Human Resources Principal Personnel Officer

Boston; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Boston's Human Resources Division seeks a Principal Personnel Officer to manage retirement processes, generate workforce analytics, and respond to official HR data requests. The role requires handling sensitive information with discretion and strong HRIS and reporting skills.

Responsibilities include coordinating with City HR and the retirement board, delivering regular and ad hoc reports on attrition and staffing, responding to public records requests, maintaining HRIS records, and

Qualifications

• Requires experience with HRIS and reporting; ability to translate HR data into reports and dashboards.
• Experience with public records requests and confidential data handling is essential.
• Proficiency in Excel (pivot tables, charts, formulas) for data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Manage retirement process and prepare salary/benefit docs for retirees.
• Create recurring and ad hoc reports on attrition and staffing levels.
• 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 develop templates for standardized reporting.
• Assist with recruit class processing, promotional exams, and compliance cycles.
• Perform related work as required.

Skills

HRIS reporting

Data analysis

Discretion/confidentiality

Public records requests handling

Excel

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Public Administration, or related field

Tools

PeopleSoft

Oracle

SAP

Job description

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.

• 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.

• 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 TESTREQUIRED

BOSTON RESIDENCY REQUIRED

Terms:

Union/Salary Plan/Grade: SENA/MM1-4
Hours per week: 35