Kate Bruster
Forestdale,MA
Summary
Seasoned HR professional leader with 15+ years of combined experience playing instrumental roles in supporting the establishment of successful human resources departments for diverse organizations. Establishing and promoting operational culture of excellence, collaboration, diversity, compliance, and respect. Dedicated and adaptable professional with a proactive attitude and the ability to learn quickly. Strong work ethic and effective communication skills. Eager to contribute to a dynamic team and support organizational goals.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Benefit Administrator
Town of Barnstable
Hyannis, MA
October - Current
- Assist in the implementation, and communication of employee benefits programs for 1300 employees, under 5 different union contracts
- Conduct audits to ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and town budget
- Collaborate with external vendors to enhance benefit offerings that met organizational objectives
- Develop detailed reports on current benefit costs and utilization rates
- Maintain records for all employees regarding their benefit coverage and eligibility status
- Provided customer service support for employees inquiring about their retirement, and benefit packages
- Manage the administration of health, life, disability, retirement, and other employee-related benefits plans
- Coordinated open enrollment activities including training sessions, webinars, and document distribution
- Administered COBRA notifications as required by law following an event such as termination or resignation
- Ensured accuracy of monthly billing invoices from third party administrators
- Supervise Benefit Administration staff and workflow of department
Human Resources Administrator
Tabor Academy
Marion, MA
02.2023 - 07.2023
- Implemented strategic staffing reduction program
- Conducted annual benefit Open Enrollment period for staff
- Coordinated annual Staff Review process and provided guidance to Department Heads on performance increases as well as identifying areas for potential staff improvements where necessary
- Coordinated recruitment activities to ensure the organization was staffed with qualified personnel.
- Negotiated salary, relocation and benefit compensation for potential candidates
- Organized onboarding processes for new hires, including orientation sessions and paperwork completion
- Managed employee benefits programs, such as health insurance, retirement plans, and vacation time.
- Administered state PFML and private Family Medical Leave (FMLA) under MGL.c 175M
- Drafted job descriptions and prepared job postings for open positions
- Conducted audit of 403b and 457 retirement plan
- Supervised HR Department employees by directing activities and monitoring performance
- Acted as a liaison between employees and upper-level management when needed.
Human Resources Manager
Elder Services of Cape Cod & the Islands
South Dennis, MA
03.2019 - 02.2023
- Spearheaded all aspects of human resources operations with focus on optimizing staffing, performance, benefits administration, compliance, and attainment of big-picture objectives for $40M, nonprofit, state- / federally funded provider of aging services to seniors across Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket
- Served as partner and consultant to leaders and department heads regarding HR matters, overseeing base of 150+ employees (60% unionized staff with Local 509)
- Coordinate HR programs, policies, and procedures – covering recruitment, interviews, orientations, performance evaluations, changes implementation, investigations, terminations, reporting, and needs assessment as well as union contract negotiations.
- Conducted background checks and reference checks of prospective employees.
- Identified, screened and interviewed potential employees.
- Provided guidance on labor law compliance issues such as FMLA, ADA, Title VII.
- Created job postings, tracked applicants and maintained applicant database.
Superintendent Executive Assistant/Senior HR Coordinator
Monomoy Regional School District
Chatham, Massachusetts
02.2011 - 03.2019
- Managed end-to-end HR processes for a diverse workforce of 600 employees including staffing procedures, benefit packages and compensation plans compliant with local, state and federal regulations. Effectively handled payroll tasks along with calendar management duties ensuring adherence to contractual obligations while promptly addressing employee concerns.
- Supported Superintendent
- Maintained an organized filing system for documents related to ongoing projects.
- Set up meeting and event logistics for senior management and updated calendars.
- Managed Superintendent's calendar and scheduled meetings, ensuring efficient use of time.
- Facilitated board meeting agendas and distributed support materials in advance for successful sessions.
- Leveraged word processing software to create proposals, letters and memos.
- Ordered catering or restaurant delivery to offer food and beverages to meeting and conference attendees.
- Provided accurate, up-to-date information to external parties through emails, phone calls and in-person interactions.
- Tracked project milestones using appropriate software tools such as Microsoft Project or Excel.
- Provided administrative support to the director during meetings, taking minutes when required.
Education
MBA - Human Resources Management
Fitchburg State University
trueBachelor of Arts - English & Business
Simmons College
Skills
- Provider relationship management
- Effective communication abilities
- HR experience
- Compliance Management
- Payroll support
- Conflict resolution abilities
- Time management proficiency
- Strong analytical skills
- Regulatory compliance understanding
Affiliations
- Cape Cod Human Resources Association (member since 2019)
- Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM) (member since 2019)
Certification
Notary, 2027-01-01, MA
Accomplishments
- Foster Parent of the Year 2016 Cape Cod & Islands
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Human Resources Administrator
Tabor Academy
02.2023 - 07.2023
Human Resources Manager
Elder Services of Cape Cod & the Islands
03.2019 - 02.2023
Superintendent Executive Assistant/Senior HR Coordinator
Monomoy Regional School District
02.2011 - 03.2019
Benefit Administrator
Town of Barnstable
October - Current
MBA - Human Resources Management
Fitchburg State University
Bachelor of Arts - English & Business
Simmons College
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