Director of Human Resources

Position: Director of Human Resources

Post Date: May 8, 2026

End Date: May 15, 2026

The Town of Suffield is a quintessential New England town with a longstanding pledge to preserving its historic architecture and agricultural roots. The many people who serve Suffield through town government as employees and volunteers alike remain committed to developing and fostering a strong sense of community among its residents.

The Town of Suffield is seeking a Director of Human Resources. The Human Resources Director provides strategic and operational leadership for all human resources and labor relations functions for the Town. Reporting to the First Selectman, the Director advises Town leadership, Boards, and Commissions on HR matters; administers policies and programs; supports collective bargaining and grievance processes; and ensures compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

This role also serves as the Town’s Safety and Risk Management Officer and acts as a key liaison among employees, management, and governing bodies. The Director promotes a professional, and service-oriented manner that supports employees and the community. Serves the residents of Suffield in a customer-oriented manner that promotes a positive, professional image for the Town government.

Hours:

This position is at will.

This is a full-time, thirty-five (35) hours per week. The schedule is Monday–Thursday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM; Friday, 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM. The hours may be subject to change. This position occasionally requires long hours beyond those scheduled hours, including monthly evening commission meetings, evening work and weekend work as job duties demand.

Compensation and Benefits:

$85,000 - $100,000 annual salary to commensurate with experience. Benefits package to include: 13 Paid Holidays per Year Paid Sick and Vacation Days Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance Defined Contribution Plan with Town Match Town paid Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, and Life Insurance

Supervision Received:

Works under the general direction of the First Selectman.

Supervision Exercised:

Supervises the Human Resources Executive Assistant.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Lead and administer all human resources policies, programs, and procedures; recommend updates and improvements to First Selectman and Boards and Commissions.

2. Advise leadership on compensation, classification, and organizational matters.

3. Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, regulations, and safety standards; monitor HR trends and best practices

4. Oversee workplace safety initiatives and promotes a culture of safe and compliant work practices.

5. Manage the full employee lifecycle, including recruitment, hiring, onboarding, background checks, drug testing, employee relations, discipline, and separations.

6. Serve as a trusted advisor and liaison to employees, Department Heads, Boards, Commissions, and the WPCA on HR-related matters.

7. Administer employee and retiree benefits programs (including health, dental, vision, life, disability, retirement, COBRA, and workers’ compensation); coordinate with brokers and vendors; manage enrollments and changes.

8. Maintain and administer compensation and performance management systems to ensure equity and effectiveness.

9. Develop, coordinate, and deliver employee training and professional development programs.

10. Maintain accurate HR records, systems, and reporting in compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

11. Prepare and submit required federal, state, and local reports (e.g., unemployment, workers’ compensation, EEOC).

12. Support labor relations activities, including contract administration, negotiations, and grievance resolution.

13. Conduct workplace investigations related to harassment, misconduct, and policy violations.

14. Coordinate drug and alcohol testing programs as required.

15. Monitor employee climate and keep the First Selectman informed of key personnel matters.

16. Ensure benefits and HR programs remain competitive and fiscally responsible.

17. Build and maintain positive relationships with employees, community stakeholders, and the public; respond to inquiries and concerns professionally.

18. Attend professional development opportunities to remain current in the field.

Other Job Functions:

1. Perform other related work as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education & Experience:

1. Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Public Administration, or a related field, or equivalent experience.

2. Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible HR experience.

3. CEBS certification, MPA, and/or a law degree is a plus.

4. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be substituted as deemed appropriate by the First Selectman.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

1. Strong knowledge of employment laws, labor relations, and public-sector HR practices.

2. Experience with collective bargaining, contract interpretation, and grievance handling.

3. Familiarity with benefits administration, including COBRA, ADA, EEOC, workers’ compensation, and retirement programs.

4. Ability to conduct investigations, analyze data, and prepare clear, detailed reports and correspondence.

5. Strong interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills; ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders

6. High level of discretion and ability to maintain confidentiality.

7. Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.

8. Experience in budgeting and public-sector financial practices.

9. Knowledge of Connecticut municipal regulations, including records retention requirements.

Special Requirements:

1. Valid, active Motor Vehicle Operator’s license preferred.

2. Must submit to pre-employment drug and alcohol testing and fitness for duty testing.

Tools and Equipment Used:

This job operates in a professional office environment with occasionally related fieldwork. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of the job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the essential functions of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, use hands and fingers, handle or operate objects, controls or standard office equipment, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and taste or smell.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:

Work is primarily performed in a professional office setting, with occasional fieldwork as needed.

General Guidelines:

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of functions, activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Functions, duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Travel:

Travel is primarily local during the business day, although some out of the area travel and overnight may be expected for conferences and seminars.

EEOC Statement:

It is the policy of the Town of Suffield to provide equal employment opportunity to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, the Town of Suffield will provide reasonable accommodations that do not present an undue hardship for qualified individuals with disabilities.

The Town of Suffield is an equal opportunity employer m/f/d/v.
The above posting is intended as a guide and is not a complete description of the position or process

Pay: $85,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person