Director of Human Resources

Director Of Human Resources

OMNI is honored to be retained by Jackson County, Missouri in the recruitment of their next Director of Human Resources. This role is responsible for the delivery of personnel services including recruitment, testing, orientation, training, benefits administration, safety, associate relations, personnel records maintenance, classification and compensation recommendations, salaries, and merit system staff administration.

Jackson County serves as a dynamic hub in the Kansas City metropolitan area, providing essential services including public safety, infrastructure, parks and recreation, property assessment and tax administration, and legislative operations. The County is committed to transparency, fiscal responsibility, and responsive service delivery, working collaboratively to meet evolving community needs while maintaining strong stewardship of public resources.

Jackson County is one of 114 counties in Missouri. It includes most of Kansas City, Missouri, and 17 other cities and towns encompassing a population of about 654,000 people living within 607 square miles.

Position Summary

The Director of Human Resources is responsible for administering human resource policies and programs for approximately 1,555 employees across 28 departments. The role ensures compliance with all personnel laws and provides guidance to the County Executive and department directors on policy impacts and workforce issues.

The Director advises department leadership on complex personnel matters and may participate in union negotiations and grievances. The position also leads and develops a high-performing HR team and drives innovative approaches to talent management and process improvement to support the County's goals.

Reporting to Assistant County Administrator Internal Services, the Director of Human Resources will lead a team of 14 staff and administer a budget of more than $740,000.

Responsibilities

• Assign, direct, and review the work of a staff of eight, establishing priorities, deadlines, and long-range schedules.
• Oversee personnel administration, including interviews, evaluations, promotions, leave approval, and enforcement of policies and procedures.
• Prepare, justify, and manage annual budget recommendations.
• Ensure delivery of effective and modern HR programs and services, including benefits, labor relations, recruitment, and employee relations.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of personnel programs through engagement with employees and leadership, assessing service quality, policy adequacy, staff expertise, and operational efficiency.
• Advise department heads and leadership on the personnel implications of policies, reorganizations, staffing actions, and program changes.
• Develop, recommend, and implement personnel policies and procedures aligned with regulatory requirements and organizational goals to the Merit System Commission.
• Serve as Secretary to the MSC, attending meetings, interpreting rules, supporting appeals, and acting as liaison between County officials, employees, and the Commission.
• Provide consultation to County Boards and Commissions on HR programs, benefits administration, and policy matters; serve as a member of the County's Pension Board.
• Collaborate with union representatives, legal counsel, and leadership to analyze proposals, resolve conflicts, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Advise County leadership on sensitive personnel actions, including those involving labor unions, legal risk, policy exceptions, or significant organizational impact.
• Represent the County in professional forums, staying informed of industry trends and incorporating relevant best practices.
• Oversee onboarding and orientation programs, ensuring timely communication of employee rights and policies.
• Manage and administer employee benefits programs.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance HR efficiency and effectiveness.
• Lead training, conferences, and discussions on HR-related topics for staff and supervisors.
• Review probationary terminations and provide guidance on reinstatement or reemployment decisions.
• Deliver and oversee supervisory and employee training programs.
• Administer examinations, eligibility lists, and classification and compensation plans.
• Develop, maintain, and update HR policies to ensure county compliance with Federal, State, and local regulations.
• Lead policy development and revisions to reflect legislative changes and evolving best practices.
• Ensure compliance with Affirmative Action and Equal Employment Opportunity requirements; serve as program officer for related initiatives.
• Partner with the County Executive, Administration, and other leadership to recommend and implement new HR policies and initiatives.
• Investigate violations of personnel rules and ensure appropriate resolution in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Certify payroll for compliance with personnel policies, procedures, and applicable laws.
• Prepare and maintain personnel records as required by law and ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with statutory requirements.
• Administer personnel-related pension processes, including maintaining records, providing employee data, and certifying employee eligibility in accordance with applicable requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, public administration, human resources, or a related fiscal field is required.
• Experience leading human resource operations in a public sector or nonprofit agency is required.
• 8-10 plus years of progressively responsible supervisory experience in personnel or human resources management.
• Comprehensive knowledge of HR related items including labor management, contract negotiations, group benefit administration, and employment laws.
• Knowledge of Merit System Commission principles, objectives, rules and procedures.
• Strong technical knowledge including Microsoft Office and HR specific software.
• Knowledge of Federal, State, and County laws, ordinances, and mandates.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to accurately convey knowledge and instructions to diverse audiences.
• Apply techniques of counseling and progressive discipline.
• Ability to submit to/pass pre-employment background and drug screen.

Salary and Benefits The hiring salary range for this position is commensurate with qualifications and experience. A competitive benefits program, including health, dental, life insurance, paid vacation and sick leave are provided in addition to a pension plan. This position is onsite in downtown Kansas City, MO. Jackson County residency is not a requirement.

First application review will be July 10, 2026.

We appreciate your referrals to professionals who may have an interest in this outstanding opportunity.

Formal interest accepted through the OMNI Executive Career Portal.

Please direct all inquiries to:

OMNI Human Resource Solutions

Stacey Cowan, Senior Search Consultant, Practice Leader Local Government Services

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OMNI and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers.