Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Volunteer Experience
References
Timeline
Generic

Amber Emmart

Kalispell,MT

Summary

Human resources leader with extensive expertise in employee relations, classification, compensation, and benefits administration. Demonstrated ability to align HR initiatives with organizational goals, driving business success while ensuring regulatory compliance. Skilled in payroll management and enhancing employee engagement to create a positive workplace culture. Focused on developing and implementing impactful human capital programs within the higher education sector.

Overview

16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Assistant Director, Human Resources

Flathead Valley Community College (FVCC)
Kalispell, MT
07.2023 - Current
  • Executes professional responsibilities aimed at proactively enhancing a comprehensive human capital program for all employees.
  • Uses independent judgment and decision-making in matters not having established rules, regulations, or policies.
  • Supports and coaches administrators and supervisors throughout the institution, exercising significant authority to make informed decisions regarding employee talent and performance in the workplace.
  • Leads the Payroll Department in all aspects, including employee management and mentorship, program management, and budget oversight.
  • Utilizing the institution's strategic plan, I work closely with the Executive Director to establish and implement short- and long-term plans for the HR functions.
  • Manages compensation, insurance, and vacation days within employee benefits programs.
  • Provides guidance on labor relations matters, including collective bargaining agreements, and union negotiations.
  • Manages daily workflow of personnel by assigning tasks, tracking progress, and providing assistance when needed.
  • Trains staff on payroll systems, procedures, and best practices for efficiency.
  • Performs quality checks on final payrolls prior to their transmission or distribution.

HR Generalist II

Mann Mortgage
Kalispell, MT
11.2022 - 06.2023
  • Facilitated multi-state HR operations.
  • Supported performance management through feedback and evaluation processes.
  • Handled employee relations issues and provided guidance on policies.
  • Collaborated with internal stakeholders to ensure effective communication between departments.
  • Conducted background checks and orientation, coordinating new employee onboarding process.
  • Worked cross-functionally to optimize efficiency and execute on HR business processes.
  • Established and generated various reports to verify HR compliance.
  • Established and maintained trusted relationships around organization to optimize business and employee experience.
  • Assisted with recruitment initiatives by interviewing and talent sourcing.
  • Identified opportunities to improve HR programs and proposed solutions to increase efficiencies.
  • Conducted annual salary surveys and analyzed compensation data to maintain competitive and equitable pay structures.
  • Facilitated conflict resolution sessions and mediated disputes between employees, fostering a positive work environment.
  • Worked on unemployment, FMLA, and workers' compensation claims and benefits.

HR Generalist/Payroll

Intermountain Deaconess Children’s Services
Helena, MT
10.2021 - 11.2022
  • Managed employee onboarding and orientation programs for new hires.
  • Worked cross-functionally to optimize efficiency and execute on HR business processes.
  • Participated in career fairs or recruiting events at local colleges and universities for talent acquisition purposes.
  • Conducted new hire orientation sessions and onboarding activities to ensure a successful transition into the organization.
  • Facilitated delivery of HR services by establishing and maintaining positive relationships with teams and leadership across the organization.
  • Created and modified job descriptions within all departments.
  • Coordinated staff training sessions to enhance employee skill sets.
  • Assisted in the performance management process and feedback collection.
  • Resolved employee relations issues through effective communication strategies.
  • Developed and maintained job descriptions, performance evaluation forms, employee handbooks, and other HR related documents.
  • Conducted background checks, reference checks, and employment verification.
  • Worked on unemployment, FMLA, and workers' compensation claims and benefits.
  • Conducted employee hiring and exit interviews.
  • Coordinated employee benefits, including health insurance plans, 401(k) savings plans, vacation, sick leave policies, and other programs.
  • Managed payroll processing functions, including timekeeping records, deductions, and tax withholding calculations.
  • Researched employee relations issues and conducted meetings with employees and supervisors.
  • Ensured compliance with federal and state payroll regulations and tax laws.

HR Generalist II

State of Montana
Helena, MT
07.2020 - 10.2021
  • Partnered with leadership to manage the day-to-day human resources operations for assigned programs or divisions.
  • Managed the application of human resources policies, procedures, and programs to ensure consistency and compliance with federal, state, and collective bargaining contracts.
  • Consulted, advised, and partnered with management on personnel issues, contract interpretation, performance management, recruitment and selection, discipline, workforce development, employee relations, training, workers' compensation, and safety.
  • Human resources subject matter expert and primary resource for the assigned programs or divisions.
  • Certified State of Montana Classifier.
  • Managed recruitment processes, including job postings and interviews.
  • Reviewed job descriptions and updated them as needed according to changing business needs.
  • Collaborated with internal stakeholders to ensure effective communication between departments.
  • Provided essential support to address individual HR needs of employees.
  • Supported performance management through feedback and evaluation processes.
  • Developed training materials and facilitated employee development sessions.
  • Compiled reports related to hiring, termination, promotions, absences, and turnover rates.
  • Conducted employee onboarding process, orientations, and exit interviews.
  • Analyzed compensation data to ensure market competitiveness and internal equity.
  • Conducted job evaluations to determine appropriate salary grades for positions.
  • Advised managers on performance management and employee relations issues.

Benefits Specialist

State of Montana
Helena, MT
01.2020 - 07.2020
  • Served as the point of contact for state benefit plan members for plan questions, assistance in resolving issues, and addressing member concerns.
  • Maintained comprehensive knowledge of state benefit plans and associated benefit administration systems.
  • Provided customer service to eligible plan members, as well as to the State of Montana agency HR and payroll staff, solving complex eligibility issues for plan members.
  • Tracked all member touchpoints, utilizing a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tracking system.
  • Provided service support for all benefit programs.
  • Processed benefit enrollment forms, changes, and terminations.
  • Checked accuracy and completeness of benefits applications and documents.
  • Explained the impact of life events such as marriage or divorce on benefits enrollment status.
  • Assisted employees with enrolling in benefit plans and explained plan options.

Financial Aid Specialist

Helena College
Helena, MT
04.2019 - 01.2020
  • Advised and counseled students and parents about policies and procedures involving financial aid, and managed loan and Pell Grant awards and processes in a timely and accurate manner.
  • Worked with staff and faculty to resolve financial issues affecting students.
  • Guiding students through financial aid entrance/exit counseling, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and becoming familiar with the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS).
  • Proficient in Banner 9 and all Microsoft Suite programs.
  • Assisted students in completing financial aid applications and understanding eligibility requirements.
  • Evaluated student financial aid documents for accuracy and compliance with regulations.
  • Coordinated financial aid workshops to educate students on funding options and resources.
  • Maintained accurate records in the financial aid management system for audit purposes.
  • Communicated with external agencies regarding student financial aid inquiries and verifications.
  • Reviewed and processed student appeals for financial aid adjustments or reconsiderations.
  • Collaborated with academic departments to ensure timely disbursement of financial assistance funds.

Public Benefits Advocate

MASH Program
Helena, MT
10.2009 - 06.2014
  • Required outstanding customer service, self-motivation, organization, and time management.
  • Extensive knowledge in various areas of local, state, and federal programs.
  • A vast knowledge of medical terminology and coding.
  • Ability to conduct research quickly and accurately.
  • Quick decision-making and multitasking.
  • Face-to-face and over-the-phone interactions, including interviews, advising appointments, screenings, and training sessions, with patients, hospital staff, coworkers, and state and federal agencies.
  • Composing electronic communications, pulling, working on, and distributing monthly reports, compiling, completing, and filing state and federal applications for clients.

Education

Master of Science - Human Resource Management

Purdue University – Daniels School of Management
West Lafayette, Indiana
12.2023

Bachelor of Arts - Psychology

American Military University
Charles Town, WV
02.2021

Associate of Arts - Social Work

Helena College University of Montana
Helena, MT
08.2019

Certificate of Applied Science - Bookkeeping

Helena College University of Montana
Helena, MT
05.2018

Skills

  • Selected for the 2025-26 CUPA-HR Emerging Leaders Program
  • Successful HRIS implementation as project lead
  • Completed a compensation study for all professional staff
  • Intermountain CUPA-HR board member
  • Member of the CUPA-HR Public Policy Committee
  • Chair of the Flathead Valley Community College Wellness Committee
  • SHRM-CP certification
  • SPHR certification
  • Coordinated and launched a 48-course annual Professional Development Program for staff

Certification

  • Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), 01/01/25
  • Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional (SHRM-CP), 01/01/23
  • State of Montana Notary Public Certification, 10/20/21

Volunteer Experience

  • CUPA-HR, Emerging Leaders Program FY26
  • CUPA-HR Intermountain West Chapter, Board Member | MT/ID, President Elect, FY26, Interim Secretary, FY25, Conference Planning Committee, FY25

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Assistant Director, Human Resources

Flathead Valley Community College (FVCC)
07.2023 - Current

HR Generalist II

Mann Mortgage
11.2022 - 06.2023

HR Generalist/Payroll

Intermountain Deaconess Children’s Services
10.2021 - 11.2022

HR Generalist II

State of Montana
07.2020 - 10.2021

Benefits Specialist

State of Montana
01.2020 - 07.2020

Financial Aid Specialist

Helena College
04.2019 - 01.2020

Public Benefits Advocate

MASH Program
10.2009 - 06.2014

Master of Science - Human Resource Management

Purdue University – Daniels School of Management

Bachelor of Arts - Psychology

American Military University

Associate of Arts - Social Work

Helena College University of Montana

Certificate of Applied Science - Bookkeeping

Helena College University of Montana