experience in any field plus five years of human resources experience; OR
• A bachelor’s degree plus five years of human resources experience; OR
• An advanced degree in human resources, business administration, public administration, industrial and organizational psychology, organizational behavior, or a Juris Doctorate plus four years of human resources experience.

Experience Substitution

Every 30 semester hours earned from an accredited college or university will be credited as one year of experience towards the six years of full-time work experience in any field. The maximum substitution allowed is 120 semester hours which substitutes for a maximum of four years of experience in any field.

Designation as a Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) or Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP), Professional in Human Resources (PHR), or a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) will substitute for a maximum of one year of the required experience.

The official job specifications for this role, as defined by the State Civil Service, can be found here.

Job Duties

Administration

• Direct employee administration and ensure personnel and payroll actions are processed accurately and timely in LaGov HCM.
• Advise management and employees on Civil Service Rules, employment laws, HR policies, organizational structure, and personnel matters.
• Maintain organizational units, positions, reporting structures, and related data; conduct audits and resolve complex system or payroll issues.
• Administer ADA accommodations, EEO programs, HR training, personnel reporting, and critical employee-action reminders.

Classification and Pay

• Lead job classification, position allocation, job studies, position descriptions, and organizational reviews.
• Oversee recruitment, selection, promotion, and employment records while promoting compliant hiring practices.
• Administer compensation and special-pay programs, evaluate internal equity and fiscal impact, and complete required Civil Service reporting.
• Participate in workforce and long-range strategic planning.

Payroll and Benefits

• Direct benefits administration for health insurance, retirement, deferred compensation, flexible benefits, and miscellaneous vendors.
• Counsel employees and retirees on benefit options, eligibility, enrollment, and retirement requirements while maintaining required documentation.
• Oversee payroll activities, including leave, overtime, FMLA, off-cycle payments, overpayments, workers' compensation, deductions, DROP, and retirement.
• Monitor LaGov reports to ensure accurate payments, identify discrepancies, and protect data integrity.

Supervision

• Directly supervise one Human Resources Supervisor and oversee the work of three HR employees.
• Assign and evaluate work, provide guidance, identify training needs, and initiate corrective action when necessary.

Discipline and Grievances

• Administer disciplinary and grievance programs fairly and consistently under Civil Service Rules and department policies.
• Counsel employees and management to resolve workplace concerns before formal action becomes necessary.
• Review disciplinary recommendations, ensure proper documentation, consult legal counsel, prepare correspondence, and represent LED at appeal hearings.

General Administration

• Coordinate with Civil Service and other agencies, complete reports and special projects, and serve on assigned committees or task forces.
• Review OGB invoices, maintain professional expertise through training, and perform other duties assigned by executive management.

Position Specific Details

Appointment Type: Open & Promotional

Contact Information

If you have any questions, please contact:

Dawn Thibodeaux

Deputy Undersecretary

[e-mail]

Louisiana Economic Development is a State as a Model Employer (SAME) agency that supports improved employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.