Diane Backes

• Human Resources & Compliance: Maintain confidential employee records, assist with onboarding and offboarding, support performance reviews, and ensure adherence to HR policies and training requirements.
• Administrative & Office Support: Manage internal communications, draft correspondence, and maintain organized filing systems and ensured smooth day-to-day office operations.
• Executive Support: Partner with the Executive Director to manage special projects, conduct research, and advance key strategic initiatives.
• Managed recruitment processes, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and values.
• Developed and implemented employee onboarding programs to enhance retention and engagement.
• Organizational Development: Improve administrative systems, support cross-departmental initiatives, update policies, and contribute to team planning and mission-driven projects.

• Develop and enforce HR policies and ensure compliance with labor laws.
• Manage recruitment, onboarding, and talent acquisition strategies.
• Foster employee engagement and positive relations.
• Reviewed benefit plans, recommended options, and managed open enrollment.
• Advise leadership on workforce planning and organizational development.
• Handle sensitive employee matters with discretion.

Achievements

• Rebuilt trust in the HR department through transparent communication, daily engagement, and approachable leadership, significantly enhancing employee morale.
• Modernized the Employee Handbook and implemented updated policies, improving compliance, clarity, and alignment with organizational objectives.
• Successfully staffed all seasonal roles ahead of schedule, ensuring operational readiness and minimizing hiring delays.
• Introduced impactful employee engagement initiatives, including recognition programs and team-building events, to foster a dynamic and inclusive workplace culture.
• Completed the company’s first Annual Compliance Report for the State of Minnesota.
• Developed and implemented employee engagement programs to enhance workplace culture.
• Streamlined recruitment processes, reducing time-to-fill for key positions.

• Provide practical and beneficial advice to managers on HR policies, procedures, best practices, and legislation.
• Develop, organize, and maintain accurate and up-to-date HR information, records, and communications.
• Oversee employment verification and background checks, and develop a thorough employee database to satisfy present and upcoming project needs.
• Provide ongoing administrative support to senior executives and project managers, and support PMs with administrative tasks for solicitations and projects.

Achievements

• Successfully signed up the company for Vets-4212 and E-Verify programs, enabling the team to engage in federal contracts and boost sales.
• Prepared the company’s first employee handbook, conveying information about the company’s culture, purpose, and principles to recruits.
• Installed the first electronic management system for the organization, providing the framework, greater security, effectiveness, and productivity.
• Pioneered incorporation of the firm’s first medical benefits plan, ensuring employee satisfaction.
• Computed and customized the organization’s project forms, resulting in a 50% reduction in the time needed to complete field paperwork.
• Developed and implemented HR policies to enhance organizational efficiency.
• Led recruitment efforts, streamlining hiring processes for key positions.
• Developed and implemented HR policies aligning with organizational goals and industry standards.