City of Pawtucket, Rhode Island
Salary: $95,000 – $120,000
Full-Time | Exempt
Lead the Future of Human Resources for Rhode Island’s Fourth-Largest City
The City of Pawtucket is seeking an experienced, strategic, and collaborative Human Resources Director to lead and oversee all aspects of the City’s human resources operations. This is an exceptional opportunity for a dynamic HR professional to play a key leadership role in supporting a diverse municipal workforce while helping shape organizational culture, workforce development, employee engagement, and compliance initiatives.
Reporting to the Director of Finance, the Human Resources Director serves as a trusted advisor to City leadership and is responsible for developing and administering comprehensive human resources programs that support the City’s mission, employees, and residents.
Key Responsibilities
The Human Resources Director will:
- Lead and supervise all Human Resources staff and operations.
- Direct recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and employee separation processes.
- Administer employee benefits programs, including health, dental, retirement, workers’ compensation, unemployment compensation, FMLA, and other leave programs.
- Manage employee relations matters, workplace investigations, policy interpretation, and conflict resolution.
- Oversee labor relations activities, grievance procedures, and arbitration support.
- Develop and implement HR policies, procedures, and best practices.
- Administer performance management and employee development programs.
- Lead employee engagement, recognition, wellness, and training initiatives.
- Oversee Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), Affirmative Action, and diversity programs.
- Manage classification and compensation plans and support organizational restructuring and job reclassification efforts.
- Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
- Prepare reports, audits, and presentations for City leadership, boards, and governing bodies.
Ideal Candidate
The successful candidate will be a strategic HR leader who possesses:
- Strong knowledge of human resource management principles and best practices.
- Experience in recruitment, compensation, benefits administration, payroll oversight, employee relations, and HR compliance.
- Outstanding leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
- Strong understanding of employment laws and regulations.
- Experience working in a fast-paced, complex organization.
- Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS).
- Sound judgment, discretion, and a commitment to ethical leadership.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Management, or a related field.
- Human Resources certification preferred.
- SHRM-SCP certification strongly preferred.
- Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible professional HR experience.
- At least three (3) years of HR supervisory or leadership experience preferred.
- Municipal government experience preferred.
- Experience in a unionized work environment preferred.
- Knowledge of Rhode Island labor and employment laws is a plus.
- Experience collaborating with leadership, employees, labor representatives, and external stakeholders.
Why Join the City of Pawtucket?
- Opportunity to influence and strengthen a growing municipal workforce.
- Leadership role with broad organizational impact.
- Collaborative environment serving a vibrant and diverse community.
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- Meaningful public service career with opportunities to make a lasting difference.
Application Process
Qualified candidates should email a resume and cover letter to:
Jillian Arkles- [email protected]
The City of Pawtucket is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status.