Assistant Human Resources Director

Distinguishing Features of the Class

Under general direction, manages major functions of the Human Resources Department. Assists the Human Resources Director in overall management of the City’s Human Resources plans and policies. Performs other duties as assigned

The principal function of the Assistant Human Resources Director of the Employee and Labor Relations Division is to manage the employee selection and performance issues for the City. This includes but is not limited to civil service recruiting, non-civil service recruiting, employee relations, labor relations, and employee performance and disciplinary processes. This position assists in providing direction and oversight to the City’s overall human resources programs including employee development and injury prevention. Supervision is exercised over employees assigned to the employee and labor relations division including those assigned as liaisons to other City departments.

The principal function of the Assistant Human Resources Director of the Payroll and Benefits Division is to manage the administration of the city's total compensation program. This includes but is not limited to salary/wage classification systems, payroll function, administration of employee benefits, employee insurance programs such as health, dental, vision, short- and long-term disability, and workers’ compensation. Supervision is exercised over employees assigned to payroll, employee benefits, and the Human Resources Information System (HRIS).

The work is performed under the general supervision of the Director of Human Resources, but considerable leeway is granted for the exercise of independent judgement and initiative. The nature of the work performed requires that an employee in this class establish and maintain an effective working relationship with other city employees, service and product providers, business leaders and the public. The principal duties of this class are performed in a general office environment.

Acceptable Experience and Training

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in public or business administration, human resources, or a related field; and
• Five years of progressively responsible administrative or managerial experience in human resources administration, employee compensation and benefits, or employee relations.
• An advanced degree in the above fields may be substituted for no more than one year of the required experience.
• Current PHR, SHRM-CP, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, CEBS, or related certification preferred or ability to obtain the same within 12 months of employment.

College transcripts must be submitted with your application or separately to the City of Des Moines Human Resources Department by email to humanresources@dmgov.org, by fax to 515-237-1680, or by mail to 1551 E. MLK Jr. Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50317 on or before the application deadline.

Required Special Qualifications

• Candidates for positions in this class must pass a post-employment offer physical examination and drug screen.
• Possession of a valid Iowa Driver’s License or evidence of equivalent mobility.

Examples of Essential Work (Illustrative Only)

• Develop and ensure implementation of procedures and policies for the day-to-day business operations of the assigned sections.
• Plan, organize, direct and evaluate the work of assigned staff in implementing appropriate goals, policies and directives of the Human Resources Department.
• Participate in labor negotiations as assigned.
• Provide education consistent with requirements of the position.
• Prepare special reports for City policy makers.
• Participate in the development and administration of the departmental budget including monitoring expenditures.
• Coordinate with the Budget Office in preparation of annual operating budget proposals.
• Chair meetings and committees related to the function of the position.
• Keep immediate supervisor and designated others fully and accurately informed concerning work progress, including present and potential work obstacles and suggestions for new or improved means of addressing such problems.
• Attend meetings, conferences, workshops and training sessions and reviews publications and audio-visual materials to become and remain current on the principles, practices and new developments in the assigned work area.
• Communicate and coordinate regularly with appropriate others to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of interdepartmental operations and activities.
• Perform other duties consistent with the role and function of the class.

Employee and Labor Relations Division -

• Develop a comprehensive performance strategy for City employees.
• Evaluate and administer the City’s employee performance evaluation program.
• Oversee and direct all activities related to the employment function and assist in the injury prevention program.
• Recommend skill enhancement opportunities for employees consistent with the work requirements and available funds.
• Work in concert with the City’s safety personnel to identify safety concerns in the work processes and make recommendations for work process revision to promote employee safety.
• Receive and investigate specific complaints about violations of employee rules and potential criminal violations in the workplace.
• Conduct investigations using existing office resources and other resources as deemed appropriate.
• Participate in pre-determination hearings as assigned.
• Direct and conduct the research and development of employee attraction and retention and administration of the same.
• Research and prepare multi-year projections and analysis of employment programs.

Payroll and Benefits Division -

• Develop a comprehensive pay-for-performance strategy for City employees.
• Oversee and direct all activities related to the payroll function, benefits administration, and compensation planning and implementation.
• Recommends and executes appropriate employee recognition and award programs and activities to encourage employees and to build morale.
• Direct and conduct the research and development of employee compensation plans, benefit plans and administration of same.
• Research and prepare multi-year projections and analysis of compensation and benefit programs.

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Closing Date/Time: 6/10/2025 4:00 PM Central

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• City of Des Moines

• 515-283-4213

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