The City of DeKalb, Illinois Announces a Recruitment For Human Resources Director
COMMUNITY BACKGROUND The area today known as DeKalb has a long, colorful history that began to unfold in the early 1800s. Settlers from the east coast were attracted to the area by the rich farmland and abundant natural resources. Agriculture was the primary economic activity. The area began to grow and develop with the arrival of the Chicago and North Western railroad in the mid-1800s. The area s prime location brought easier shipping of local crops to larger markets such as Chicago. In 1873, local farmer Joseph Glidden developed barbed wire and began commercial mass production of his new invention designed to manage animals in large pastures. However, another entrepreneur later claimed to invent barbed wire. After 18 years of legal wrangling, Glidden s patent was declared the winner, thereby assuring DeKalb a place in history and the nickname Barb City. The DeKalb County Farm Bureau, the first organization of its kind, was established in 1912. In the 1930s, the DeKalb AgResearch Corporation marketed its first hybrid seed corn. The founding of Northern Illinois State Normal School in 1895 permanently changed DeKalb s landscape by adding education, cultural and sporting events to complement and enhance the lifestyle of DeKalb residents and visitors. The 756-acre campus became known as Northern Illinois University (NIU) in 1957. Today, NIU is the second-largest university in the State of Illinois system, with 22,000 students and is the largest employer in DeKalb. DeKalb has evolved from primarily an agri-business and manufacturing town, into a regional economic engine with its access to the I-88 and I-39 corridors. DeKalb has a history and culture of innovation. Whether you are looking for small town charm or a progressive area, DeKalb is a unique city which takes pride in its farming roots, is embracing growth, celebrating its diversity and is advancing the abundant opportunities that have been brought its way. DeKalb is the cultural hub of the county. Art galleries, Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra, the Municipal Band, live theater, dance, arena concerts, independent films and championship sports are all in DeKalb s back yard. DeKalb has 40 area parks, 3 major bike trails and the art deco Egyptian Theatre. In January, 2016, The City of DeKalb advanced to the semifinals in the America s Best Communities competition and they are committed to winning. DeKalb is one of 15 communities nationwide and the only community in Illinois to advance to the semifinals. The Kishwaukee River flows northward through the city, offering recreational opportunities. The community has an outstanding school system. In 2013, DeKalb High School District 428 was ranked among the best in Illinois by U.S. News and World Report. The DeKalb Public Library has served the community for more than 100 years and will complete an extensive, $25.3M expansion project in August 2016. DeKalb Municipal Government Council Manager form of government with a Mayor who is elected at large for a four year term City Council consists of seven Alderpersons in addition to the Mayor City Council approves the annual municipal budget and decides on taxing levels to fund municipal services Council establishes policies, goals, and objectives to direct the City s growth and development. The Council adopts ordinances, rules and regulations as necessary for the general welfare of the community and its visitors City Manager directs the day-to-day services and operations of the City The City has a $35 million general fund operating budget for FY 2016 201 full time employees and 66 part time employees Departments: City Manager s Office, Community Development, Human Resources, Fire, Police, Public Works and Finance which includes the Information Technology division There are three unions in the City: IAFF, FOP, and AFSCME
HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR The Human Resources Director plans and directs the City human resource management programs including recruitment, personnel policy administration, performance management, organizational development and training, talent management, workers compensation, risk management, employee and labor relations, compensation management, employee benefits, wellness programs and HRIS. The Human Resources Director will develop a human resources strategic plan, practices and programs while identifying innovative solutions to streamline and enhance overall effectiveness. The position of Human Resources Director is a department head level position and key member of the executive team, who reports to the Assistant City Manager. The position is a full time exempt position requiring attendance at meetings outside of regular business hours including weekends. The Human Resources Director works in an office environment and is frequently away from the department attending meetings in other locations. This position routinely handles highly sensitive and/or confidential information. This position will also experience constant contact with internal staff and the community at large. The Human Resources Director will lead and supervise a team. Education Minimum Qualifications Master s Degree or the ability to complete a Master s Degree in agreed upon timeframe in Human Resource Management, Business Administration, Organizational Development, Public Administration or related field required. Certifications through SHRM, HRCI or IPMA-HR strongly preferred. Experience Minimum of six years of progressively responsible administrative human resources experience required. Specific experience is necessary in several of the following: employee & labor relations, HRIS, compensation, benefits administration, recruitment or training. Minimum of three years of supervisory experience. Strong working knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) required. Previous experience or ability to gain proficiency with an ERP, document management, HRIS, performance management and applicant tracking systems required.
JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES Manages the overall administration and operations of the Human Resources Department services and programs. Develops human resources staff to ensure continual professional growth as content matter experts in related disciplines. Directs labor and employee relations activities. Manages and participates in negotiations, mediation, arbitration and unfair labor practices. Assists in resolving of labor disputes and serves as a liaison to collective bargaining units for labor related matters. Consults with executive team on HR related issues, programs and trends. Analyzes and recommends strategic employee initiatives and long-range plans for the Human Resources Department in alignment with the City s vision. Advises managerial staff on employee related matters and contract interpretation. Oversees investigations of workforce complaints and makes recommendations according to City policies and applicable contractual guidelines. Works with legal counsel on contracts, litigation and other legal matters relating to human resources. Directs employee safety initiatives including leading the City s Safety Team program. Directs the City s benefits and wellness programs. Negotiates and manages contracts with providers including health, prescription drug, EAP, workers compensation, wellness and unemployment. Directs the talent management program and initiatives. Recommends and implements succession planning, mentoring and career development opportunities. Manages the performance management process including annual reviews, goal setting, calibration/talent review and 360 review. Manages the City s corrective action and performance improvement plans. Directs the talent acquisition program. Consults with the Executive Team to align recruitment strategies with workforce planning. Ensures compliance with City hiring practices, affirmative action and diversity initiatives. Participates in managerial interviews and candidate selection. Leads citywide training initiatives. Analyzes, recommends and approves training opportunities according to applicable policies and contractual guidelines. Administers the City s compensation program. Evaluates newly created positions and reclassifies positions within the pay plan as needed. Oversees salary surveys, analyzes market data to ensure competitiveness and updates the pay plan accordingly. Reviews recent decisions and legislature changes and advises accordingly. Provides explanations of State and Federal personnel laws, regulations and court cases, which may impact local government human resources policies and procedures. Directs necessary changes to City personnel policies to ensure compliance.
OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS Establishes strong working relationships with employees, management, collective bargaining unit representatives, outside organizations and general public. Plans and implements the human resources annual budget. Monitors the human resources budget to accomplish short and long-term objectives within budgetary guidelines. Analyzes changes in collective bargaining legislature and makes recommendations to City Manager and/or Assistant City Manager. Prepares reports and pertinent documentation for City Manager and/or Assistant City Manager as requested. Conducts and documents employee exit interviews as requested. Attends and participates in professional organizational meetings, seminars and workshops to stay abreast of new trends and innovations related to the human resources field. Serves as a staff liaison to boards, committees, and commissions as assigned. Serves on the Board of Directors for the Intergovernmental Personnel Benefit Cooperative (IPBC). Completes special projects and other duties as assigned. DeKalb advances in America s Best Communities competition: The city of DeKalb is one of 15 communities from across the nation to advance to the next round of the $10 million America s Best Communities competition. About 350 communities across the country entered the competition. DeKalb has advanced to the competition s semifinals in pursuit of the grand prize of up to $3 million. The competition is sponsored by Frontier, DISH Network, CoBank and the Weather Channel with the goal of fostering hope and inspire economic revitalization in small towns and cities across the country. DeKalb is the only community in Illinois remaining in the competition. By advancing to the semifinals, DeKalb is now eligible to win major investments to implement its Community Revitalization Plan, which includes seven key projects to move the community toward achieving its vision. Local government, business and nonprofit leaders worked with NIU s Center for Governmental Studies to develop a plan to improve the area s economy with a focus on arts, local food, education and high technology. City residents have banned together and created a dedicated Proudly DeKalb movement that will bring great contributions to the City regardless of the competition s end result.
HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT The Human Resources Department provides a full range of comprehensive programs. The department reports directly to the Assistant City Manager and is one of seven departments providing numerous services to the City of DeKalb employees, as well as the community at large. The department consists of the Director, an Assistant Director, a Human Resources Generalist and receives support from two Management Interns. The Human Resources Director is responsible for managing the two HR professionals in the department. The Human Resources team is a strategic partner with the operating departments. The HR team collaborates with key internal stakeholders while promoting the City s mission, vision, core values and organizational goals as outlined in the City of DeKalb s 2025 Strategic Plan. Compensation & Benefits The starting salary for the position is $118,000 +/- commensurate with knowledge, skills and experience. The City of DeKalb provides a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision and prescription benefits, life insurance coverage, HSA & flexible spending accounts, deferred compensation and participation in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF). Application Process Interested individuals should submit a cover letter, resume, salary history and five professional references by 5:00 pm on Friday, March 18, 2016 via email to: Michelle Brening HR Generalist michelle.brening@cityofdekalb.com The City of DeKalb is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, military status, gender identity, or disability in employment or the provision of services.
JOB DESCRIPTION DATE APPROVED: 2/18/16 POSITION TITLE: Human Resources Director DEPARTMENT: Human Resources REPORTS TO: Assistant City Manager FLSA STATUS: Exempt BARGAINING UNION: Non-Bargaining Unit JOB SUMMARY: The Human Resources Director plans and directs the City human resource management programs including recruitment, personnel policy administration, performance management, organizational development and training, talent management, workers compensation, risk management, employee and labor relations, compensation management, employee benefits, wellness programs and HRIS. The Human Resources Director will develop a human resources strategic plan, practices and programs while identifying innovative solutions to streamline and enhance overall effectiveness. POSITION CONTEXT: The position of Human Resources Director is a department head level position and key member of the executive team, who reports to the Assistant City Manager. The position is a full time exempt position requiring attendance at meetings outside of regular business hours including weekends. The Human Resources Director works in an office environment and is frequently away from the department attending meetings in other locations. This position routinely handles highly sensitive and/or confidential information. This position will also experience constant contact with internal staff and the community at large. The Human Resources Director will lead and supervise a team. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Manages the overall administration and operations of the Human Resources Department services and programs. Develops human resources staff to ensure continual professional growth as content matter experts in related disciplines. Plans and implements the human resources annual budget. Monitors the human resources budget to accomplish short and long-term objectives within budgetary guidelines. Directs labor and employee relations activities. Manages and participates in negotiations, mediation, arbitration and unfair labor practices. Assists in resolving of labor disputes and serves as a liaison to collective bargaining units for labor related matters. Analyzes changes in collective bargaining legislature and makes recommendations to City Manager and/or Assistant City Manager. Consults with Executive Team on HR related issues, programs and trends. Analyzes and recommends strategic employee initiatives and long-range plans for the Human Resources Department in alignment with the City s vision. Advises managerial staff on employee related matters and contract interpretation. Oversees investigations of workforce complaints and makes recommendations according to City policies and applicable contractual guidelines. Works with legal counsel on contracts, litigation and other legal matters relating to human resources. Directs worker s compensation investigations and represents City at hearings to manage claims, resolve disputes and mitigate risk as necessary. Directs employee safety initiatives including leading the City s Safety Team program. Directs the City s benefits and wellness programs. Negotiates and manages contracts with providers including health, prescription drug, EAP, workers compensation, wellness and unemployment. Directs the talent management program and initiatives. Recommends and implements succession planning, mentoring and career development opportunities.
Manages the performance management process including annual reviews, goal setting, calibration/talent review and 360 review. Manages the City s corrective action and performance improvement plans. Directs the talent acquisition program. Consults with executive team to align recruitment strategies with workforce planning. Ensures compliance with City hiring practices, affirmative action and diversity initiatives. Participates in managerial interviews and candidate selection. Leads citywide training initiatives. Analyzes, recommends and approves training opportunities according to applicable policies and contractual guidelines. Administers the City s compensation program. Evaluates newly created positions and reclassifies positions within the pay plan as needed. Oversees salary surveys, analyzes market data to ensure competitiveness and updates the pay plan accordingly. Reviews recent decisions and legislature changes and advises accordingly. Provides explanations of State and Federal personnel laws, regulations and court cases, which may impact local government human resources policies and procedures. Directs necessary changes to City personnel policies to ensure compliance. Participates in city council meetings. Advises council and community on human resources related initiatives, programs, and policies. Manages and recommends administrative, operational and system improvements within the Human Resources Department to streamline and enhance overall effectiveness. Directs personnel files and human resources record management systems. Ensures confidentiality and completeness of records. Serves as Chief EEO Officer, HIPAA Privacy Officer and ADA Compliance Officer. Maintains statistical records on human resources operations. Establishes strong working relationships with employees, management, collective bargaining unit representatives, outside organizations and general public. OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS: Prepares reports and pertinent documentation for City Manager and/or Assistant City Manager as requested. Conducts and documents employee exit interviews as requested. Attends and participates in professional organizational meetings, seminars and workshops to stay abreast of new trends and innovations related to the human resources field. Serves as a staff liaison to boards, committees, and commissions as assigned. Serves on the Board of Directors for Intergovernmental Personnel Benefit Cooperative (IPBC). Completes special projects and other duties as assigned. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED: Strong working knowledge of HR practices, laws, and regulations impacting major policy areas within human resources. Knowledge required in the areas of employee and labor relations, recruitment, talent management, salary and benefits administration, workers compensation and risk management. Knowledge of the principles of governmental organization and administration. Demonstrated project management skills with the ability to manage multiple overlapping projects spanning over several months (Typically 3-12 months). Ability to direct the work of others while leading and motivating a team. Strong analytical skills with the ability to analyze complex issues and make sound recommendations. Ability to develop and maintain collaborative working relationships with all levels of staff, management, organizations and general public. Working knowledge of training techniques and resources. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Must have the ability to communicate and facilitate effectively with diverse audiences. Ability to work independently while exercising good judgment and initiative. Ability to perform investigations while maintaining confidentiality.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Education: Master s Degree or the ability to complete a Master s Degree in agreed upon timeframe in Human Resource Management, Business Administration, Organizational Development, Public Administration or related field required. Certifications through SHRM, HRCI or IPMA-HR strongly preferred. Valid driver s license. Experience: Minimum of six years of progressively responsible administrative human resources experience required. Specific experience is necessary in several of the following: employee & labor relations, HRIS, compensation, benefits administration, recruitment or training. Minimum of three years of supervisory experience. Strong working knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) required. Previous experience or ability to gain proficiency with an ERP, document management, HRIS, performance management and applicant tracking systems required. WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Duties are performed primarily in an office setting with prolonged periods of sitting. The person in this position needs to occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office equipment, etc. This position will have extensive contact with others. At times, workloads can be extensive with limited time for response/and or action. Position requires prolonged periods of concentration and the ability to cope with numerous interruptions and changing priorities. This position will work irregular work hours including evenings and weekends. This position will travel to outside meetings and may be exposed to weather elements. EQUIPMENT USED: General office equipment including computer, scanner, copier and smart phone. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The Human Resources Director will serve as a staff liaison to boards, committees, and commissions as assigned. This position requires the ability work outside of normal business hours including evenings and weekends as required. STATEMENT OF OTHER DUTIES DISCLAIMER: The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and essential duties and responsibilities of work performed by employees within this position. It may not contain a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees to do this job.