Assistant Director of Human Resources at Town of Needham – Needham, Massachusetts

The Town of Needham is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Assistant Director of Human Resources. This position is primarily responsible for the implementation of the Town's strategy for recruitment and talent acquisition, which includes overseeing the finding, screening, hiring & retaining of top talent for the Town. It regularly collaborates with department managers to proactively identify future hiring needs and talent sources, as well oversees the onboarding program. This role provides support to the Director of Human Resources in a wide range of administrative and operational duties related to the overall function of the Human Resources department, and management of office staff.

The ideal candidate possesses a knowledge and understanding of the principles of human resource management, employment issues and labor relations, as well as applicable state and federal laws, and has personal characteristics and skills to work effectively with multiple individuals.

• Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, 8 am – 5 pm
• Tuesday, 8 am – 6 pm
• Friday, 8 am – 12:30 pm

CON #26096

These duties are a general summary and not all inclusive:

• Oversees the recruitment and hiring process for Town positions, and develops and implements strategy to manage sourcing, interviewing and employment processes.
• Implements new sourcing methods, administers recruitment software, participates in job fairs, and builds professional networks to attract potential candidate.
• Advises hiring managers on all phases of the recruitment process, including interviewing techniques and recommends ways to improve the Town’s brand.
• Supervises the routine functions of the Human Resources Department including administrative functions, administration of pay, benefits, and leave, and enforcing Town policies and practices.
• Keeps track of recruiting metrics, EEOC data and provides reports on strategic efficiency.
• Reviews and approves routine personnel transactions, referring unusual actions to the Director for review. Assures effective and efficient management and maintenance of personnel transactions within the Town’s Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system for Town employees.
• Oversees administration of health insurance and other insurance benefit programs for all employees and retirees of the Town.
• Assists in the preparation and ongoing administration of annual department budget, including expenditure tracking and forecasting.
• Assists the Department’s labor relations functions, including providing input for future negotiation issues; costing out potential and final collective bargaining options; researching management and union proposals
• Assists with other personnel activities and special projects such as counseling and assisting department managers and supervisors on policies and procedures; interpreting and complying with collective bargaining agreements; researching new benefits programs; monitoring benefits expenses; assisting in conducting or overseeing investigations, etc.

The following requirements may be substituted by any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job:

• Graduation from a college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources Management, Business Management, Public Administration, or related field
• At least 4 years of experience in human resources or progressively responsible experience in a related field, preferably in a local or state government setting, including supervisory experience, either direct or functional.

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter by clicking “Apply.”

Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on May 18, 2026.

The Town of Needham is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive and encouraging workplace. There shall be no discrimination on the basis of race, age, gender, national origin, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, veteran status, or any other protected class. We are an inclusive organization and actively promote equality of opportunity for all with the right mix of talent, skills, and potential. We welcome all applications from a wide range of candidates. Selection for roles will be based on individual merit alone.

For general employment inquiries, please contact us at personnel@needhamma.gov.

The Town of Needham will endeavor to provide reasonable accommodation to a qualified applicant with a disability unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business. If you believe you require such assistance to complete this form or to participate in an interview, please contact us at tswanson@needhamma.gov.