Human Resources & Risk Management Director - 071509 chez St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners, FL

About the Department

Position Duties

Strategic Leadership & Administration

• Lead the development, implementation, and oversight of HR and risk management policies, procedures, and programs (e.g., EEO, ERISA, FLSA, FMLA, COBRA, ACA).
• Foster a culture of performance, accountability, and service excellence across County departments.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to the County Administrator and department heads on all HR and risk-related matters.
• Direct the development and administration of the departmental budget.
• Attend regularly scheduled Board of Commissioners’ meetings or other board and commission meetings to present professional recommendations and advice on complex policy or operating issues.

• Provide general supervision, leadership and guidance to HR and Risk Management staff while creating a positive work environment emphasizing teamwork, creative problem-solving and collaboration. 
• Oversee recruitment, selection, onboarding, employee training, performance management, and succession planning efforts.
• Manage compensation and classification systems, including pay equity and compression analysis.
• Oversee the design and procurement of group insurance products in coordination with the County’s insurance broker, County Administration and the Office of Management and Budget.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, as well as internal County policies.

• Oversee the design and implementation of countywide employee training initiatives to support professional development, compliance, and safety.

• Serve as custodian for personnel files and HR-related records.

• Direct collective bargaining strategy and represent the County during labor contract negotiations.
• Manage grievance procedures for union and non-union employees.
• Advise leadership and staff on employment law, workplace conduct, and employee relations.
• Investigate and resolve employee, applicant, union, and customer complaints.

• Oversee all aspects of risk management, including insurance programs, safety protocols, and workers' compensation.
• Provide consultation to departments on safety, liability, and loss prevention.
• Supervise risk assessments, incident investigations, and safety training programs.

• Serve as the County’s American with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator and is responsible for the intake and resolution of requests. 

• Serve as an essential emergency service worker during declared disasters and emergencies.
• Support emergency management planning and coordinate HR/risk-related responses during crisis situations.

Minimum Qualifications

Candidates should possess a solid foundational background that demonstrates their ability to engage with the responsibilities of the role effectively.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Human Resources, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field required.  Master’s degree preferred.
• Professional HR certifications are strongly preferred, including SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PSHRA-CP, PSHRA-SCP, PHR, or SPHR.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible HR experience, including at least five (5) years in a leadership role within a public sector or unionized environment.  Experience in local government strongly preferred.
• In-depth understanding of federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• Knowledge of local government operations, administrative policies, and public-sector HR practices.
• Familiarity with safety and risk management principles, practices, and compliance frameworks.
• Strong leadership and personnel management skills.
• Proficiency in using HRIS systems, Microsoft Office Suite, and analytical software tools.
• Skilled in policy development, budgeting, quality control, and process improvement.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including public speaking and training delivery.
• Ability to develop and lead a high-performing, service-oriented department.
• Ability to interact effectively with diverse stakeholders including employees, elected officials, unions, consultants, and the public.
• Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills to address complex HR and risk issues.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and drive organizational change.
• Valid Florida Driver License with a clean driving record.

Other Qualifications