Director, People Services

Job Title and Level: Director, People Services

City/County: Lansing/Ingham

Type of Employment: Full-Time

Pay Grade and Annual Salary: Pay Grade 6: $115,065 - $143,832

Brief Job Description:

The Director of People Services leads all People Service operational functions for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC).  This role is responsible for developing, evaluating and implementing MEDC’s human resources policies, procedures, and initiatives. This position oversees People Service functions including, but not limited to, payroll, benefit administration, disability and leave of absence case management, performance management, compensation and classification, and labor and employee and relations activities. Directs and monitors the effectiveness of People Service programs, processes, and efficiencies, with a focus on continuous improvement and enhancing the customer experience.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

• Directs, manages, and evaluates the work of the People Services staff.
• Strategically aligns unit objectives to ensure both MEDC Operations & Performance goals and the overall MEDC visions/objectives are met.
• In coordination with VP, People Services, develops, implements, and directs all corporate compensation programs; Develops and manages annual salary review process and corporate pay adjustments.
• Develops, recommends, communicates, and interprets MEDC Corporate, Civil Service, Human Resource policy and procedures.
• Directs all payroll processing and audit processes to ensure accurate and compliant payroll administration; oversees internal control audit processes and required compliance and oversees year-end processes and compliance activities.
• Oversees benefit and retirement plan administration, ensuring compliance to state and federal laws; coordinates with benefit specialist and VP to recommend strategic changes to benefit plans, including evaluating benefit costs and implementing cost savings measures, as needed.
• Oversees the recruitment and selection of qualified job applicants for all MEDC positions.
• Provides direction and oversight to team members serving as MEDC’s, statewide contact/coordinator for Drug and Alcohol-related services, HRMN Security, Business Objects/data reporting and ADA-related activities.
• Directs and oversees Leave of Absence, FMLA, Disability, Workers' Compensation, and Paid Time Off programs to ensure compliance with policies and regulations while supporting employee needs.
• Responsible for the interpretation, application, and administration of collective bargaining agreements; serves as lead negotiator for MEDC secondary bargaining agreements.
• Conducts internal investigations, hearings and/or interviews, as needed; ensures recommended actions are focused on organizational defensibility.  
• Reviews employee performance, attendance and/or conduct to direct corrective, disciplinary or termination action.
• Directs and/or executes employee discipline and discharge activities; collaborates with internal and external counsel to ensure compliance with legal, policy, and regulatory requirements.  
• Navigates and builds relationships with State of Michigan Human Resources officials and is knowledgeable of the state’s Human Resource system and processes to integrate MEDC effectively with the state.
• Serves as an expert in and keeps abreast of a wide variety of complex Human Resource laws, Civil Service Rules/Regulations, policies and procedures, and best practices with regard to organizational policy administration.   

Click here to view the full position description 

This position is based at MEDC Headquarters in Lansing and may work a hybrid schedule with a minimum of 2 days of in-office work required.

Business Unit: People Services

Supervisor: Markie Justice, VP, People Services

Minimum Education Required:

This position requires a bachelor’s degree (B.A.) from a four-year college or university in Human Resources, Business or related field.

Professional Human Resources certification (SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR) is preferred.

Minimum Experience Required:

Minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible human resources experience, with at least 2 years in a role responsible for coordinating or directing multi-functional focus areas such as benefits administration, compensation, recruiting, HRIS/payroll, compliance, and employee transactions. 

Preferred experience includes:

• Proven experience in developing and implementing HR policies, procedures, and systems that enhance operational consistency, compliance, and employee experience.
• Experience in both private and public sector human resources.

How to Apply:

To apply, please click on the link below and follow the NEOGOV instructions.

Director, People Services 

Deadline for Response: Feb 17, 2026