HR Manager - VT ISP Operating Company (VISPO) - Based in So. Royalton, VT

Client: Vermont ISP Operating Company (VISPO)

Position: HR Manager

Location: South Royalton, Vermont (Onsite)

Reports To: Chief Community Officer

Employment Status: Full-Time, Exempt

Work Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (flexible schedule may be considered)

Salary:$80,000 - $90,000 per year, depending on experience

About VISPO
What started as a volunteer effort 20+ years ago to fill the broadband gap in rural Vermont has evolved into something special.  VISPO is a form of non-profit dedicated to providing essential government services for East Central Vermont Telecommunications District (d/b/a ECFiber). East Central Vermont Telecommunications District (the District) is a Communications Union District, similar to a school district or water district, in which multiple towns work together to create shared broadband infrastructure. The District owns the ECFiber fiber optic network, which provides wicked-fast high-speed, world-class internet to over 10,000 customers in 31 towns throughout East Central Vermont. VISPO builds, operates and maintains the ECFiber network on behalf of the District.  For information about ECFiber - East Central Vermont Telecommunications District see: https://ecvtd.gov. 

VISPO consists of a team of talented people who care deeply about Vermonters.  The non-profit has the feel of a start-up organization where the team pitches in to help wherever needed.  If you are looking for a team-centered culture where your work will make a difference in the community, please consider joining us.

Position Overview
VISPO is seeking a hands-on HR Manager who has strong skills with compliance and regulations and is passionate about helping people grow in their careers.  The ideal candidate is someone who is always looking to help, whether it is within HR or another department. Being able to build relationships and trust across the organization are critical for success in the role.  The HR Manager needs to be viewed as resource for leadership and the team; therefore, the HR Manager must possess strong HR competencies, effective communication and people skills, and the ability to exercise discretion.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Compliance, Policies, and Regulations

• Complies with laws, regulations, and policies while also proactively educating stakeholders to identify, mitigate, and respond to organizational risk.
• Monitors OSHA, EEO, ADA, FMLA, FLSA, ERISA, and HIPPA.
• Creates and maintains job descriptions for all positions.
• Works with department managers regarding involuntary terminations to ensure proper processes are followed and proper documentation is maintained.

Talent Acquisition and Onboarding

• Represents VISPO at job fairs and develops relationships to strengthen the talent pipeline for future recruiting efforts. 
• Utilizes talent sourcing tools and techniques to identify and engage prospective candidates.
• Manages internet communications (such as social media posts) to align with talent acquisition strategies and goals for promoting the innovative potential of the organization.  Maintains HR section of VISPO website.
• Welcomes new hires into the organization by introducing them to the core values on Day One.  Ensures all new hires have everything needed to have a great experience including benefit information, key introductions, and an engaging company overview. 

Talent Development and Employee Relations

• Assesses the needs of the organization to tailor the techniques and methods used for training to align with current and future organizational goals. 
• Oversees and manages the company’s apprenticeship and internship programs.
• Plans proactively to meet the specific talent needs of each area of expertise by working closely with managers and teams to understand their unique skillsets and staffing requirements.
• Develops relationships, orchestrates educational offerings and culture-building programs.
• Partners with managers to have insightful 30-day, 6-month and yearly performance evaluations that also promote career and organizational goals. 
• Addresses and resolves employee relations matters.
• Works closely with the Chief Community Officer and Finance team to ensure employee needs are addressed promptly.

Benefits

• Oversees the total rewards package and works closely with leadership on benefits and compensation planning. 
• Leads education efforts to ensure employees throughout the organization fully understand and utilize their benefits including opportunities for employee ownership.
• Plans, develops, and chairs the VISPO Wellness Committee.  Prepares annual calendar of wellness initiatives and works with wellness committee, wellness consultant, insurance carriers and community partners to implement programs offered to employees. 

Culture

• Serves as a business partner for leadership and the various teams to promote a culture of collegiality, collaboration, continuous improvement, and customer focus. 
• Communicates and reinforces the VISPO vision, values, and goals to all personnel.
• Embodies a flexible “startup” mindset – willing to wear many hats and pivot as needed to support company growth and transformation to its next stage. 

HR Strategy

• Collaborates with senior management on developing and implementing strategic HR initiatives. 
• Advises leaders on HR-related matters.
• Performs additional assignments as directed by the executive team.

Education and Experience

• 4-year degree in business, HR, or related field.
• 3 – 5 years of progressive experience in HR.
• Demonstrated ability to partner with leaders at all levels to develop and implement HR and organizational initiatives.
• Experience/knowledge of corporate objectives, policies, procedures, and standards plus thorough understanding of their impact on the corporation.
• Advanced knowledge and experience of all facets of labor relations, personnel management, and federal regulations is essential.  Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills vital. 
• SHRM or HRCI credential preferred.
• Proficient computer skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with a wide cross section of individuals. 

Benefits
VISPO offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support the health, financial wellbeing, and work-life balance of our employees:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance, with shared employer and employee contributions
• Employer contribution to a Health Savings Account (HSA) when electing an eligible medical plan
• Term Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP), providing on-demand counseling and wellness programming for employees and household members
• 401(k) retirement plan enrollment upon eligibility, with 3% employer contribution
• Paid Time Off (PTO) including vacation, holidays, personal floating holidays, and sick time
• Ancillary and voluntary benefits available for optional employee purchase 

VISPO reserves the right to modify benefits offerings in accordance with applicable law and business needs.

Disclaimer: What is listed above is representative of the position's responsibilities but is not meant to be an exhaustive list. Responsibilities may change during employment at the company's discretion. BST Gallagher Flynn LLP and our client do not discriminate in employment based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factors. 

BST Gallagher Flynn LLP has been retained to conduct this search. Interested candidates may apply by sending a resume and cover letter. While we appreciate all interest in this exciting opportunity, only candidates most closely aligned with our search will be contacted.