Human Resources Director

Are you a strategic, people-focused leader ready to make a lasting impact in a vibrant, community-driven city?  The City of Keene is seeking a dynamic Human Resources Director to lead and elevate our people operations, supporting a creative, adaptive, and talented workforce that delivers exceptional services to our community.

In this vital role, you'll provide visionary leadership in developing and executing forward-thinking HR strategies and programs across a wide range of areas—including talent acquisition and retention, employee and labor relations, benefits and wellness, safety and risk management, organizational development, policy and compliance, and much more.  You’ll work closely with senior leadership and department managers to design and implement workforce solutions that reflect the unique and diverse needs of our city departments.  Apply today to become a part of our amazing team!
 
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
• Ensure legal compliance for all HR operations including recruitment, terminations, compensation, benefits, and employee records.
• Provide HR expertise and support to all City departments, fostering consistency and fairness in personnel practices.
• Work with senior leadership and department and division managers developing and evaluating business strategies and workforce models to support succession planning, continuity of operations, and high-quality public service.
• Lead collective bargaining negotiations coordinating activities related to labor relations.
• Collaborate with leadership to develop and implement education, training and development programs.
• Oversee employee performance evaluation programs and ensure alignment with organizational goals.
• Develop cost effective and competitive employee benefits programs supporting an engaged workforce and develop, implement, and interpret HR-related policies and procedures and recommend updates to City Code as necessary.
• Oversee position control systems and collaborate with the Finance Department on personnel budgeting citywide. 
• Other specific job duties can be found in the job description below.



About the City of Keene
A Family-Friendly Community Keene is a family-friendly community offering diverse educational options, including four public elementary schools, a regional public middle school and high school, as well as multiple private and charter school choices. We are also proud to host Keene State College, River Valley Community College, and Antioch University New England, providing exceptional educational opportunities at every stage of life.
The Hub of Cheshire County As the vibrant hub of Cheshire County, Keene offers a wealth of job opportunities, diverse dining experiences, comprehensive healthcare services, and a wide array of recreational activities, serving and benefiting the entire region. Our downtown is highly walkable and enjoyable, featuring numerous restaurants, unique shops, a thriving food co-op, and many long-standing businesses. Our population of just under 25,000 reflects about half the number of people who visit and do business in Keene daily.
Unparalleled Outdoor Living Our strong outdoor economy sets Keene apart, both locally and nationally. We boast an extensive trail system that seamlessly connects wooded nature trails directly into the heart of our welcoming and lively downtown. Our trails and incredible downtown make Keene a beloved tourism destination, offering numerous public parks and organized activities for all ages and abilities.
A Leader in Sustainability Keene is renowned as a sustainability leader, with a deep commitment from both City leadership and the community at large to achieving ambitious environmental goals. We have multiple solar arrays supporting City operations, a publicly available community power program, and a sustainable energy plan, demonstrating our dedication to a greener future.
Gateway to New England and Beyond The Keene Dillant-Hopkins Airport is a significant regional resource, offering private and charter services that support local employers with active national and global operations. This accessibility, combined with our progressive yet small-town feel, makes Keene a place where people are truly engaged and comfortable.
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Requirements include:
• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources, Public Administration, Business Administration or a related field.  A Master’s Degree is preferred.
• 5-7 years of progressive HR-related experience, including 3 years in a supervisory capacity.
• Strong knowledge of employment law, compensation and benefits administration, and HR best practices as well as experience in HRIS Implementation and data analysis.


Salary and Benefits include:
• This position offers a salary of $107,221- $133,617 annualized and will also receive an attractive benefits package which includes low deductible/low-cost health insurance, low-cost dental insurance, State of NH Group I retirement, and other benefits such as life, disability, and paid time off, in addition to new hire incentives/moving expense assistance.  Municipal employees may also qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.
• An environment where you can grow, be challenged, and learn from collaborative and talented colleagues.
• The opportunity to make a real difference in our community.
 
Ready to apply?
Apply now by visiting keenenh.gov/jobs.  As part of the application process, you are required to upload your resume and cover letter.  Confirmation that your application has been successfully submitted and received will be sent via email.
This position will be open until filled and the first review of applications will be on Monday, August 18, 2025.
 
Job Description: Human Resources Director


THE CITY OF KEENE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.