ABOUT THE JOB: We are seeking an experienced human resource professional with demonstrated success applying comprehensive expertise in human resources functions to support our diverse organization's needs. The Human Resources Director oversees employee relations, labor relations, recruitment/selection/staffing and workforce planning, our classification/compensation program, employee benefits, training, organizational development, human resources policies and procedures and Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS) for the County. The Director leads the Human Resources Department, which includes 11 full-time positions, and serves as a member of the County's Executive Team. There are also three HR positions located within the County's two largest departments/offices (Health Services and the Sheriff's Office). Successful candidates will possess strong abilities in developing trusting relationships with staff at all levels, be familiar with the opportunities associated with working in a union environment, exercise creativity in identifying solutions that meet organizational needs and approach this important work in a consistent, responsive and reliable manner. Work is typically performed Monday - Friday during regular business hours, with occasional before and after hours work as necessary. Key Responsibilities: Directs the staff and operations of the Human Resources (HR) Department through effective planning, staff management, and resource allocation; monitors HR programs and projects; oversees recruitment systems, web systems, HRIS systems, performance and training systems, and class and comp structures. Provides professional advice and counsel to County staff and management, serving as principal advisor and subject-matter expert on HR issues. Directs recruitment and selection, employee benefits, EEO compliance, compensation and classification, personnel processing and HRIS, personnel policies, training and development, performance evaluations, contract administration, labor relations and employee relations. Directs the assessment, planning, development, and evaluation of HR programs and services; promotes a productive work environment and develops staff to meet the current and future needs of the County; monitors and evaluates pending legislation, and the impact of public policies, laws, and regulations on HR programs. Leads resolution of labor relations, collective bargaining, contract negotiations, and employee relations issues; including investigations, disciplinary matters, complaints, and counseling. Prepares and manages HR fiscal budgets, identifies resource needs, and forecasts future costs. Oversees recruitment, selection, classification, compensation, centralized personnel records management and administration. Administers the County's benefits programs; self-insured health insurance plan; life and long-term disability insurance plans; retirement plans; onsite employee and dependent Clinic and Pharmacy; annually researches cost-saving options to insurance and other benefits; researches and makes recommendations on modifications to benefits; monitors employee eligibility; administers flexible spending account, employee assistance program, and paid and unpaid leaves. Provides advice and counsel to managers and supervisors on employment laws; ensures policies are in compliance; administers and oversees employment law programs, e.g., Paid Leave Oregon (PLO), Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Oregon Family Leave Act (OFLA), American with Disabilities Act (ADA), Affordable Care Act (ACA), etc. Current and Upcoming Projects: Work with a consultant and steering committee to complete and implement a pay equity study for the organization and a salary market review for non-represented and AFSCME classifications. Deschutes County is working with the Employee Benefits Advisory Committee (EBAC) on health plan changes that are intended to improve the financial stability of the County's Health Plan and its reserve. Two upcoming labor contract negotiations. Work with departments and offices to implement a new employee performance evaluation system. Over the next 24 months, Human Resources will complete and issue an RFP for benefit consultants, Pharmacy Benefit Manager, and Third-Party Administrator for health and dental insurances. What You Will Bring: Knowledge of or experience with: Advanced knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws, regulations, policies and procedures, philosophies, and employment best practices. Interpretation and application of multiple union contracts. Advanced knowledge of principles and procedures related to human resources functional areas, including recruitment, classification, compensation, labor relations, benefits administration, leave administration, employee development, collective bargaining, employee relations, and organizational and workforce development. Best practices pertaining to administering human resource functions in a manner that aligns with the County's goals to promote a diverse workforce and an organization that values equity and inclusion. Skill in: Applying analytic and problem-solving skills to independently develop sound decisions, conclusions, and recommendations. Investigating, interviewing, and mediating complaints, concerns, and complex situations. Communicating effectively and persuasively, both verbally and in writing, to a wide range of individuals in a manner that establishes trust and credibility and gains compliance and/or buy in. * This posting is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities, but rather constitutes a general definition of the position's scope and function.