TOWN OF STONINGTON, CT

DIRECTOR OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES (INC. HUMAN RESOURCES)

Salary Range - $100,000 - $118,000 (commensurate with experience)

Application Process:

For instructions on the application process, please go to the Town of Stonington website at

https://www.stonington-ct.gov/administrative-services/pages/employment-opportunities

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the First Selectman, the Director of Administrative Services performs highly responsible, complex and confidential work in administering the affairs of the Town government. This position coordinates and oversees all human resources plans, programs and issues relating to recruitment, employment, benefits, compensation, labor relations and union negotiations in addition to health and safety for the Town. Responsible for driving staff development and employee engagement. Plans, organizes and directs the Department of Administrative Services; provides coordination / guidance for senior level staff; and advice / recommendations to the First Selectman on various internal and external issues and affairs, including organizational effectiveness, and development of policies, procedures, protocols and other functions as assigned by the First Selectman.

The Director shall be the Personnel Officer of the Town and shall be responsible for creating and administering all personnel policies. 

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Work is performed under the general guidance of the First Selectman in accordance with prevailing policies, laws, regulations and rules and reviewed through regular meetings.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

The Director of Administrative Services provides general guidance and direction to the Department of Administrative Services; and, in the absence of the First Selectman, provides administrative leadership to the Town organization. Direct oversight responsibilities also includes Information Technology. 

 ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

As the Town’s Human Resources officer, develops and administers all Human Resources policies, pay and health benefit plans, management of retirement programs, and other activities as may be related to the personnel functions of the Town.

Directs the negotiation and administration of the Town Collective Bargaining Agreements. Serves as principal representative of the Town in contract negotiations, grievance and arbitration hearings, or delegates subordinates / outside counsel such responsibilities.

Lead the development and implementation of creative and effective recruitment and retention programs for all staff positions for the Town from recruitment to onboarding, orientation and in-processing,

Responsible for driving staff development, training and engagement.

Provides administrative oversight of day to day operations; conducts investigations and studies of operations and management methods; formulates policies and procedures, and makes recommendations to the First Selectman regarding same.

Prepare and administer annual department budget; present budget during budget hearings at the Board of Finance and assist and support other department heads as needed during the budget review cycle. Monitor expenditures to ensure Administrative Services comes in on or under budget.

As the Town’s Capital Improvement Program manager, coordinates the Town’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP). Chairs the CIP Committee. Develops and implements CIP policies and procedures.

Responsible for maintaining a culture of safety for the Town through oversight of Town safety policies and training, including chairing the Town Safety Committee.

Provides administrative oversight of the Town’s information systems and technologies; reviews the development and operation of information systems including telecommunications and information (data) processing. 

Collaborates with various department heads / directors including but not limited to the Director of Finance, the Town Planner, Director of Public Works, Director of Human Services, Director of Assessment, Director WPCA and Chief of Police in driving organizational effectiveness and in attracting and retaining talent. 

Americas with Disabilities Act Coordinator for the Town.

Coordinates the Town (excluding Police) Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests and responses to ensure compliance with State FOIA regulations.

Reviews organizational and staff management issues; reviews and develops new policies and procedures; develops new strategic initiatives for Town services.

Supports the First Selectman’s intergovernmental responsibilities through working collaboratively with representatives of community agencies and service providers as well as the general public.

Establishes and maintains appropriate working relationships with State and Federal officials, Town officials, public offices, the general public, consultants, other departments, agencies and co-workers.

Provides management and oversight of other administrative departments, as defined by Charter and as directed by the First Selectman.

This position is based in Stonington Town Hall.

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.

REQUIREMENTS OF WORK:

Education, Experience & Training:

The education, experience and training required would generally be acquired with a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management, Public Administration, Business Administration, Employee Relations or some closely related field; and at least eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in human resource management and municipal labor relations; Master’s degree preferred. SHRM certification or other HR/Labor certification preferred. A combination of education and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the responsibilities of this position may be considered in lieu of stated education and experience requirements.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration. Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of human resource administration, including labor relations and collective bargaining.

Considerable knowledge of public budgeting and capital improvement program planning, financing and administration; ability to prepare, present and manage to organizational budget.

Knowledge of the Connecticut Municipal Employee Relations Act, Federal Fair Labor Standards Act, Connecticut Occupational Safety and Health Act, Family Medical Leave Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and other relevant federal and state legislation.

Ability to conduct research, organize data and prepare reports as directed and overseen by the First Selectman.

Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from all levels of the organization, including, but not limited to, the Board of Selectmen, Board of Finance and general public.

Strong written and verbal communications skills as well as interpersonal skills. 

Ability to leverage technology to improve processes, procedures and efficiencies.

Ability to plan, organize, direct, coordinate and evaluate work of employees; drive employee development and engagement within the department and across the Town. 

Ability to assess needs, target available resources and implement effective programs. 

Ability to regularly engage in activities necessitated by the position outside normal business hours; i.e., evening meetings, emergencies, etc. (This is highly responsible, professional and administrative work and as such is expressly exempted by the Fair Labor Standards Act and related state laws from the requirement of paid overtime).

Ability to work harmoniously, cooperatively, and courteously with others at all times. Ability to maintain a calm manner in stressful and/or emergency situations and an ability to adapt to varying work situations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

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

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk, use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to twenty-five (25) pounds. Specific vision abilities required on the job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. Hand-eye coordination is necessary to operate computers and various pieces of office equipment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics describe here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential duties and functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions. The employee will routinely operate typical business office equipment.

 NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Not applicable.

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