HR Policy Manager

Job Description

Human Resources Division
HR Policy Manager
Administrator VII

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Branch is one of the state's largest employers with 45,000 employees that span 11 secretariats and 70 plus agencies. From accountants to X-ray technicians with hundreds of titles in between, we are one employer with many career opportunities. The Commonwealth is looking for leaders, thinkers, creators, and innovators. We are a diverse workforce that reflects the diverse population that we serve.

The mission of the Human Resources Division (HRD) is to attract, engage, educate, develop, and retain a high performing and diverse workforce.

The Commonwealth offers competitive, comprehensive benefits, a diverse and inclusive culture, and an opportunity to serve. We share a commitment to make Massachusetts a great place to live, work, and raise a family - while delivering a customer-service-oriented state government that is as hard-working as the people of the Commonwealth.

Job Summary:

As the HR Policy Manager, you are a senior member of the Policy, Classification & Compensation Unit (C&C), reporting directly to the Director of Policy, Classification & Compensation. In this role, you will lead the development, modernization, and implementation of HR policies.
C&C's work spans three interconnected areas:

• Policy creation and development: Designing, updating, and implementing HR policies that support modern, equitable, and effective workforce practices.
• Strategy and innovation: Maintaining, updating, and innovating the Commonwealth's classification system and compensation structures in order to hire and retain a high-performing and diverse workforce.
• Compliance and oversight: Ensuring all salary administration, classification decisions, and hiring practices align with relevant laws, policies, collective bargaining agreements, and other HR guidelines.

You will own the full policy lifecycle, from researching and drafting through engagement, implementation, and continuous improvement, while serving as a trusted advisor to Commonwealth agencies.

C&C is a small team that works closely together to deliver services to our constituent agencies. While your role will focus on HR policy, key projects and initiatives, we are an "all hands-on deck" unit and often pitch in to help each other.

Responsibilities:

• Lead HR policy development and modernization
• Research, analyze, and draft new and revised HR policies and procedures
• Translate legal requirements, collective bargaining agreements, and operational needs into clear, practical policy guidance
• Continuously evaluate and improve existing policies based on feedback from secretariat and agency HR, data, and best practices
• Ensure HR policies remain current and accessible
• Drive policy implementation and change management
• Lead the rollout of new and updated policies across executive departments, in partnership with secretariat and agency HR
• Establish and implement policy acknowledgment processes to promote awareness, accountability, and consistent adoption of HR policies across executive department agencies
• Develop communication strategies to ensure clear understanding and adoption
• Create supporting materials such as guidance documents, FAQs, and training resources
• Partner closely with the Office of Employee Relations during union negotiations related to HR policy. Participate in discussions with labor representatives to provide subject matter expertise and clarify policy intent
• Advise secretariat and agency HR
• Serve as a subject matter expert on HR policy interpretation and application
• Provide guidance to secretariats and agencies on policy interpretation, implementation, and application
• Lead strategic projects and initiatives
• Manage C&C projects and programs from concept through completion
• Develop project plans, timelines, and deliverables
• Engage partners across HRD and other executive department agencies to build consensus and drive initiatives forward to successful outcomes

Preferred qualifications:

• Strong knowledge of HR principles, practices, and public-sector HR policy.
• Excellent writing and editing skills, with the ability to simplify complex information.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Strong presentation and communication skills.
• Proven ability to build relationships, influence others and gain buy-in.
• Experience developing and implementing policies for large or complex organizations.

HRD has a hybrid work policy. Hybrid work is a mix of in-office work and telework. This position will work remotely on some days and in person on other days.

Applicants should attach a cover letter and resume to their online submission for this position.

Qualifications

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants must have at least (A) six (6) years of full-time or, equivalent part-time, professional, administrative, supervisory, or managerial experience in business administration, business management, public administration, public management, clinical administration or clinical management of which (B) at least two (2) years must have been in a project management, supervisory or managerial capacity or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and substitutions below.

Substitutions:

I. A certificate in a relevant or related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the required (A) experience.

II. A Bachelor's degree in a related field may be substituted for two (2) years of the required (A) experience.

III. A Graduate degree in a related field may be substituted for three (3) years of the required (A) experience.

IV. A Doctorate degree in a related field may be substituted for four (4) years of the required (A) experience.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.

Client-provided location(s): Boston, MA

Job ID: Commonwealth_of_Massachusetts-260002UJ

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

Posted: 2026-04-08T18:51:07