Human Resources Director

SUMMARY

The Director of Human Resources provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for all human resources functions within the Grand Traverse Band's governmental operations. This role drives workforce strategy, ensures legal and cultural alignment, and supports a high‑performance, inclusive work environment through effective systems, policies, and partnerships. The Director leads a team of HR professionals in areas such as recruiting, compensation and classification, benefits, employee relations, risk management, training and development, and compliance. The Director acts as a trusted advisor to the CEO, Shared Services Director, Tribal Council, and department leaders, aligning HR practices with tribal sovereignty, community wellbeing, and long‑range organizational priorities.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business/Public Administration, or related field required; master's degree preferred.
• Minimum five (5) years of progressive HR experience, including at least three (3) years in a strategic or supervisory leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of employment law, tribal preference/TERO requirements, HRIS systems, and organizational development practices.
• Demonstrated ability to influence across departments, lead change, and drive measurable outcomes.
• Experience in tribal government or public sector environments preferred.
• Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as chief workforce advisor to the CEO and Shared Services Director, contributing to executive planning, policy formation, and tribal wide workforce development.
• Develop and implement an overall HR management plan that identifies clear strategies, services, and structures to deliver measurable value to GTB.
• Lead creation and execution of a strategic HR plan aligned with tribal sovereignty, economic development goals, and long term organizational priorities.
• Direct all core HR functions, including recruitment and selection, compensation and classification, benefits, performance management, employee relations, workers' compensation, occupational safety, and risk management.
• Champion tribal employment preference in hiring and advancement, embedding culturally aligned and legally compliant practices in all HR systems.
• Oversee HR policy development and revision to ensure compliance with tribal law, applicable federal and state requirements, and funding or grant conditions.
• Advise and coach department leaders on workforce engagement, performance management, conflict resolution, and leadership accountability.
• Design and manage workforce planning, including staffing analysis, talent forecasting, succession planning, and leadership development.
• Evaluate and modernize HR procedures to streamline processes, improve customer service, reduce paper flow, and enhance HR data management and reporting.
• Oversee HRIS and digital recordkeeping systems for accurate, secure, and efficient management of personnel information.
• Ensure accurate, centralized personnel records and regulatory reporting (e.g., EEO, benefits, safety) in compliance with law and GTB policies.
• Develop and manage the HR department budget, staffing plans, and relationships with external vendors (benefits brokers, insurance carriers, retirement plan administrators, consultants).
• Represent GTB in interactions with legal counsel, auditors, and regulatory agencies on HR related matters.
• Prepare and deliver presentations and reports to Tribal leadership regarding HR policies, workforce metrics, and strategic initiatives.
• Maintain the highest level of confidentiality, ethical conduct, and cultural respect in all HR operations.
• Implement an HR metrics dashboard (e.g., turnover, vacancy rates, time to fill, tribal member employment, training participation) to support data driven decision making.
• Launch a leadership development and supervisor training program focusing on coaching, progressive discipline, feedback, and conflict resolution.
• Coordinate regular reviews of compensation and benefits competitiveness using benchmarking data to support recruitment and retention.
• Partner with Anishinaabewin and Education to integrate cultural teachings and tribal history into onboarding and leadership programs.
• Perform other related duties as assigned in support of organizational effectiveness.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to apply systems thinking and data analysis to diagnose organizational issues and design HR solutions.
• Skill in organizational planning, workforce analysis, and change management.
• Executive presence, sound judgment, and ability to engender trust with leadership, employees, and community.
• Strong public speaking, facilitation, and presentation skills.
• Clear, persuasive verbal and written communication tailored to diverse audiences.
• Proficiency with HRIS platforms, digital recordkeeping, and reporting tools.
• Knowledge of HR policy interpretation, employment law, tribal preference, and merit based systems.
• High personal integrity, discretion, and commitment to confidentiality.
• Ability to build cooperative working relationships and resolve complex employee relations issues.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business/Public Administration, or a closely related field required; master's degree preferred.
• At least five (5) years of recent, progressively responsible HR management experience; three (3)+ years in a senior or supervisory role.
• Broad HR background with experience in employment, compensation, organizational planning, employee relations, and training and development.
• Experience working in a tribal organization or complex, multi funding governmental environment highly desirable.
• Professional HR certification (e.g., SHRM CP/SCP, PHR/SPHR) preferred, or willingness to pursue.

DRIVING REQUIREMENTS

• Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record required.
• Regular travel throughout the six county service area for meetings, trainings, and workforce initiatives.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

• Must successfully complete background investigation and drug and alcohol screening.
• Must adhere to all confidentiality rules and GTB fiscal and employment policies.
• Professional business demeanor required when dealing with employees and external partners.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Directs and manages a team of HR professionals and support staff (e.g., Recruiting Specialist, HR Coordinator, Learning & Development Specialist, risk or benefits staff).
• Provides leadership, coaching, and performance evaluation for HR personnel.
• Works collaboratively with Tribal leadership and division directors on HR related strategic initiatives.

EQUIPMENT TO BE USED

• Computer, printer, telephone, scanner, and standard office equipment.
• HRIS and applicant tracking systems.
• Microsoft Office products and data report software.

TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Prolonged periods of computer use and data entry.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 20 pounds (files or records).
• Mental focus and considerable attention to detail.
• Strong verbal and written interaction skills to handle frequent employee communication.
• Ability to manage multiple interruptions and maintain workflow accuracy.

TYPICAL MENTAL DEMANDS

• Performs work of unusual difficulty requiring organization and direction of a multi disciplinary HR team.
• Advises tribal government on complex HR issues; develops and interprets HR policies for leaders and employees.
• High level of concentration and analytical thinking to address sensitive, confidential, and politically complex issues.
• Ability to manage multiple high stakes priorities simultaneously, including emergencies (e.g., investigations, legal deadlines, or crisis staffing needs).

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Professional office environment within the Shared Services Division.
• Standard business hours with flexibility as needed for meetings, Tribal Council sessions, budget cycles, and special projects.
• Frequent contact with department managers, vendors, officials from state and federal agencies, Tribal Court, and employee representatives.
• Regular interaction with the CEO's office on HR strategy, policy issues, and workforce updates.

COMMENTS

Native American Preference will apply. Must be willing and able to pass a criminal history background check with no felonies or serious misdemeanors and a drug and alcohol urinalysis as a condition of employment. Adherence to strict company policy in regard to confidentiality is required.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Management retains the right to add or to change the duties of the position at any time. * Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents in lieu of stated minimums require prior approval from the Director of Human Resources.

Current Openings for Human Resources Director Jobs at Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians