Job Description

Posting number: 2026-00137

Department: Boston Public Library

Job classification: Human Resources Manager (BPL)

Posting type: Open

Categories: Human Resources, Library

Summary

The Human Resources Manager is responsible for the personnel and labor obligations, procedures, and systems covering all Boston Public Library personnel and positions; in conjunction with the Library and City of Boston systems, policies, and leadership, especially the City of Boston Offices of Human Resources and Labor Relations.

These include administrative, technical, and professional duties in the areas of: position development, classification & compensation; vacancy management; recruitment, selection & onboarding; labor relations; performance appraisal, benefits administration, civil service responsibilities; and a coordinating role in ongoing staff and professional development; as well as technical work in developing, maintaining, and ensuring compliance with the personnel policies and procedures of the Library. This role is also the principal personnel officer for individual labor and labor contract matters.

Reports to: Director of Finance & Administration or as delegated by the President of the Library.

Examples of duties

• Manages and supervises the human resources department. Plans and organizes workloads and staff assignments; trains, motivates, and evaluates assigned staff; reviews progress and directs changes as needed.
• Manages all personnel, human resources, and labor-related records & information; oversees the analysis, maintenance, and communication of such as required by law.
• Maintains communications with appropriate union officials for exchange of information, formal and informal discussion of union-management affairs and related matters; conducts, coordinates and/or assists with impact bargaining obligations, execution of progressive discipline and grievance processes. Represents the Library at personnel-related hearings and investigations.
• Remains conversant with active Labor Contracts and their obligations and impacts, applicable supplementary agreements and related Labor and Records laws and regulations. Acts as the principal liaison for determining applicable obligations in consultation with Library Leadership, City of Boston leadership, and the City of Boston Office of Labor Relations.
• In conjunction with the City of Boston Labor Counsel and Office of Labor Relations, has primary local responsibility for and actively participates in the collective bargaining process; suggests bargaining concepts and strategies; and assists in presenting the Library’s case to mediators, fact finders, and arbitrators as needed. Assists with drafting necessary contract language and agreements; coordinates pre- and post-negotiation activities including submission of cost items, communication of contract changes to department heads, scheduling of any major retroactive payments, etc.; continuously administers collective bargaining agreements ensuring compliance with labor contracts.
• Responsible for developing, administering, and proposing improvements to the Library’s salary administration and classification plan; monitors and reviews current personnel policies, job classification, and salary structures and recommends changes as required; revises and maintains job descriptions; oversees the implementation and administration of the performance appraisal systems and procedures.
• Administers the civil service system as applicable to employees in the Library; counsels Library staff on civil service procedures and other applicable state and federal laws and Library policies.
• Oversees or plays a coordinating role with all affirmative action guidelines and diversity programs for the Library.
• Responsible for maintenance of vacancy management, employment applications, employee records and personnel transactions such as hires, promotions, transfers, performance reviews, and terminations, reference and credit checks, CORI or other similar programs, performs special studies and conducts outreach for job opportunities and application procedures. Ensures Library-wide compliance with existing laws, rules, ordinances, and regulations governing talent acquisition and employee utilization. Plans and conducts new employee orientation to foster a positive attitude toward organizational goals.
• Oversees the administration of insurance and employee benefit plans, including workers' compensation; acts as a group insurance administrator; acts as liaison between City Hall and Library employees to ensure that correct benefits are provided and that problems or disputes are resolved whenever possible; counsels employees on benefit programs and levels and on payment/reimbursement procedures.
• Mediates problems between employees; works to improve communication within and between departments; answers questions from department heads and supervisors concerning personnel policies and procedures.
• Prepares employee separation notices and related documentation, and conducts exit interviews to determine reasons behind separations. Prepares reports and recommends procedures to reduce absenteeism and manage retention goals.
• Collaborates with management staff on the design and implementation of a training and professional development program for all employees.
• Performs similar or related duties as required or as the situation dictates.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, public administration, business administration, labor relations, or a related field; and five (5) years of experience in either personnel or labor relations, including four (4) years in a supervisory capacity, preferably in a Library or Municipal setting. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted. An advanced degree in public administration with a concentration in personnel management or a Juris Doctor degree is preferred.
• Thorough knowledge of public sector personnel and labor practices and applicable federal and state laws regulating hiring and collective bargaining matters.
• Thorough knowledge of employee classification, compensation and benefits, recruitment, selection, training, and labor relations.
• Management experience in an enterprise-level electronic payroll system environment preferred.
• Demonstrated problem-solving ability and ability to maintain productive interpersonal relations in a complex and changing environment.
• Strong management and supervisory skills. Integrity, initiative, discretion, dependability, and ability to work under pressure and deadlines are essential.
• Ability to interact in a positive and effective manner with personnel at all levels of authority.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, in writing and orally.
• Ability to recruit, interview, and evaluate job applicants for diverse positions.
• Ability to maintain accurate and detailed records.
• Ability to prepare and analyze comprehensive reports.
• Ability to carry out assigned projects to their completion.
• Ability to efficiently and effectively administer a human resource system.
• Skill in the use of personal computers, particularly word processing and spreadsheet applications.
• Excellent public relations skills. Solid negotiating skills.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and focus on detail as required by the job.

CORI & SORI CHECKS REQUIRED

BOSTON RESIDENCY REQUIRED

Terms:

Union/Salary Plan/Grade: Non-Union/PM-7

Hours per week: 35