Human Resources Assistant jobs in Portland, ME

Maine Trust for Local News is the state’s largest network of independent news and media outlets dedicated to keeping local news in local hands and is seeking a dynamic Director of Human Resources to join their on-site team in South Portland, Maine. 

The Director of Human Resources, reporting to the Chief of Staff, will be a critical part of the organization by guiding the strategic focus for the development of HR and Talent committed to the Maine communities and becoming an employer of choice. 

This position will be hands on as well as oversee the technical and administrative aspects of human resources including labor and employee relations, benefits, fostering a positive and evolving workplace culture, attracting and retaining talent, HR compliance, employee engagement activities and rewards and recognition. 

• Direct impact in leading strategic HR growth of the organization 
• Collaborative approach within agrowing and changing environment 
• Comprehensive benefit package including medical/dental, vision, HSA, paid time off and 401K 
• Competitive salary commensurate with experience 

• BS degree, or equivalent work experience, and at least five years’ experience working as a Human Resources professional at a management level. 
• SHRM CP or SHRM SCP certification or equivalent preferred.  
• Ability to work fully on site with travel to other site locations. 
• Deep knowledge of HR policies and procedures; local state and government employment laws and compliance regulations 
• Previous experience with negotiating labor management agreements  
• Experience working with an HRIS system, Paycom preferred 
• Outstanding verbal and interpersonal communication skills and able to effectively convey the organization’s mission, priorities, and programs to diverse audiences in a variety of platforms 
• Prior experience navigating HR strategy through mergers and acquisitions 
• Excellent negotiation, conflict resolution, and interpersonal skills. 
• Proven ability to build and lead a high-performing HR team. 
• Strategic thinker with the ability to align HR initiatives with organizational goals. 

• Lead and oversee all aspects of labor relations, including contract negotiations, dispute resolution, and maintaining positive relationships with unions and providing ongoing strategic guidance. 
• Create and implement proactive employee relations strategies to promote a positive and inclusive workplace culture through coaching, development and leadership training. 
• Oversee investigations into complex employee complaints or disputes, ensuring fair and timely resolution. 
• Provide strategic leadership and direction to the HR department, ensuring alignment with organizational goals. 
• Foster a high-performance culture within the HR team, promoting collaboration and continuous improvement. 
• Oversee the design, implementation, and administration of comprehensive employee benefits programs. 
• Collaborate with benefit providers to ensure competitive and cost-effective benefit offerings and communicate programs to employees. 
• Design effective employee engagement activities and reward and recognition programs. 
• Develop and update HR policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with labor laws, regulations, and reporting requirements. 
• Work closely with the Chief of Staff and other executives to align HR strategies with overall organizational objectives. 
• Provide insights and recommendations on HR-related matters to contribute to the development of organizational strategy. 

As a wholly owned subsidiary of the National Trust for Local News, we strive for fair and thorough reporting methods, accurate reporting, and transparency. Our publications share a proud history of independence and integrity that they have fostered for decades. 

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Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, familial status, age, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.