The Town of Salem, NH is seeking an experienced and strategic Human Resources Director to lead and manage all aspects of the Town's human resources operations. This is a key leadership role responsible for shaping workforce strategy, ensuring compliance, and fostering a positive and productive organizational culture across a workforce of approximately 250 employees. Reporting directly to the Town Manager, the Human Resources Director performs advanced administrative, technical, and professional work overseeing all phases of personnel activity. The Director develops and implements HR policies, leads labor relations efforts, and provides strategic guidance to Town leadership.
Affiliation: Non-Affiliated
What You'll Do:
(This list is illustrative and not all-inclusive. Please refer to the full job description below for complete details.)
- Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations
- Lead and support collective bargaining, including strategy development, negotiations, and contract administration
- Advise Town leadership on employee relations, disciplinary matters, policies, and procedures
- Develop, implement, and update personnel policies and HR programs
- Oversee the full employee lifecycle including recruitment, onboarding, development, and separation
- Supervise and evaluate HR staff, including workload allocation and performance management
- Administer and evaluate employee benefits programs (health, dental, life, disability, workers' compensation, and wellness initiatives)
- Monitor compensation structures to ensure competitiveness and internal equity
- Prepare and manage the HR department budget
- Maintain personnel records and ensure confidentiality and compliance with records requirements
- Collaborate with Finance and other departments to support operational effectiveness
- Support Town committees and initiatives such as JLMC, Employee Recognition, and Title VI compliance
Participate in special projects and interdepartmental initiatives
Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Public Administration, or a related field
- Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible HR experience, including at least two (2) years in a supervisory capacity
- Experience in municipal labor relations and collective bargaining strongly preferred
- Strong knowledge of employment law, benefits administration, and compensation practices
- Demonstrated ability to interpret and communicate complex HR issues effectively
- Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills
- High level of professionalism, discretion, and ethical judgment
- Knowledge of New Hampshire employment and labor laws preferred
- SHRM certification (PHR/SPHR/SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP) preferred
For full details of requirements and other considerations, please see the full job description.
What We Offer:
Benefits are provided by the Town and described in the Non-Affiliated Employees Benefit Guide, and include the following:
- Annual paid time off - Up to 30 days of PTO (monthly accrual of 18.75 hours); 12 holidays and 2 ½ days (Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve).
- Health, and Vision Insurance HSA with 91% Employer contribution to premiums
- Dental Insurance
- New Hampshire Retirement System - Defined benefit pension plan
- STD, LTD, and Life Insurance
If you already have qualifying insurance, the Town will pay the employee $5,000 annually to waive coverage.
The Town of Salem is an equal opportunity employer.
Application Instructions:
Interested candidates must complete a Town of Salem Employment Application and submit a resume and cover letter. Applications will be held in confidence. Candidates will be rated based on education, assessment, training, and experience related to the job requirements. Please provide complete and accurate educational and employment information. Pre-employment testing includes educational and criminal background checks.
Closing Date: Open until filled.