Director of Human Resources

CAREER ANNOUNCEMENT:   DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES
 
SUMMARY:     
The Director of Human Resources (HR) is responsible for directing all of the personnel functions at the Authority in accordance with the mission, vision and values of NYS Bridge Authority (NYSBA), policies, practices and the laws, regulations and administrative rulings of the State of NY. The HR Director is to ensure that through strategic human resource planning they attract and retain the best staff talent available, and positions the Authority as the Transportation employer of choice. The HR Director must understand and act upon trends within the industry, best practices policies, and focus on standardization, consistency and equity across facilities, and departments.

The HR Director sets the tone for the employee experience and serves as the trusted advisor to senior leadership, and advocate for all team members to drive performance excellence of the human capital function in support of the long-term health of the Authority. The HR Director is a key member of the executive team, working closely with other executives, directors, and staff to ascertain the pulse of the organization, prioritize Authority goals, cultivate diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, boost employee retention and ensure an effective organizational design and infrastructure. They formulate the Authority’s overall personnel, labor relations and staff development policy and provides policy direction to department heads to ensure that the Authority recruits, develops and maintains a competent work force.
 
The HR Director is supported by an administrative aide.  Together this area supports the administration of payroll (through a third-party provider), benefits through NYSHIP, hiring/onboarding/separation, labor relations, and various HR related compliance functions. 
 
REPORTS TO: The HR Director reports directly to the Executive Director.
EXEMPTION STATUS: Full Time – Exempt
HOURS OF WORK: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM or as required
 
RESPONSIBILITIES

• The Human Resource (HR) Director is responsible for directing all of the personnel functions in accordance with the mission, vision and values of NYSBA, policies and practices, and the laws regulations and administrative rulings of the State of NY.
• The HR Director is to ensure that the strategic human resources planning attracts and retains the best staff talent available, and positions NYSBA as the Transportation employer of choice.
• The HR Director must understand and act upon trends within the industry, best practices policies, and focus on standardization, consistency and equity across facilities, and departments
• The HR Director sets the tone for the employee experience and serves as the trusted advisor to Sr Leadership, and advocate for all team members to drive performance excellence of the human capital function in support of the long-term health of the Authority
• The HR Director is a key member of the executive structure, working closely with other directors, and staff to ascertain the pulse of the Authority, prioritize goals, cultivate diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, boost employee retention and ensure an effective organizational design and infrastructure
• Plans, develops, organizes, implements, directs and evaluates the human resources function and performance.
• Participates in the development of the organization's plans and programs as a strategic partner, but particularly from the perspective of the impact on personnel
• Develop staffing strategies, succession plans, and coordinate programs to identify talent within and outside the organization for positions of responsibility
• Identifies appropriate and effective external sources for candidates for all levels within the organization
• Partners with Directors to develop progressive programs to promote employee motivation and engagement, through incentives and rewards for effective and optimal performance
• Ensures DEI and operational strategies and initiatives are followed, implements local programs and initiatives consistent with NYSBA culture to allow the Authority to embrace applicants and employees of all backgrounds and to permit the full development and performance of all employees
• Implement workforce planning models to identify competency, knowledge and talent gaps and develop specific programs to fill the identified gaps
• Areas of activity will include talent management through proper succession planning programs for key contributor and management positions, training and development programs for preparing employees for more significant responsibilities, and general business development programs to upskill train and enhance employee mobility
• Establishes throughout the organization as a trusted resource, effective listener and problem solver of personnel issues
• Drives understanding and adherence to system policies and programs for effective management of the personnel resources of the organization, including appropriate escalation and leveraging of experts in the Centers of Expertise in areas such as talent management, employee relations, employee development, and the entire lifecycle of the employee
• Implements and monitors HR policies and procedures of the organization by way of systems that will improve the overall operation and effectiveness of the organization
• Serves as the most senior advisor and employee relations expert to help influence and support individuals’ decisions throughout the Authority.
• Works closely with the CFO to ensure compliance with budget and drive fiscal responsibility in relationship to the HR budget.
• Provides critical feedback to the Executive Team to ensure continuous performance and process improvement with respect to programs, policies, practices and processes associated with meeting the strategic and operational personnel issues of the Authority
• Evaluates and manages HR Team to ensure continual improvement of the efficiency and effectiveness of the group to the staff, collaboration with the entire HR staff, and providing individuals with professional and personal growth opportunities
• Ensures compliance with all applicable policies, laws and regulations
• Ensures communication is consistent, transparent and frequent with the workforce, while also participating leadership rounding to influence cadence that is inclusive, encompassing, compassionate and engaging
• Plans, develops, organizes, implements, directs and evaluates the human resources function and performance.
• Works with executive staff to establish agency’s goals and objectives and reviews results achieved with department heads.
• Help establish policies and procedures related to human resources management.
• Represents the agency on all personnel, staff development and labor relations matters.
• Oversees the human resources department as well as all functionally related consultants and contractors contracted by the NYSBA.
• Oversee the recruitment, selection and retention of employees ensuring a diverse workforce.
• Provides constant guidance and assistance to staff and outside organizations.
• Directs the classification and allocation of employee titles/positions.
• Oversees administration of annual state trainings in conjunction with department heads.
• Directs staff development and training and evaluates those results with department heads.
• Directly supervises staff within the human resources department and collaborates with staff in other Departments performing HR duties.
• Consults with executive staff on contractual agreements, discipline and grievance issues and provides direction on administering agency’s disciplinary and grievance programs.
• Oversees the administration of payroll and benefits to all staff consistent with the bargaining unit obligations.
• Coordinates and oversee the administration of contractual agreements with outside organizations such as payroll provider, The Workplace and EAP.
• Coordinates and oversees all staff training.
• Prepares and reviews the department’s budget.
• Performs related managerial duties as assigned by Executive Director.
• Communicate routinely with leadership and external stakeholders at an executive level.
• Represent NYSBA at conferences and external events.
• Responsible for staying up-to-date on best practices and providing updated training and professional development resources. 

REQUIREMENTS/SKILLS:
           
The ideal candidate will have demonstrated abilities as follows:

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Human Resources Management or related field. Masters preferred.
• Ideally a minimum of 8 years of HR experience, with at least five years in Labor Relations, Staff Development, or Personnel Administration and five years in a HR management experience leading an HR team or the equivalent in a multi-faceted organization setting greatly preferred.
• Proven time management and decision-making stills, while handling competing timelines, effectively.
• Demonstrated success as a key influencer of human capital decisions in a fast-paced, matrixed reporting environment.
• Proven leadership, personnel and change management experience.
• Strong planning, communication, and organization skills.
• Demonstrated track record of leading an environment and culture of accountability, while also fostering a positive employee experience through the life of team member and beyond the walls of the Authority.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Good knowledge of the New York State Civil Service Law and Rules.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to maintain working relationships with staff, partner agencies, and all other internal and external partners with the utmost professionalism.
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships and work collaboratively with stakeholders at all internal organizational levels.
• Ability to successfully handle multiple, concurrent priorities
• Support strategic planning to develop and implement new initiatives
• Lead, advise, or support others when assigned to special projects
• Apply strong analytical reasoning and critical thinking when gathering information for the purpose of developing recommendations and/or making decisions.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare detailed and complex correspondence for the purpose of explaining and supporting the agency’s human resources and/or program decisions and recommendations.
• Work collaboratively with agency staff, and regulatory authorities.
• Experience handling numerous issues simultaneously while meeting required deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise a staff of both administrative and clerical employees.
• Must be a proven leader as a change agent and creative/innovative thinker to align business goals with solutions to drive process improvements. Demonstrated ability to dive into and influence position change and desired project outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct meetings and/or hearings under stressful situations.
• Strong business acumen, collaborative leadership, and organization and communication competencies with excellent problem-solving skills.
• Strategic thinker with demonstrated ability to understand complex problems with multifaceted aspects skillful at negotiating and bringing consensus for solving issues. - High level of accountability and commitment.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.

 Other Duties:
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
 
Selection Criteria Based on evaluation of education, skills, experience, and interview.
 
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Salary range is $119,606 to $173,144. In addition, we offer excellent benefits including:
Membership in the New York State and Local Retirement System, as well as optional enrollment in the NYS Deferred Compensation Plan.
Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
Life & Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance
Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance
Major/Minor holidays Paid
Vacation, Sick and Personal Accruals
Sick Leave is credited at the rate of one-half day each biweekly pay period annually.
Sick and Vacation buy-back program 

APPLICATION PROCESS AND RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE
This position will be open until filled. Prospective candidates are encouraged to apply soon as the review of resumes and potential interviews will be done upon receipt.
The New York State Bridge Authority is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer. Diverse candidates and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
 
APPLICATION:
To be considered, please email your letter of interest, resume and completed application to
                        Tina Hockler, Director of Human Resources
                        New York State Bridge Authority
                        PO Box 1010
                        Highland, NY  12528
                        thockler@nysba.ny.gov
 
APPPLICATION DOWNLOAD LINK:
Interested applicants must download and complete an Employment Application and return it with your cover letter and resume.  Applications can be found here:
https://www.nysba.ny.gov/wysiwyg/2612Job%20Application%201-1A%20combined%205-14-18.pdf
 
DEADLINE:      Open until filled – immediate opening

ABOUT NYSBA: The New York State Bridge Authority operates the Bear Mountain, Newburgh-Beacon, Mid-Hudson, Kingston-Rhinecliff and Rip Van Winkle Bridges. It also owns and maintains the structure of the Walkway over the Hudson pedestrian bridge. The Authority is funded principally from bridge tolls and receives no state or federal tax monies for bridge maintenance and operation. Learn more at www.nysba.ny.gov.

New York State Human Rights Law prohibits discrimination based on age, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, military status, familial status, citizen or immigration status, sex, disability, marital status, gender identity or expression, prior arrests, prior conviction records, predisposing genetic characteristics or domestic violence victim status. The Bridge Authority is committed to a workplace free from discrimination based on the referenced characteristics and other federal and state protected characteristics.
 
The New York State Bridge Authority provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact the Human Resources Department at call (845) 691-7245.