I am passionate about fostering positive work relationships
Zina Smith
Human Resources Professional
Bolingbrook,IL
Summary
Dynamic Human Resources Director with proven expertise in implementing HR policies and leading recruitment strategies at the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority. Skilled in employee hiring, development and motivation. Offers employees comprehensive support and career development guidance. Possesses 20+ years of progressive experience in human resources. Strategic leader, decision-maker and problem solver. Communicates clearly and effectively while operating with strong sense of urgency.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Human Resources Director
Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority
10.2016 - 11.2024
- Oversaw all human resources and labor relations matters and implemented policy and procedures, ensuring compliance with State of Illinois Personnel Code, agency regulations and collective bargaining agreements.
- Streamlined HR processes for increased efficiency and improved service delivery.
- Implemented discipline and corrective behavior measures to maintain a productive work environment.
- Utilized job fairs to bring in local talent for long term and seasonal positions.
- Established onboarding procedures to facilitate smooth transitions for new hires into the organization.
- Oversaw annual performance review process, providing guidance to managers on setting goals and measuring employee progress.
- Spearheaded diversity and inclusion efforts, fostering a welcoming workplace environment for all staff members.
- Collaborated with other department leaders to align HR strategy with overall agency objectives.
- Conducted thorough compensation analyses to maintain competitive and fair pay structures within the industry market standards.
- Coordinated internal communications efforts, keeping employees informed of important organizational updates and changes.
- Developed a training division to offer comprehensive onboarding for new hires and continuous growth opportunities for current staff.
- Oversaw workers' compensation program for employees injured on job.
- Managed workforce planning initiatives, ensuring appropriate staffing levels across departments while minimizing costs associated with overtime or temporary workers.
- Reduced turnover rates through effective talent acquisition and retention strategies.
- Answered employee inquiries regarding health benefits and 457b options.
- Championed change management projects, effectively communicating new policies or processes throughout the organization.
- Handled off-boarding and conducted exit interviews to better understand reasons why employees were separating from the agency.
Human Resources Director
Department of Juvenile Justice
05.2014 - 09.2016
- Implemented and interpreted policies for the Director’s Office and agency programs, acting as a liaison between the Chief of Staff, administrative staff, shared services, and the general public.
- Directed and collaborated in meetings with Executive staff, facility management, and agency staff and participated in strategic meetings.
- Provided expert guidance on proposed HR policy creation and implementation of new initiatives.
- Advised labor relations administrators, program managers, and superintendents on personnel issues, policy, and procedural changes.
- Led the recruitment process by participating in candidate searches and evaluating position fill requests.
- Conducted comprehensive outcome studies to evaluate the effectiveness of departmental goals and objectives.
- Responded to inquiries from the Governor’s office, providing timely and accurate information on HR-related matters.
- Represented the Department at legislative hearings, civil service hearings, and other HR-related meetings.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Education, Concentration in Training & Developme
Southern Illinois University
Carbondale, IL08-1997
Skills
- HR policies implementation
- Onboarding process
- Compensation and benefits
- Recruitment strategies
- Human resources operations
- Employee relations
- Labor relations
- Grievance handling
Accomplishments
- Utilized Microsoft Excel to create and manage position tracking spreadsheets, streamlining the monitoring and organization of staffing data.
- Documented and effectively resolved grievances, fostering improved communication and stronger relationships between management and staff.
- Successfully developed fully functional departments by assisting in the creation of new positions and providing comprehensive training for current staff, resulting in enhanced team performance and operational efficiency.
- Resolved hiring challenges by gaining a deeper understanding through the collection and analyzation of measurable data through the development and implementation of surveys, enabling more informed decisions.
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Work Preference
Work Type
Part TimeContract WorkWork Location
HybridRemoteImportant To Me
Work-life balanceCompany CultureFlexible work hoursPersonal development programsWork from home optionPaid time offTeam Building / Company RetreatsPaid sick leave401k matchStock Options / Equity / Profit Sharing4-day work weekInterests
Volunteering with organizations that support for mental health services
Volunteering with organizations that are dedicated to helping women and families rebuild their lives
Music and learning other languages
Timeline
Human Resources Director
Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority
10.2016 - 11.2024
Human Resources Director
Department of Juvenile Justice
05.2014 - 09.2016
Bachelor of Science - Education, Concentration in Training & Developme
Southern Illinois University
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