Human Resources Director at City of Johnston (IA), IA

About the Department

Under the general direction of the City Administrator, the Director of Human Resources plans, directs, and personally performs a full range of human resources functions. This position is a working director role responsible for both day-to-day HR operations and overall program management. The Director administers the City’s human resources programs, policies, and procedures to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. Areas of responsibility include recruitment and selection, employee and labor relations, compensation and benefits, training and development, employee wellness/wellbeing/resiliency initiatives, and other HR services needed to support the organization.  

The anticipated salary range for this position is $118,368 to $167,132 with an expected hiring range of $118,368 to $139,206 (DOQ).

Position Duties

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serves as a strategic partner to the City Administrator’s Office on all matters involving employment. 
• Advises managers and employees regarding employee relations matters.
• Administers recruitment and selection processes, including job postings, interviews, testing, reference checks, and post-offer screening.
• Conducts day-to-day HR operations directly, including responding to employee inquiries, preparing correspondence, processing employment actions, and administering HR records.
• Coordinates and facilitates employee onboarding, ensuring new hires are integrated into the organization successfully. Develops orientation materials, schedules training, introduces new employees to City policies and culture, and partners with supervisors to ensure a smooth transition into their roles.
• Oversees classification and compensation systems, job descriptions, evaluations, salary surveys, and pay equity studies.
• Administers employee benefits programs, including medical, dental, life, disability, retirement, wellness, and open enrollment. Coordinates with the City’s insurance broker, reconciles billing, and assists employees with questions or claims.
• Leads employee wellbeing and resiliency initiatives, promoting programs that support physical, mental, and emotional health across the organization.
• Develops and implements employee retention and engagement strategies, including recognition programs, career development opportunities, and initiatives that support a positive organizational culture.
• Serves as the City’s management representative in labor relations, including contract negotiations, grievance administration, and contract compliance.
• Advises directors, supervisors, and employees on discipline, performance management, workplace conduct, and investigations.
• Administers employee leave programs (FMLA, ADA, Workers’ Compensation, military leave) and ensures compliance with laws and policies.
• Provides training and education to employees and supervisors on compliance topics including FLSA, ADA, FMLA, PWFA, OSHA, Drug Free Workplace, and other employment requirements.
• Develops and maintains personnel policies, employee handbooks, and related procedures, ensuring regular review and updates.
• Prepares, maintains, and audits HR files, records, and documentation with minimal administrative support.
• Oversees HR records and HRIS systems, ensuring accuracy, confidentiality, and compliance with retention requirements.
• Designs and delivers training and development programs for employees and supervisors, including orientation, safety, compliance, and supervisory training.
• Oversees safety and wellness programs and manages workers’ compensation claims.
• Oversees the City’s benefit and workers’ compensation insurance.
• Manages the City’s relationship with its labor attorney and coordinates legal guidance on HR matters.
• Prepares and administers the Human Resources Department budget.
• Prepares reports and recommendations on HR programs, staffing, compliance, and policy.
• Performs other directly related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources, Public Administration, Business, Sociology, Psychology or other related discipline; or any combination of education and experience sufficient to perform the essential duties.
• Five (5) years of increasingly responsible administrative or managerial experience in human resources administration or employee relations.        
• Experience in public sector/municipal human resources administration strongly preferred.
• PHR/SPHR or SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP certification preferred.
• Valid Iowa driver’s license or ability to obtain one.

Other Qualifications

PHYSICAL & WORKING CONDITIONS

• Work performed primarily in a standard office environment
• Extensive periods of sitting
• Intermittent periods of standing and walking
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 20 pounds
• Constant speaking, hearing, near sight acuity, concentration, judgment, and writing ability
• Frequent reaching, handling, dexterity, feeling, and far sight acuity
• Must be able to operate computer, manipulate computer keyboard, and office equipment

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