Human Resources Specialist

Position Summary
GRADD is seeking a dedicated and highly skilled Human Resources Professional to support and enhance our workforce while advancing the organization’s mission and strategic goals. This role is responsible for administering comprehensive human resources functions, ensuring compliance with employment laws, supporting employees and leadership and fostering a positive, inclusive and high-performing workplace culture. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, service-driven and committed to professional excellence, collaboration and continuous learning.

Key Duties and Responsibilities: Talent Acquisition & Onboarding

• Recruit, interview, and facilitate the hiring of qualified applicants for open positions
• Collaborate with department directors to understand position requirements, skills, and
  competencies
• Post job advertisements in accordance with the Public Relations staff, schedule interviews, and
  assist with recruitment logistics
• Conduct or coordinate background checks and employee eligibility verifications
  
• Implement and facilitate new hire orientation programs to ensure a smooth onboarding
  experience

Human Resources Administration

• Perform routine and complex tasks required to administer and execute HR programs, including:
  • Compensation, benefits, and leave administration
  • Performance and talent management
  • Employee recognition, productivity, morale, and engagement initiatives
  • Training and professional development programs
  • Occupational health and safety initiatives
  • Maintain accurate and confidential employee records in compliance with federal and state
    regulations
  • Perform initial and annual reviews of position classifications, compensation review, or exemption
    analysis   

Employee Relations & Support

• Handle employment-related inquiries from applicants, employees, and supervisors
• Develop and Provide guidance on HR policies, procedures, and employee benefits
• Oversee employee investigations or formal complaint resolution in accordance with department
  directors and participate in employee disciplinary meetings, investigations, and terminations
• Facilitate policy interpretation and refer complex or sensitive matters to appropriate leadership as
  needed
• Facilitate effective communication between employees and management
• Serve as a resource to GRADD elected officials regarding human resource related issues as
  needed/requested

Compliance & Best Practices

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations
• Review, recommend, and update HR policies and practices to maintain compliance and align with
  best practices
• Maintain working knowledge of trends, regulatory changes, and emerging technologies in human
  resources and employment law  
  Reporting, Metrics & Organizational Support
• Support HR operations by preparing reports, tracking key metrics, and managing HR-related project timelines
• Assist leadership in data-driven decision-making related to workforce planning and organizational
  effectiveness

Professional Development

• Engage in continuous learning to remain current on HR trends, workforce development
  strategies, and regulatory updates
• Contribute to GRADD’s commitment to excellence, credibility, and fairness in all human resources
  practice

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a
  related field
• Minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible human resources experience
• Working knowledge of federal and state employment laws and regulations (including FLSA,
  FMLA, EEO, ADA)
• Experience administering HR programs such as recruitment, onboarding, benefits, and employee
  relations
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills
• Proficiency with HR information systems, payroll/timekeeping systems, and standard office
  software

Preferred Experience and Qualifications

• Human resources experience in local government, regional planning agencies, public sector, or nonprofit organizations
• Professional HR certification such as SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR
• Experience supporting multi-department organizations or geographically dispersed staff
• Knowledge of Kentucky personnel policies, public-sector benefits, or workforce development
  programs
• Demonstrated experience with employee training, performance management, and policy
  development 
  

Working Conditions

• Office-based with occasional travel throughout the GRADD region
• May require attendance at meetings outside normal business hours on occasion

Commitment to Equal Opportunity
GRADD is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive and 
equitable workplace and offers a meaningful opportunity to serve the region, support dedicated public service professionals and contribute to programs that make a lasting impact on communities. GRADD is committed to fostering a collaborative, respectful and mission-driven workplace where employees can thrive and grow.