Deputy Director of Human Resources

Deputy Director of Human ResourcesSalary $104,519.00 - $162,800.00 Annually Location Baltimore City Job Type Full Time Job Number 8031-MTA-HRDD-11/25 Department Maryland Transit Administration Opening Date 11/13/2025This position serves at the pleasure of the appointing authority. Open to all qualified applicants. Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.Are you seeking a job where your work is rewarding and provides excellent benefits? The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA), an agency within the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT), is seeking a highly skilled and strategic Deputy Director of Human Resources to lead and modernize programs in Benefits and Pension Administration, Leave Management, Employee Wellness, and Return to Work Programs.Reporting directly to the HR Director, this role serves as a senior member of the HR leadership team responsible for ensuring operational excellence, compliance, and innovation in the administration of MTA's self-funded employee health and pension plans within a unionized environment. The Deputy Director partners with Finance, Labor Relations, Legal, and executive leadership to design, administer, and govern benefit and leave programs that balance fiscal responsibility, employee satisfaction, and collective bargaining obligations for a workforce of over 3,500 union employees and 800 non-union employees, as well as approximately 5,000 retirees.At MTA, we move Maryland forwardevery day. As part of our Human Resources leadership team, you'll play a vital role in building a modern, people-centered HR operation that supports the dedicated employees who keep Maryland moving.Key ResponsibilitiesLeadership and StrategyProvide strategic leadership and operational oversight to Managers in the administration of the Benefits, Pension, Leave, Wellness, and Return to Work teams.Advise the HR Director and executive team on benefit funding trends, actuarial data, compliance risks, and cost-containment strategies.Oversee modernization efforts to improve HR processes, data governance, and integration with enterprise HRIS systems (e.g., Infor).Serve as Acting HR Director when delegated.Pension and Benefits AdministrationDirect the administration of MTA's self-funded health, welfare, and pension plans, ensuring fiduciary accountability, governance, and compliance with applicable laws (IRS, ERISA exemptions for public entities, and state regulations).Demonstrate knowledge of FMLA, ADA, HIPAA, COBRA, Worker's Compensation, Leave of Absence, and applicable federal, state, and local leave and employment laws.Oversee vendor and third-party administrator (TPA) relationships, including contract performance, service-level agreements (SLAs), and annual renewals.Ensure accurate plan data, employee eligibility, and contribution processing in collaboration with Payroll and HRIS teams.Prepare reports, metrics, and dashboards for executive management, finance, labor partners, and auditors.Support union negotiations related to benefits and pension plan provisions; interpret and apply collective bargaining language governing benefits eligibility and cost-sharing.Leave and Return to Work ProgramsLead development, compliance, and administration of leave of absence programs (e.g., FMLA, LOA, Return to Work, and Attendance Improvement strategies).Partner with internal departments in managing employee cases that require coordination with ADA, Workers' Compensation, Labor Relations, and other relevant stakeholders.Develop and implement workforce strategies to improve attendance, engagement, and productivity.Utilize data analytics to monitor trends, reduce absenteeism, and inform policy updates.Employee Wellness and EngagementOversee MTA's wellness and preventive health programs; ensure alignment with agency goals for employee well-being, morale, and retention.Evaluate the effectiveness of wellness initiatives through participation metrics, health outcomes, and ROI analysis.Compliance and GovernanceEnsure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws; collective bargaining agreements; and internal policies.Maintain readiness for audits and internal reviews related to benefits, pension, or leave programs.Oversee development of policies, SOPs, and employee communications that promote transparency and understanding.The current vacancy is located in Baltimore City, MD.QualificationsEducation: Bachelor's degree in human resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related fieldExperience: At least seven (7) years of progressively responsible HR experience, including three (3) years managing or overseeing benefits and/or pension programspreferably within a self-funded or public-sector plan. Three (3) years in a supervisory or management capacity.Preferred Qualifications: Master's degree or professional certifications (CEBS, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, IPMA-CP). Experience working with unionized workforces and collective bargaining agreements. Knowledge of Infor HRIS or similar enterprise systems.Licenses & Certifications: Employees assigned duties that require the operation of a motor vehicle must possess a valid motor vehicle operator's license.To apply, you must complete a Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) employment application (Form DTS-1). Resumes may not be substituted for the application. Employment consideration may be based solely on the information provided in your application. Therefore, it is essential that the application is complete and accurate, listing all relevant experience in detail and addressing the specific qualifications outlined above.Be sure to include all applicable experience, including full-time, part-time, volunteer, military, acting capacity, or any other relevant roles within MDOT, its Transportation Business Units, or the Authority.Important Notes:Incomplete applications will not be considered.The selected candidate may be subject to background and reference checks.Employees are subject to the State Substance Abuse Policy, which may include drug testing.It is strongly recommended that applications be submitted online by registering at www.mdot.maryland.gov/employment.Applicants with degrees earned outside the United States must provide a written evaluation of their educational credentials by a recognized credentialing organization.Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be provided upon request.The Maryland Department of Transportation is not currently sponsoring new employees for H-1B visas due to budgetary constraints.All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.TTY Users: Call 711 or contact your Telecommunications Relay Service.Equal Opportunity Employer: The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. MTA does not discriminate based on age, ancestry, color, creed, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, mental or physical disability, national origin, race, religious affiliation, belief or opinion, sex, sexual orientation, or any other protected status.Safety Statement: Employees should adhere to all safety rules, policies, regulations, and personal protective equipment requirements to support a safe and healthy working environment. Employees may attend and participate in safety meetings, be aware of hazards in their work area, and should report hazards, unsafe acts, near misses, injuries, and accidents immediately. To support a safe and healthy work environment, employees must refrain from willful violations of safety rules and procedures, reckless and negligent behavior, involvement in criminal activities, and the misuse of drugs or alcohol. Failure to adhere to this requirement may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination. Employees may only perform work for which they have the appropriate safety training.