VP of Human Resources

SUMMARY:The Vice President, Human Resources will provide strategic leadership for FCC by developing and executing human resources strategies in support of the overall business plan and strategic direction of FCC. Areas of particular focus include: talent acquisition and development, culture and organizational development, succession planning, and performance management. This leader will be responsible for transforming the employee experience from recruitment and onboarding to day-to-day culture and will also oversee the implementation and refinement of HR initiatives for the Company. Critical to success will be this leader’s ability to quickly immerse in the business practices, language and culture of FCC. This executive is expected to spend sufficient time outside of the main office to build relationships and credibility with key people and businesses throughout the Company.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Human Resources Leadership

• Direct and oversee the human resources department for 1,200 union and non-union employees in multiple states and locations.
• Serve as a business partner to the CEO, COO and senior leadership in maintaining a workforce with the capabilities essential to successfully executing the Company’s strategy.
• Lead efforts to promote behavior, processes and decisions that reinforce the Company’s values and create a culture that helps to attract and retain people who are committed to the Company’s mission.
• Develop and implement an organization-wide talent strategy that identifies the talent gaps created by the Company’s fundamental shift in strategy (from print platform and advertising based to digital platform and consumer based) and develops specific plans to address gaps through recruitment and staff development.
• Plan, develop, and implement policies to clearly establish high performance goals throughout the Company, and oversee consistent application of performance management processes to ensure standards are met.
• Assist and provide advice to managers and employees on all matters related to HR to ensure fairness and consistency.
• Lead Company compliance with all existing governmental, labor laws, and legal reporting requirements including the EEO, ADA, FMLA, ERISA, COBRA, WC, OSHA, 401k compliance, and all other federal or state regulations pertaining to human resources.
• Oversee vendor relationships for outsourced services (benefits, etc).

Talent Strategy

• Direct staffing strategies and implementation plans to identify talent within and outside of FCC for new and/or vacated positions. Approve appropriate and effective external sources and sourcing methods to attract candidates for all operating levels within the Company. Build a “talent funnel” to facilitate growth and organizational changes.
• Evaluate and provide coaching and guidance on Company culture and change initiatives, in a fast and innovative environment, to empower leaders to meet and exceed Company goals.
• Transform employee recruitment, onboarding and talent development processes across multiple locations.
• Direct and develop human resource planning models to identify competency, knowledge and talent gaps and the application of specific programs for filling the gaps. Direct talent management through proper succession planning for key contributors, develop leaders and prepare development programs to ready candidates for more significant responsibilities. Become a trusted advisor for internal talent.
• Lead the implementation of the performance management system and oversee training programs.
• Monitor compensation practices to help recruit and retain employees.

Health, Wellness & Safety

• Coordinate with brokers and vendors for all benefit programs to include, medical, dental, vision, disability, etc.
• Oversee workers compensation and safety programs for the Company.

External Relationships

• Direct and maximize relationships with external HR related peer group(s), service agencies, consultants, advisory firms and related business associates (i.e. professional talent search firms, compensation and employee benefit advisory organizations, legal counsel, labor union leaders).

Financial

• Direct development and management of HR function’s overall annual program and operational financial budgets and related financial measures as approved by FCC's senior management.

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES:

As a leader at Forum Communications Company this position is expected to demonstrate the following leadership competencies:

Business Acumen -

Identifies, gathers and evaluates a wide range of relevant information and data when understanding problems and generating solutions. Makes sound business decisions in the face of complex, ambiguous and partial information.

Strategic

Thinks broadly and has the ability to effectively chart a new strategic direction. Surveys the market and considers macro-level trends. Sees the business holistically rather than in silos; prioritizes the organization’s interests above individual interests; understands and accounts for long-term implications in planning and decision-making.

Values & Develops Employees

Empowers staff to make decisions and take action. Ensures that expectations are clear, supports employees in their pursuit of goals and delegates appropriately. Is committed to and promotes continuous learning and professional development and challenges employees to achieve their full potential. Celebrates, recognizes and rewards excellence.

Hands-on Orientation

Becomes involved in the details of the business in order to push the Company to achieve results and prioritize effectively.

Communicates Effectively

Advocates effectively and concisely in written and verbal communication; tailors messages to the audience, providing the right amount of detail; explains ideas and data in non-technical language. Builds support for ideas and initiatives across key stakeholders. Is an excellent listener.

Adaptability & Comfort with Ambiguity

Can act in ways that may seem contradictory; is very flexible and adaptable when facing tough calls; can combine seeming opposites (compassionate yet tough, defends self without infringing on others, sets standards which are strong but flexible); is versatile in responding to a variety of situations; is seen as balanced despite the conflicting demands of the situation.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• A minimum of 10 years of experience managing a broad range of human resources disciplines.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources, Organizational Development or related field is required.
• SPHR certification is preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITY:

• Experience in a complex, multi-site business as an active participant in driving growth and change; demonstrated effectiveness in driving operations and executing plans.
• Proven history of spearheading culture initiatives.
• Ability to identify talent, create and develop teams, and build trust and engagement.
• Capability to identify and capitalize on opportunities quickly; ability to maintain effective balance between strategic and tactical priorities; capacity to drive change and deal with ambiguity.
• Demonstrated ability to establish transparent, candid relationships while maintaining high standards of integrity; capability to present unvarnished truth in a constructive manner.
• Experience cultivating an active network of relationships, driving collaboration and alignment, relating well to key colleagues and connecting with all employees.
• Well-developed oral and written communications abilities.
• Experience with union negotiations and labor relations is helpful though not required.
• Knowledgeable regarding human resource laws, rules and regulations.
• The highest ethical standards, integrity and professionalism are assumed.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

• Must possess a valid driver’s license and a driving record that is insurable by the company.
• Must carry an acceptable level of vehicle insurance as required by the company.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Regularly required to sit, stand, talk, hear, use hands to fingers, walk, reach with hands and arms, climb, balance and stoop.
• Occasionally required to lift and /or move up to 15 pounds.
• Required to use close, distance, color, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to focus.
• Works in both office settings and outside being exposed to the elements.

Application deadline is 07/31/2021. To apply, please go towww.forumcomm.com/careers/

At Forum Communications Company, our legacy is deeply rooted in harnessing the power of communication to connect and inform people in the communities we serve. Since 1917, everything we do is driven by creating and sharing information, ideas and insights.

Today, we're a leading media and technology company that's home to a family of people whose passion and purpose is fueled by collaboration and innovation. We believe in supporting each other, working hard towards common goals and having fun.

Come for the perks: Excellent employee culture, competitive pay, 401(k), company-paid volunteer time, health and wellness initiatives for all employees. Additional perks for full-time positions include: comprehensive benefits package, generous paid time off, paid holidays and paid time off for birthday, paid parental and pregnancy disability leave for qualifying employees.

Stay for the people: Family-owned and operated since 1917, development and growth opportunities, inclusive, creative culture, safe working environment, employees of all ages and backgrounds, positive collaboration.

We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.