The Human Resources Manager is responsible for leading and managing all aspects of human resources functions within the agency, including recruitment, employee relations, performance management, training and development, compensation and benefits, and compliance with labor laws and regulations. This role is pivotal in fostering a positive workplace culture that supports the agency's mission to deliver safe, reliable, and efficient transit services to the community. The Human Resources Manager ensures that the agency attracts, develops, retains, and develops a highly skilled and diverse workforce. Additionally, the Human Resources Manager partners with senior leaders to develop and implement strategic HR initiatives that align with the agency's operational goals and long-term vision.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The following duties are standard for this position. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification.
- Administration of all agency human resources activities, including, but not limited to, payroll, compensation, benefits, and leave; disciplinary matters; disputes and investigations; performance and talent management; productivity, recognition, and morale; and training and development
- Monitor and ensure DCTA’s compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, and recommended best practices; reviews and modifies policies and practices to maintain compliance
- Lead development of and updates to agency human resources policies and reference materials, including but, but not limited to the Employee Handbook, compensations studies as required by agency policy, job descriptions, and onboarding material
- Manage recruiting and hiring process for all positions, including identification/justification of new positions drafting position descriptions, recruiting activities, diversity initiatives, publication management, oversight of selection process, offer issuance/negotiation, post-offer administrative duties, and succession planning
- Assist with preparation of HR report for finance department processing of bi-weekly and semi-monthly payroll
- Maintain Human Resources Information System (HRIS) including new hire set-up, terminations, data maintenance, and auditing of personnel files to ensure legal compliance
- Develop, implement, and promote agency culture, including employee recognition, team building activities, and management of the DCTA Wellness Committee
- Oversee full-cycle benefit programs, including benefits selection, budgeting, contract management, plan setup, implementation, communication to staff and Board of Directors as needed, and benefits enrollment.
- Manage, communicate, and administer needs for FMLA/administrative/short-term disability/long-term disability leave, and maintain compliance for legal and federal requirements
- Oversee performance management and conflict resolution, including but not limited to working with supervisors to implement necessary performance management objectives, disciplinary actions and/or terminations, conduct investigations, and ensure compliance with policies and legal guidelines
- Assists with development, preparation and administration of the Hunan Resources Department budget as well as prepare and provide compensation and benefit financial projections of employees for budgetary staffing purposes, as well as ensure compliance with department budget
- Manage the development, selection, and execution of training & development materials for staff, facilitating with external vendors as required
- Manage compliance and risk management processes
- Acts as DER for Agency drug and alcohol program – may audit contractors and service agents as required
- Ensure both fiscal and calendar year end procedures are completed in an accurate, compliant, and timely manner
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Manages three Human Resources team members. Counsels, supervises and evaluates the performance of team members. Responsible for the development of team members. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's values, policies and applicable laws. Is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of this unit. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION (where applicable, an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered)
Must be 21 years of age or older. Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources Management, Business Administration, Organizational Development, Public Administration, or a related field. A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in human resources, with a strong emphasis on strategic HR management, employee relations, and organizational development. A minimum of 3 years in a HR management role, preferably within a public sector, transportation, or represented workforce environment. Experience with labor relations preferred. Proven track record in leading HR initiatives, such as talent acquisition, performance management, and employee development. Experience in compliance management, including familiarity with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
The following certifications are highly preferred but not required:
- Professional in Human Resources (PHR) or Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certification.
- SHRM-Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) or SHRM-Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) certification.
- Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) or similar certification to demonstrate expertise in compensation and benefits management.
ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS
- Strong leadership and team management skills with the ability to inspire, develop, and manage a high-performing HR team.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively interact with employees at all levels, union representatives, and external stakeholders.
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities with a focus on aligning HR practices with organizational goals.
- In-depth knowledge of HR best practices, particularly in the areas of employee relations, labor laws, and talent management.
- Proficiency in HR Information Systems (HRIS) and data analytics, with the ability to leverage data to inform decision-making and improve HR processes.
- Strong negotiation and conflict resolution skills, particularly in the context of labor relations.
- Budget management experience with the ability to plan and allocate resources effectively to meet HR and organizational goals.
- Integrity and ethical conduct, with a commitment to upholding the highest standards of professionalism in all HR activities.
- Proactive and adaptable with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
- Empathy and emotional intelligence, with a focus on fostering a positive and inclusive workplace culture.
- Customer-focused mindset with a dedication to supporting the needs of the agency’s employees and stakeholders.
- Previous experience in public transit and drug and alcohol program management preferred.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES: Physical activity includes but is not limited to prolonged sitting, frequent computer use, and manual dexterity for tasks such as typing and handling documents. The role requires verbal communication, visual acuity for reading and analyzing information, and mobility within the office for meetings and collaboration. Occasional travel to offsite locations and walking or standing during events or meetings may be needed. Participation in or oversight of employee activities and light event setup may also be required. In rare cases, the role may involve physically attending to emergencies or urgent matters.
Summary
Come be a part of an amazing team working to move the people of the 6th largest growing county in the United States!
Additional perks and benefits that accompany full-time employment with DCTA:
- One 8-hour paid day off for your birthday.
- Employee portions of Medical and Dental benefits are 100% paid by the employer.
- If you have utilized a Proportionate Retirement Program in the past, the service time transfers to DCTA’s retirement system, TCDRS. The following systems apply:
- Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS)
- Employees Retirement System (ERS)
- Judicial Retirement System of Texas (JRS)
- Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS)
- City of Austin Employees Retirement System (COAERS)
- Expanding time-off accruals: 12 days of vacation time accrued for the first year, increasing by one day each year, with a max of 17 days annually. Additionally, employees earn 12 days of sick time each year, 1 personal day, 2 floating holidays, 1 birthday, 9 fixed holidays, and the ability to earn two additional days off through the Wellness Program.
- Regional transit passes (bus and rail) for you and your immediate family.
- DCTA strives to continually improve our Servant Leadership culture. We pride ourselves in having an open, caring, and communicative community of employees, with the drive to help build each other up.
- Extensive Wellness Program, including several opportunities to volunteer with the agency, sporadic lunch and learn events, chair massages, the potential to earn two extra days off each year, and continual efforts to improve wellness throughout the agency.
***DCTA IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER***