Description

Human Resources Director

Albany or New York City Office

New York State is leading the nation in the fight on global climate change and the transition to a clean energy economy. With the passage of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (Climate Act), New York has codified the most ambitious and comprehensive climate change program in the nation with goals to reach zero carbon emissions in the electricity sector by 2040, reduce 85% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 85% from 1990 levels by 2050, and ultimately net zero greenhouse gas emissions in all sectors of the economy. 

New York State Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) is seeking candidates to fill the Director, Human Resources Management position. Reporting to the Vice President of Operations, the incumbent of this position will provide leadership on all activities related to human resources in support of its workforce comprised of approximately 360 employees across 30 program areas working toward achieving New York’s ambitious goals.

As a key player in setting priorities and increasing employee engagement and operational planning for NYSERDA, the Director of Human Resources is responsible for providing overall strategic human resource leadership to the organization by overseeing the development and implementation of human resources policies, programs and services while ensuring legal compliance in a highly demanding, dynamic, continually changing, and driven environment. 

Primary Responsibilities:

• Provide Human Resources expertise, advice and guidance acting as a trusted advisor to counsel the Executive staff, as well as the management team, by analyzing human resources needs and information, thinking creatively about options, providing timely advice, and expediting processes, all in accordance with the laws that govern personnel activities and in conformance with NYSERDA policies
• Support Authority’s strategic direction by identifying and researching human resources issues, estimating and forecasting trends and requirements, contributing information & analysis in establishing human resources objectives aligned with agency objectives and values, and communicating effectively with staff
• Serve as a primary team member responsible for the implementation of the NYSERDA Diversity Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) Strategic Plan and the development of supportive strategies, policies, training, and guidelines to advance understanding of diversity and inclusion issues across NYSERDA staff and teams. Serve as a permanent member of a new Employee Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council
• Motivate, mentor and provide professional development to the Human Resources team (four professionals) to ensure a commitment to excellence and adherence to governmental guidelines with a strong ability to find the correct balance between demand and capacity when establishing priorities for the organization while fostering productive working relationships with Authority staff, Executive agencies and various stakeholders
• Identify and implement opportunities to provide an employee-oriented, high-performance culture that emphasizes quality, equity and fairness in the areas of hiring, retention and promotion, staff development, performance management and evaluation, recognition, employee relations, and compensation and benefits management
• Develop and maintain relationships and serve as primary liaison with Executive Chamber and Agency staff for human resource processes including the Center for Recruitment and Public Service/Governor’s Appointments Office, Governor’s Office of Employee Relations (GOER) and Human Resource counterparts in other agencies and authorities.
• Build on NYSERDA’s newly expanded telework policy by researching, recommending and implementing hybrid workplace best practices.
• Serve as a member of the Continuity Planning Team (CPT) - a cross functional/cross organizational team responsible for utilizing a sound planning process to develop, test, update, and implement the Continuity of Operations Plan.
• Manage employee relations and disciplinary issues, coach and counsel managers and staff as needed, consult with legal counsel when appropriate and manage terminations as necessary
• Assist management in the annual performance appraisal process and preparation and administration of compensation plans
• Guide the Performance Improvement Process, providing counsel on delivering performance feedback and the development and execution of Performance Improvement Plans
• Assess needs and manage organizational change through problem solving, conflict resolution and ongoing communication recommending policies and practices to Senior Management
• Establish credibility and trust throughout the organization with management and employees in order to be an effective listener and problem solver of Human Resource issues
• Manage the budget and other financial measures of the Human Resources department
• Perform other responsibilities as assigned

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ten years of progressive leadership experience in human resources with at least 4 years of experience in a Senior Management role. SPHR or PHR certification is a plus
• A proven human resources leader with excellent conflict resolution and problem solving skills along with a strong ability to negotiate, influence and persuade management and staff at all levels in the organization to serve as a trusted advisor organization wide
• Track record of success in improving employee engagement, preferably in a fast paced, complex organization
• Expert knowledge of current industry trends as well as Federal and State legislation pertaining to all personnel matters and ensures compliance
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to coordinate, calibrate and appropriately balance multiple high-priority initiatives with stakeholder groups given high demands and constrained resources while demonstrating an exceptional commitment to customer service and delivering quality outcomes with a proven record of success
• Specialized training in employment law, compensation, organizational planning and development, employee relations, reasonable accommodations, diversity and inclusion, and/or labor relations, highly preferred
• Experience working in both the private and public sectors is strongly preferred
• Detail oriented with a track record of success in developing and implementing creative and well-tailored strategic and tactical human resources plans and programs
• Up-to-date job knowledge maintained through participating in conferences and educational opportunities, active affiliation with human resources networks and organizations, reading professional publications, and maintaining professional networks
• Evidence of successful strategic business partnering in company-wide initiatives with sustained results
• Ability to analyze data and extrapolate for the benefit of Management
• Ability to establish credibility and be decisive while recognizing and supporting the organization’s priorities and preferences
• Strong computer skills in the full suite of Microsoft products, including MS Teams
• Additional preferred skill sets include: strategic change management, process improvement, fostering teamwork, and building productive working relationships
• Bachelor’s degree
• Ability to travel as needed with approximately 10% travel required if based out of Albany, at least 45% if based out of New York City

To Apply:

Please submit one file that includes both your cover letter and resume.

Salary:

Candidates will be considered based on qualifications and experience. An excellent benefits package is offered.

NYSERDA is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status.  We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.   If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know by contacting the Designee for Reasonable Accommodations (DRA) and Americans with Disabilities Act Coordinator which can be found under the Americans with Disabilities Act section of this page labeled as “Reasonable Accommodation Contact Information.”