Human Resources Manager

Vermont League of Cities and Towns; Colchester (VT); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The Town of Colchester is seeking a collaborative and experienced Human Resources Manager to oversee the Town’s HR functions, including recruitment, benefits and compensation administration, training opportunities, and employee relations. This full-time, on-site role reports to the Town Manager and requires strong communication and discretion.

Ideal candidates will have a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent experience), 3–5 years of HR experience, and relevant certifications (PHR/SPHR or

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in HR, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field preferred; equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Minimum of three to five years of progressive HR experience; equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• PHR/SPHR, SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP, or equivalent HR certification preferred.
• Ability to communicate clearly in writing and verbally.
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with sound independent judgment in day-to-day HR decisions.

Responsibilities

• Oversee talent acquisition, benefits and compensation administration.
• Assist with staff training and development opportunities and resources.
• Foster and reinforce a positive workplace culture and support employee engagement and relations.
• Ensure compliance with relevant labor laws, regulations, and Town policies.
• Collaborate with Town Manager’s Office on higher-risk matters and Town Attorney involvement.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Analytical skills

Discretion with confidential info

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR / Business / Public Administration or related

PHR/SPHR or SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP certification (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Office

HR information systems

Financial information systems

Job description

TOWN OF COLCHESTER
HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER

$80,139.02 - $95,206.28, DOE, w/ an Excellent Benefits Package

The Town of Colchester is seeking a collaborative and experienced Human Resources professional to manage the Town’s human resource functions. This position plays a key role in maintaining a positive workplace culture, supporting employee engagement, and ensuring compliance with all applicable labor laws and regulations.

The HR Manager oversees talent acquisition, benefits and compensation administration, and assists with identifying staff training and development opportunities and resources; fosters and reinforces a positive workplace culture; supports employee engagement and relations; and ensures compliance with relevant labor laws, legislation, and regulations. The HR Manager works closely with the Town Manager’s Office on higher-risk matters and any issues requiring executive-level or Town Attorney involvement.

The Town of Colchester values collaboration, professionalism, and continuous improvement. The HR Manager will join an engaged leadership team that works closely together to support employees, solve complex challenges, and deliver high-quality municipal services. This position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact across the organization while working in a community committed to exceptional public service. This position is an excellent opportunity for an experienced HR Generalist ready to take the next step into a management role, or an HR manager seeking the opportunity to oversee the full range of human resources functions in a collaborative municipal organization. The ideal candidate will have at least three years of professional human resources experience, along with a relevant bachelor’s degree or additional related work experience totaling at least five years. Candidates should demonstrate strong communication, analytical, and organizational skills, the ability to manage confidential information with discretion, and a commitment to supporting Town employees and management alike. The successful candidate will share the Town’s commitment to collaboration, integrity, and exceptional public service.

Position open until filled. The Town of Colchester is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field preferred; equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Minimum of three to five years of progressive HR experience; equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• PHR/SPHR, SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP, or equivalent HR certification preferred.

Special Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to communicate clearly in writing and verbally.
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to manage concurrent, competing deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with sound independent judgment in day-to-day HR decisions.
• Ability to adapt experience and "canned information" to the needs of the organization and employees.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and ability to use human resources information and financial information systems.
• Working knowledge of laws relating to benefits, wage and hour, leave, discrimination, workers' compensation, the ADA, and related areas.
• Ability to appropriately deal with confidential personnel information, honoring both employee and employer responsibilities, rights, and privacy.
• Ability to positively and professionally interact with, and represent HR to, Town employees, elected officials, state entities, and members of the general public.
• Genuine, working empathy for Town employees as the organization's most important resource.
• Willingness to work on site full-time, supporting town employees with in-person communication and connection.