Deputy Secretariat Human Resources Officer

About the Organization:

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Economic Development (EOED) supports economic growth by fostering business development, infrastructure investment, industry advancement, and consumer confidence. EOED operates through nine state agencies and five quasi-public agencies (QPAs) that deliver essential public programs and services.

EOED supports economic growth across Massachusetts through its network of agencies and partnerships, promoting business innovation, infrastructure investment, and consumer protection. The office embraces a culture of equity, inclusion, and collaboration—values that inform all aspects of its work.

The Executive Office of Economic Development is committed to creating and sustaining a work culture that is welcoming, inclusive, and mutually respectful to all its employees regardless of race, color, age, creed, religion, national origin, ethnicity, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran or disability status. We strive to reflect diversity in all facets and levels of our agency. The Executive Office of Economic Development values inclusiveness and diversity within their employee and management teams. Within our community we strive to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable, and welcoming.

The Executive Office of Economic Development is committed to ensuring a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel respected, valued, and empowered to maximize their skills and talents to serve our citizens.

About the Role:

At EOED, the human resources team actively supports staff across the Secretariat, and ensures we can continue to support our mission by focusing on a respectful workplace that works to attract, engage, educate, develop, and retain a high performing and diverse workforce and to provide effective human resource management by implementing policies, programs and services that contribute to the attainment of our employee goals.

The Deputy Secretariat Human Resources Officer (SHRO) is a leader within the human resources department and will play an integral role in establishing, managing, and implementing the strategic HR initiatives within EOED. This role will report to the Secretariat Human Resources (SHRO) and be a managing member of the human resources staff. In addition, this role will receive direction, provide guidance, and partner with EOED and leadership on a variety of related tasks.

As Deputy SHRO, a major focus will be on the execution of strategic initiatives, ensuring they translate into actionable plans for the HR team, and ultimately, staff. This position will support the SHRO in team management, policy/procedure maintenance, management of daily business partner operations, tactical support, compliance and HR project management. The Deputy SHRO will also be involved in partnering with the SHRO, labor relations, legal, EOED leaders as well as the Human Resources Department (HRD).

The Deputy SHRO will manage EOED's Diversity and learning and engagement needs.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage the Senior Human Resources Business Partners and their daily operations by providing support, guidance and direction on core functions, translating and implementing strategic directives, as well as being an active participant in internal policy setting, alignment and execution.
• Directly oversee and manage all employment and staffing functions to ensure effective workforce planning, talent development, and employee engagement. Lead the administration and continuous improvement of the organization’s internship program, including recruitment, onboarding, mentorship coordination, and program evaluation. Oversee the design, implementation, and compliance of the annual performance review process, ensuring consistency, equity, and alignment with organizational goals. Develop and manage performance recognition initiatives that reinforce a culture of excellence, engagement, and retention. Provide guidance to managers on performance management practices, including goal setting, feedback, and corrective action, and ensure all activities are conducted in accordance with applicable policies, collective bargaining agreements, and employment laws.
• Oversee and advance the organization’s compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and broader diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Provide strategic direction and operational leadership in developing, implementing, and monitoring policies and programs that promote accessibility, inclusivity, and equitable employment practices. Manage the interactive accommodation process, ensuring timely, consistent, and legally compliant outcomes. Lead the design and launch of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), including establishing governance structures, aligning ERG goals with organizational priorities, and fostering employee engagement and belonging. Track and report on key metrics to evaluate program effectiveness and drive continuous improvement.
• Serve as the strategic point of contact for all human resources functions, providing expert guidance and direction to executive leadership, management, and staff on workforce planning, employee relations, talent management, and organizational development. Act as a trusted advisor in aligning HR strategies with organizational goals, ensuring consistent application of policies, and proactively addressing complex personnel matters. Facilitate cross-functional collaboration, drive strategic initiatives, and support decision-making through data-informed insights and best practices. Liaise with Human Resources Division (HRD).
• Alongside SHRO, manage various business objectives in relation to HR including the BEST project implementation.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• 7-10 years of experience in Human Resources.
• 5 years of management experience.
• Experience in a unionized environment.
• Proficient execution skills and the ability to translate HR strategy into actionable initiatives.
• Demonstrated resourcefulness in setting priorities, proposing new ways of creating efficiencies, and guiding investment in processes and systems.
• Capability in partnering with and influencing senior leaders at all levels of the organization through relationship building.
• Ability to build relationships across the Administration, including Commonwealth’s Human Resource Department and counterparts within the other Secretariats.
• Excellent conflict management skills and the demonstrated ability to problem solve and effectively diffuse highly-charged situations.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, and proficiency with Microsoft Office applications including Excel, Outlook, Word and TEAMS.
• Proficient knowledge in Commonwealth HRIS applications such as Human Resources Compensation Management System (HR/CMS), Commonwealth Information Warehouse (CIW), MOSAIC, Group Insurance Commission portal (GIC) and MassCareers.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing and operate effectively in a hybrid telework environment.
• Understanding of policies for classified managers and collective bargaining unit interpretation.

All applicants should attach a cover letter and resume to their online submission for this position.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!