Human Resources Principal Personnel Officer

City of Boston; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Boston is seeking a Principal Personnel Officer in the Human Resources Division to oversee retirement processes, generate workforce analytics, and respond to official data requests. The role demands strong HRIS/reporting skills and the ability to handle confidential information with discretion.

Responsibilities include managing retirement documentation, producing regular and ad hoc reports on attrition and staffing, coordinating with City HR and the retirement board, and supporting major

Qualifications

• 4+ years of HR/professional experience in employee records, benefits or HR reporting.
• Bachelor’s degree may substitute for up to 2 years; Master’s for up to 3 years.
• Experience with HRIS such as PeopleSoft, Oracle, SAP and running queries for reports.
• Proficiency in MS Office and Google Workspace with strong Excel skills.
• Ability to translate HR data into clear reports and dashboards.
• Strong organizational skills and discretion with sensitive data and public records requests.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage retirement processes and prepare salary/benefit documentation for retirees.
• Create and deliver recurring and ad hoc reports on attrition and staffing.
• Serve as HR Division contact for surveys; collect and submit data by deadlines.
• Respond to public records requests and internal data inquiries as required.
• Maintain HRIS records and audit queries for accuracy; develop reporting templates.
• Assist with recruit class processing, promotional exam administration, and compliance cycles.
• Perform related work as required.

Skills

HRIS reporting

Excel

Data analysis

Public records requests

Discretion

Organization

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in HR / Public Admin / Business

Master’s degree substitution for experience

Tools

PeopleSoft/Oracle/SAP HRIS

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Job description

Overview

Under the direction of the Deputy Director of the Human Resources Division or designee, the Principal Personnel Officer is responsible for managing the retirement process, producing workforce analytics, and responding to official requests for HR and departmental data. The ideal candidate will possess strong technical skills in HRIS and reporting, with the ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.

Overview

Under the direction of the Deputy Director of the Human Resources Division or designee, the Principal Personnel Officer is responsible for managing the retirement process, producing workforce analytics, and responding to official requests for HR and departmental data. The ideal candidate will possess strong technical skills in HRIS and reporting, with the ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.

Responsibilities

• Manage the retirement process, including preparing salary and benefit documentation for retirees and coordinating with City HR and the retirement board to ensure accuracy and timeliness.
• Create and deliver recurring and ad hoc reports on attrition, staffing levels, and other data requests as needed.
• Serve as the HR Division’s point of contact for City, State, and external surveys; collect, verify, and submit accurate data by required deadlines.
• Respond to public records requests and internal data inquiries as legally required.
• Maintain HRIS records, run and audit queries to ensure accuracy, and develop templates for standardized reporting.
• Assist with major HR initiatives, including recruit class processing, promotional exam administration, and annual compliance cycles.
• Perform related work as required.

Minimum Entrance Qualifications

• Applicants must have at least four (4) years of full-time or equivalent part-time paid professional experience in human resources, administration, or a closely related field, with a focus on employee records, benefits administration, or human resources reporting.
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Public Administration, Business, or a related field may substitute for up to two (2) years of the required experience; a Master’s degree may substitute for up to three (3) years.
• Demonstrated experience with a Human Resources Information System (HRIS) such as PeopleSoft, Oracle, SAP, or comparable systems, including running queries and producing reports.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace, with strong Microsoft Excel skills (including pivot tables, charts, and formulas) for data analysis and reporting.
• Able to translate complex HR data into easily digestible reports and dashboards.
• Strong organizational skills with proven ability to manage sensitive data, confidential records, and public records requests in compliance with legal and policy requirements.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, attention to detail, and discretion in handling employee information.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare clear reports and respond professionally to information requests.

Criminal Record Check Required

PRE-EMPLOYMENT DRUG TEST REQUIRED

Terms

BOSTON RESIDENCY REQUIRED

Union/Salary Plan/Grade: SENA/MM1-4

Hours per week: 35

The City of Boston is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite applications from all qualified individuals and do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other protected category.