Head of Recruiting & HR

Reporting to the City Administrator, the Human Resource Director will provide leadership, direction, and business decision support regarding the personnel and risk management operations of the City of Riverside. The Director will supervise a team of two, including a Human Resources Generalist and a Communications & Events Coordinator. Primary responsibilities include labor and employee relations, benefits management and payroll changes, compensation, recruitment and staffing, compliance and risk management, policy development, budget management, and employee supervision.

Direct and oversee all human resources functions, including policy & procedure development, employee relations, talent acquisition, classification and compensation, performance management, and HR compliance with state and local laws to ensure achievement of goals and objectives of the Board of Alderman at the direction of the City Administrator.

Collaborate with Finance Director to execute bi-weekly payroll.

Advise City leadership, department heads, and employees on personnel matters, policy interpretation, investigations, disciplinary actions, conflict resolution, and organizational development initiatives.

Reviews and approves all human resources related changes, such as reclassifications, policy changes, payroll changes, etc.

Develops and administers the HR budget, ensuring effective resource allocation and compliance with approved budget and staffing levels.

Partner with Department leaders to coordinate recruiting, interviewing, selecting, and onboarding/orientation.

Manages job classification and compensation programs, which include writing/revising job descriptions, classifying positions and ensuring the City’s compensation plan remains competitive.

Manages the employee performance program ensuring complete and timely annual evaluations of staff.

Provides guidance on employee performance, training, professional development, conflict resolution, and team building initiatives.

Responds to complex employee and service issues, conducts investigations, and leads policy and operational improvement initiatives.

Manage employee benefits programs by evaluating vendors, negotiating costs, and maintaining broker relationships.

Provides oversight to the HR Generalist for benefits administration to ensure accurate and effective program delivery including employee engagement and wellness activities.

Participates in the negotiation of union contracts and attends labor and management meetings.

Conducts exit interviews, advises separating employees on benefits or severance matters, and manages unemployment claims.

Oversees the City’s risk management program, including property, liability, and worker’s compensation insurance while managing records, property and inventory controls. Serve as official representative to the Missouri Intergovernmental Risk Management Association (MRMA).

Provides oversight of City communication materials both internally and externally.

Attends all evening Board of Alderman meetings on the first and third Tuesday of each month.

Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Business, or related field is required.

Master’s degree in Human Resources, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Business, or related field is preferred.

Ability to complete the following within 1 year of hire: Proven experience in public sector human resources administration, including knowledge of HR laws, regulations, policies, payroll, and employee benefits programs.

Strong ability to interpret and apply complex statutes, regulations, procedures, and guidelines while supporting program development and implementation.

Demonstrated leadership, project management, and decision-making skills, with the ability to motivate staff and drive effective operations.

Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, maintain detailed records, analyze information, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Proficiency with HRIS systems, Microsoft Office Suite and standard office technology and practices, with a strong commitment to attendance and performance standards.

Salary and Benefits: The hiring salary range for this position is $137,004 – 157,554 commensurate with qualifications and experience. A generous benefits program, including health, dental, life insurance, paid vacation and sick leave are provided and a fringe benefit package. The City participates in the Missouri Local Government Employees Retirement System (MOLAGERS) and offers a voluntary 457b plan through Mission Square.

First application review will be August 14, 2026.

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