Heather Kothbauer
Duluth,MN
Summary
Human resources professional with experience in benefits administration, employee relations, onboarding, and policy compliance. Background includes HRIS and ADP system updates, retirement and leave administration, and employee communications that support accurate processes and a consistent employee experience.
Overview
1
1
Certification
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Human Resource Specialist
The College of St. Scholastica
Duluth, MN
09.2024 - 09.2026
- Managed benefit enrollments, collaborated with brokers on open enrollment, and implemented benefit systems to enhance employee access to benefits.
- Administered compliance with Minnesota Paid Leave Law by overseeing employee eligibility and benefit administration.
- Communicated retirement information to college faculty and staff, ensuring clarity and understanding of available options.
- Manage retirement accounts and implement daily changes.
- Complete exit interviews with faculty and staff.
- Utilize the HR ticketing system to create and close HR tickets.
- Processed tuition exchange exports and managed the tuition remission process to facilitate educational opportunities for employees.
- Work with the HR team to provide information for the ERP team for exploratory purposes.
Director of Human Resources
Family Forum
Superior, WI
07.2023 - 09.2024
- Implemented an HRIS applicant tracking system that streamlines data from all the main job sites into a user-friendly, customizable database.
- Analyzed the recruiting system and recommended a software switch to include text messaging and reporting capabilities, saving company over $6,000 annually.
- Revamped orientation system to align with agency needs, improving new employee experience and retention.
- Coordinated orientations across all branches in collaboration with the Education Lead to enhance new hire integration.
- Ensured policy compliance, including FMLA, ADA, LOA, and worker's compensation.
Director of Human Resources
Northwoods Credit Union
Cloquet, MN
01.2021 - 07.2023
- Developed and executed targeted recruitment strategies that successfully filled over 18 positions within two years, enhancing team capabilities.
- Implemented HRIS across five branches, transitioning the department from paper to electronic systems.
- Implemented the following software systems: Applicant Pro, upgrading ADP payroll system from Run to WorkforceNow, converting benefits to ADP Benefits Modules.
- Implemented and conducted training for all managers for all branches on how to implement policy compliance, including COVID and FMLA.
- Played a key role in HR analytics by conducting ongoing analysis of reports and updates for all HRIS systems.
- Implemented the use of Applicant Pro to provide new reporting metrics for recruiting efforts and utilize technology.
- Utilized this data to revise recruiting strategies.
- Cultivated a positive workplace culture through marketing initiatives that promoted company values to external audiences.
- Addressed employee relations issues and facilitated performance improvement plans (PIPs) to manage and resolve performance challenges.
Human Resource Generalist
Northwoods Credit Union
Cloquet, MN
11.2019 - 01.2021
- Managed new hire onboarding and termination processes in the ADP database to maintain up-to-date employee records.
- Coordinated payroll and benefits enrollment processes to ensure accurate and timely employee compensation and coverage.
- Collaborated with brokers to facilitate open enrollment and 401K administration, enhancing employee understanding of benefits options.
- Implemented a new management core values program SPICE (Servant Mentality, Progressive Thinking, Integrity, Compassion, Empathy) across the organization.
Human Resource Generalist
Halvor Lines Incorporated
Superior, WI
01.2019 - 07.2019
- Managed new hire and termination processing in the ADP database to ensure accurate employee records.
- Conducted orientation for new drivers to ensure compliance with company policies and safety protocols.
- Supported payroll by generating reports and facilitating benefits enrollment.
Education
Master of Arts - Management
The College of St. Scholastica
Duluth, MNSkills
- Payroll Management
- ADP WorkforceNow
- Applicant Pro (now isolve)
- ADP Run
- ADP TotalSource
- Benefits program management
- Onboarding: Experience in effectively integrating new employees into the organization, ensuring they understand their roles and responsibilities
- HR Analytics
- Employee retention strategies
- Organizational Change: Expertise in guiding organizations through major changes, including policy shifts, restructures, and new system implementations
- HR administration management
- Performance review administration
- HR policy design
- HR Strategy Alignment: Demonstrated ability to contribute to strategic business planning, aligning HR strategies with business goals
- Employee engagement
- Employee relations skills
- Succession Planning: Proven track record in identifying potential leaders and providing opportunities for development and growth
- Organizational development
- Time Tracking Solutions
- Google Suite
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft Teams
- Visio
- Training program development
- Relationship Builder: Proven ability to build strong relationships with both staff and management, fostering a collaborative and respectful workplace environment
- Compensation Analysis: Knowledgeable in conducting salary surveys to ensure the companys compensation packages remain competitive
- HR Strategy Alignment: Demonstrated ability to contribute to strategic business planning, aligning HR strategies with business goals
- Training program development
Certification
- SHRM - CP
Timeline
Human Resource Specialist
The College of St. Scholastica
09.2024 - 09.2026
Director of Human Resources
Family Forum
07.2023 - 09.2024
Director of Human Resources
Northwoods Credit Union
01.2021 - 07.2023
Human Resource Generalist
Northwoods Credit Union
11.2019 - 01.2021
Human Resource Generalist
Halvor Lines Incorporated
01.2019 - 07.2019
Master of Arts - Management
The College of St. Scholastica