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Title: Chief Human Resources Officer
Company: Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART)
Location: Des Moines, Iowa
Job Status: Full-time
Job ID: 131331
Website: https://ridedart.com/
The Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART) is the largest public transit agency in Iowa, serving 18 cities in and around Polk County to varying degrees. Those include Alleman, Altoona, Ankeny, Bondurant, Carlisle, Clive, Des Moines, Elkhart, Granger, Grimes, Johnston, Mitchellville, Pleasant Hill, Polk City, Runnells, Urbandale, West Des Moines, and Windsor Heights. DART will be a leader in improving Central Iowa citizens’ quality of life by placing the customer first while providing safe, innovative, and efficient public transportation service to the region.

What do we offer?
  • Health Insurance
  • Dental Coverage
  • Vision Care
  • Group Life Insurance
  • Deferred Compensation Plan
  • I.P.E.R.S. Retirement System
  • Long Term Disability
  • Short Term Disability
  • Flexible Benefit Plans
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Tuition Assistance
  • Holidays

Position Summary:
The Chief Human Resources Officer is a member of the Executive Leadership team and responsible for developing and executing human resource, training and safety strategy in support of the overall business plan and strategic direction of the organization, specifically in the areas of recruitment and talent management, labor relations and dispute resolution, equal opportunity program administration, organizational and performance management, benefits and compensation, safety, training and development as well as change management. Ensures that programs and policies are consistent with strategic directions and provide the quality of work life necessary to meet DART's long-range objectives.

Essential Functions of this Position:
  • Directs the development and management of the human resources function, including recruitment, selection, placement, classification and compensation, employee benefits, workers compensation, labor relations, drug and alcohol program, and records management; serves as the Agency's Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Officer; and monitors the terms and conditions of employment to ensure compliance with State and Federal laws. Implements the organizations strategic human resources goals and objectives, ensuring alignment with DART's vision, strategic goals and budget parameters

  • Directs the development and management of the organizations Safety function including safety programs, policies and procedures.

  • Supervises DART departments as assigned by the CEO, including 1) recruitment and hiring of employees, 2) terminating employees, 3) evaluating employee performance, 4) problem-solving, 5) training, coaching, counseling, and development of employees, 6) special recognition and awards and 7) succession planning

  • Oversees the development and implementation of effective workforce planning initiatives and policies including structured workforce planning and succession planning programs. Directs world-class recruitment, staffing, training, employee relations, compensation and benefits programs that address the needs of DART and its employees and ensure that DART is viewed as the employer-of-choice within the community

  • Collaborates with executive leaders on the development and implementation of human resource initiatives designed to support DART’s strategic goals, diversity initiatives and objectives. Communicates changes in agency personnel policies and procedures and ensures common understanding and compliance

  • Ensures that DART takes all appropriate measures for fair and equal treatment of employees in all employment practices (hiring, training, benefits, promotions, discipline, etc.); keeps abreast of developments and trends in equal opportunity and employment law, providing for DART's full compliance with applicable statues and regulations

  • Manages the labor relations program; coordinates the collective bargaining process; develops and evaluates proposals for collective bargaining contract negotiations; participates in contract negotiations; prepares final contract document; administers the contract; maintains official contract negotiation, grievance, and labor/management correspondence files; consults with management and union representatives to identify and resolve issues of mutual interest; provides counsel, training and technical assistance to supervisors and managers on labor relations and contract interpretation

  • Oversees the establishment of innovative policies, programs, and activities which cultivate an employee advocate role and provide for and promote employee communication, quality of work life improvement, and cultural change within DART through a variety of techniques, such as quarterly meetings, employee activities, employee surveys, et

  • Investigates or directs the investigation of complex and/or serious employment or discrimination matters; serves as DART’s representative in employment related legal matters; provides counsel, training and technical assistance to employees, supervisors, and management on employment law and employment related issues and problems

  • Communicates with attorneys, union officials, insurance representatives, business leaders, and representatives of public, community and regulatory agencies to exchange information and resolve issues related to employment, grievances, complaints, claims, and lawsuits

  • Directs the preparation, maintenance and distribution of records, reports, statistics and other materials for Agency use and for local, state and federal agencies as required (OSHA, EEO, Affirmative Action, etc.)

  • Partner with agency leaders and managers to sustain effective performance management and ensure development processes are in place for continual growth and training of employees

  • Leads a process of organization development that plans, communicates, and integrates the results of strategic planning throughout the organization

  • Develops and maintains a human resource system that meets agency DART’s information needs

  • Participates on committees and special projects and seeks additional responsibilities

Education and/or Experience:
  • Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Human Resource Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, Industrial Psychology or a closely related field

  • Masters Degree preferred

  • A minimum of seven (7) years of verifiable professional human resource experience which must include at least three (3) years of management experience; public sector and/or labor relations experience is preferred

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Competencies

Knowledge of:
  • Knowledge of the principles and practices of managing a comprehensive Human Resource program including recruitment, compensation, benefits, organizational development, HRIS, employment development, workers compensation, federal drug testing requirement, employee assistance programs, affirmative action and related program areas

  • Knowledge of the methods and techniques of negotiation, conflict resolution and organizational development

  • Extensive knowledge of the principles and practices utilized in effective human resource management including but not limited to state/federal regulatory programs

  • Knowledge of personal computers and current office software programs for word processing, presentations, email, spreadsheets and databases at the advanced level of proficiency; as well as general knowledge of specialized software related to functional area

Skill or Ability to:
  • Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with department heads, staff, general manager, consultants and governmental regulatory agencies

  • Skill in facilitating diverse groups and resolving conflicts, while responding sensitively to cultural, racial, economic and ethnic diversity

  • Ability to handle constant changing priorities with flexibility, commitment and diplomacy

  • Ability to be trusted with the confidentiality of sensitive oral/written communications with management, employees and the public at large

  • Ability to gain cooperation through leadership, influence and behavior modeling, resulting in collaboration and motivation for others to perform well

  • Ability to organize and analyze varied and complex data and present facts and recommendations effectively in oral and written form

  • Ability to prioritize and plan work activities, use time efficiently and develop realistic action plans

  • Skill in defining problems, collecting data, establishing facts and drawing valid conclusions

  • Skill in developing and administering departmental goals, objectives and procedures

Competencies:
  • Demonstrating Initiative

  • Delivering High Quality Work

  • Delegating Responsibility

  • Displaying Confidence and Composure

  • Making Accurate Judgements and Decisions

  • Managing Time

  • Set a Strategic Vision

Supervisor Responsibilities

This position supervisory responsibility over:
  • Human Resources Manager

  • Training Manager

  • Safety Manager

  • Human Resources, Training and Safety Department staff

Application process: Please send your cover letter and resume to Connie Newlin at [email protected]

When applying, mention that you saw this opening listed at TransitTalent.com.