Nicole J. Thibodeau
Experienced Human Resources Professional
Fitchburg,WI
Summary
Dynamic Director of Human Resources bringing 15 years of experience providing guidance on human resources topics and challenges. Committed to developing and empowering staff to be their best by focusing on engagement and wellbeing. Sophisticated in communicating and collaborating effectively by relying on excellent interpersonal skills, high-level emotional intelligence and solid expertise in employee relations.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Human Resources
Monona Grove School District
Monona, Wisconsin
02.2014 - Current
- Oversee and continually improve the application, recruitment and selection processes and procedures in alignment with the District’s strategic plan goal of recruiting and retaining diverse and highly effective personnel
- Lead a team of three HR professionals in staffing, recruitment, benefits, compensation, leave administration, and HRIS.
- Coordinate all District leave programs, including leaves identified in the Employee Handbooks, state and federal FMLA, and short-term and long-term disability
- Investigate and resolve discrimination, harassment and employee misconduct matters
- Assist supervisors to manage and coach employees with performance challenges and retain high performing employees
- Provide leadership and guidance to School Board members in the development and revision of personnel policies
- Develop and implement compensation plans for administrative, certified, and support staff through utilizing salary and benefits benchmarking to maintain competitiveness
- Ensure District compliance with employment laws, including, but not limited to, Wisconsin Fair Employment Act, FMLA, ADA, and FLSA
- Negotiate and administer collective bargaining agreements
- Protect the health and safety of students and employees by review of policies and procedures and facilitation of their improvement
- Maintain human resources regulatory compliance with local, state and federal laws.
- Evaluated human resources structure and plan for continual improvement and offered individuals professional and personal growth opportunities
- Serve as champion for employee engagement and wellbeing initiatives
Human Resources Manager
University of Wisconsin Colleges
Madison, Wisconsin
05.2013 - 02.2014
- Oversaw all human resources functions for eight campus locations of the University of Wisconsin Colleges, and manage compliance with complex federal and state employment laws during the hiring and employment process
- Ensured compliance with all employment laws from the hiring process through termination of employment
- Counseled University personnel on various employment issues, including FMLA, employee discipline, employee classifications, harassment and discrimination, among others.
Labor & Employment Associate Attorney
Boardman & Clark LLP, Lathrop & Clark LLP
Madison, Wisconsin
02.2010 - 04.2013
- Managed and handled broad-based management side labor & employment and school law practice for sophisticated private sector clients as well as school districts and other public sector entities
- Researched and drafted memoranda and briefs on complex labor and employment issues, including but not limited to those involving: employment discrimination and harassment, FMLA, ADA, collective bargaining, union grievances, vesting of benefits, First Amendment rights, teacher and administrator contract nonrenewals, discipline and discharge, and due process considerations
- Drafted and revised employer policies and employee handbooks for clarity, consistency, and compliance with state and federal employment laws; counseled clients regarding same
- Counseled and advised employers in decision-making related to policy development, employee terminations, resignation agreements, and grievance arbitration strategy to minimize legal and financial risks and manage public perception and workplace morale
- Researched and drafted briefs in support of employer positions in grievance arbitration proceedings; prepared clients for arbitration and took active role at arbitration proceedings
- Drafted, reviewed and revised various employment agreements.
Human Resources Supervisor
School District of Holmen
Holmen, Wisconsin
02.2007 - 02.2010
- Managed and handled school district’s labor relations, union contracts, and compliance with various state and federal employment laws, including but not limited to Municipal Employment Relations Act, Wisconsin Fair Employment Act, FMLA, ADA, FLSA, and workers’ compensation
- Represented the district in the collective bargaining process with six bargaining units, using both traditional and consensus bargaining methods
- Regularly evaluated and improved district’s hiring and application processes by incorporating best practices utilized by other school districts
Education
Juris Doctor -
Marquette University Law School
Milwaukee, WI 08.2003 - 05.2006
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science & Legal Studies, Human Resources
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, WI 09.1999 - 05.2003
Skills
Strategic Planning
undefinedHobbies
Fitness and wellness:[solidcore] devotee and peloton enthusiast
World travel
Certification
SPHR
Timeline
SPHR
08-2024
Director of Human Resources
Monona Grove School District
02.2014 - Current
Human Resources Manager
University of Wisconsin Colleges
05.2013 - 02.2014
Labor & Employment Associate Attorney
Boardman & Clark LLP, Lathrop & Clark LLP
02.2010 - 04.2013
Human Resources Supervisor
School District of Holmen
02.2007 - 02.2010
Juris Doctor -
Marquette University Law School
08.2003 - 05.2006
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science & Legal Studies, Human Resources
University of Wisconsin-Madison
09.1999 - 05.2003
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