Jessica Docken, M.A., SPHR
Director of Human Resources
*************@*****.***
Summary
Results Driven Human Resources Leader
My approach to human resources centers around my strengths of working successfully with people combined
with a strong aptitude for analytics. HR initiatives have to make sense to employees, but also have to make
sense for the bottom line. I am passionate about creating win-win opportunities for all stakeholders!
Areas of Expertise:
Workforce Planning
Executive Partnerships
Recruiting
Legal/Risk Mitigation
Building Ethical Workplaces
Employee Engagement
Policy Design & Administration
Analytics
Strategic Planning
Benefits & Compensation
Wellness Programming
International Human Resources
Affirmative Action
FLSA
ADA
Worker's Compensation
HIPAA
Anti-Harassment
Non-Discrimination
Employee Coaching
Supervision/Management
Experience
Senior Corporate Human Resources Manager at Communications Systems, Inc.
November 2007 - September 2013 (5 years 11 months)
Report to: VP of HR; Staff: 2 HR Managers, 1 HR Generalist, 2 Administrative Staff
Page1
Implemented corporate-wide wellness initiative, resulting in increased employee health and decreased rate
renewals year-over-year, including zero-percent rate increase in 2012.
Utilizied employee survey data and feedback during small group meetings with employees to develop and
roll out employee recognition and rewards program to all business units. Provided training to supervisors and
managers on use.
Proposed addition of a Corporate Sr. Recruiter to source talent for all business units. During first year saved
the organization more than $80,000 in placement fees.
Successfully collaborated with overseas legal and HR experts to mitigate high-risk employment issues.
Countries include: UK & Wales, Mexico, Germany, France, Sweden, Costa Rica.
Created visual map of HR strategic focus areas and accompanying initiatives that align with corporate goals.
Recommended and implemented monthly HR meetings and developed HR project tracking spreadsheet (in
lieu of an HRIS resource).
Provided HR Managers, supervisors, and executive team with counsel on employment law issues such as
FMLA, FLSA, ADA, Worker’s Compensation, HIPAA, Anti-Harassment, Non-Discrimination, and so forth.
Successfully responded to various legal charges resulting in cost savings of legal fees.
Served as Affirmative Action Compliance Officer and managed the full range of Plan compliance, including
response to audits.
6 recommendations available upon request
Human Resources Manager at Transition Networks
February 2004 - November 2007 (3 years 10 months)
Managed $1.6 million Human Resources and Administrative budget with two direct reports.
Developed a metrics-driven scorecard for the human resources function and reported on these metrics
annually.
Created, implemented, and tracked annual employee survey, which allowed Transition Networks to
implement strategic improvements. These improvements doubled employee satisfaction in three years.
Handled the full recruitment cycle for the organization, lowering the fill time rate from an average of 68.64
days in 2003 to 46.45 in 2007.
Played a key role on the management team, advising supervisors and managers on employee matters. The
satisfaction level among these leaders with the human resources function increased 192% from 2004-2007.
Human Resources Representative/Office Coordinator at Transition Networks
May 2002 - February 2004 (1 year 10 months)
Served as Human Resources Representative to 150 employees and provided administrative assistance to GM.
Supervised Receptionist.
Screened prospective candidates, performed background checks, and conducted new hire orientation.
Client Services Supervisor at Spherion
February 2001 - May 2002 (1 year 4 months)
•Performed recruiting services for clients, staffing positions from janitorial to executive level, in a fast paced
environment.
•Advised clients on best practices for hiring, employee counseling, and termination. Served as client resource
Page2
on reemployment, worker’s compensation, FMLA, ADA, and employment-at-will.
•Investigated employee claims, recommended action plans, and aided clients in their response plans.
•Cold called prospective clients; set sales meetings and negotiated pricing for services.
1 recommendation available upon request
Account Executive at Zone 105/ABC Marketing
June 2000 - December 2000 (7 months)
•Prospected and cold called potential radio advertisers; presented radio schedules, non-traditional revenue
packages, and marketing opportunities to direct and agency clients.
•Wrote and edited copy; ensured accuracy and timeliness of air spots, scheduling and billing.
Personal Banker, Investment Coordinator at Firstar Bank
August 1999 - June 2000 (11 months)
•Sold deposit and loan products to existing and potential customers; contributed to daily, weekly, and
quarterly revenue goals through cross-selling and cold calling.
•Served as branch liaison for Firstar Investment Services; was responsible for branch investment goal of
$1.65 million annually.
Home Improvement Coordinator/Job Connection Manager at Macalester Groveland Community
Council
August 1998 - August 1999 (1 year 1 month)
•Administered home improvement loan/grant program for middle and moderate income households. Managed
program budget and grant compliance with the City of St. Paul.
•Organized and administered the annual Home Improvement Fair for residents. Sold 60 display booths to
local contractors, businesses, and organizations; event attracted over 1,500 homeowners.
•Supervised crew of 75 chore service workers, teens to seniors.
•Created partnerships between crew members and several hundred elderly residents in needs of household
assistance. Provided training and coaching for workers on time management, wage negotiation, and civic
responsibility.
Honors and Awards
Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR)
HRCI
December 2011
Skills & Expertise
Human Resources
Leadership Development
Metrics
Corporate Giving
Page3
Code of Ethics
Staff Development
Strategic Planning
Legal Compliance
Fiduciary Management
Philanthropy
Employment Law
Management
Deferred Compensation
Talent Management
HRIS
Coaching
Budgets
FMLA
Executive Management
Onboarding
Employee Relations
Interviews
Negotiation
Recruiting
Internal Communications
Personnel Management
Workforce Planning
Temporary Placement
Organizational Development
Employee Engagement
Talent Acquisition
Leadership
Hiring
Education
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
MA, Human Resource Management, 2002 - 2006
Hamline University
1993 - 1997
Worthington Senior High
Diploma, 1991 - 1993
Page4
Jessica Docken, M.A., SPHR
Director of Human Resources
*************@*****.***
7 people have recommended Jessica
"I have enjoyed the pleasure of working with Jessica since before my hire with Transition Networks more
than five years ago. I have always been impressed by her open and honest nature. We have worked together
on recruiting, personnel challenges and rewards, in addition to difficulties involved around personnel changes
and benefits. Jessica is always well organized and prepared to offer guidance and assistance. On the fun note,
while she was always a professional, Jessica was willing to lighten up, put on the clown shoes, and have some
fun with employee activities."
Larry Harren; C.P.M., Supply Chain Manager, Transition Networks, worked with Jessica at
Communications Systems, Inc.
"I've worked with Jessica for many years at Transition Networks and have always admired her insights,
helpfulness and professionalism. Her ability to handle challenging situations with clear communication and
tact while showing genuine empathy is impressive. Jessica carries herself with confidence, is well respected
throughout the organization and a pleasure to work with."
Karol Gilman, Quality Manager, Transition Networks, worked with Jessica at Communications Systems,
Inc.
"I've had the pleasure of working with Jessica while with Transition Networks and now with
Communications Systems, Inc. Jessica has a keen ability to look at the bigger picture and think outside the
box when it comes to challenges and opportunities for the business. I've worked closely with her on
organizational changes and she has proven to offer excellent guidance and recommendations from a human
resource perspective."
Patrick Schaber, Director of Global Marketing, Communications Systems, Inc., worked with Jessica at
Communications Systems, Inc.
"Jessica is a talented and detail driven HR Professional. She is able to look at the big picture of Human
Resource strategy and give comprehensive and well articulated positions on best practices for ensuring
execution in many instances. She and I work together on many initiatives surrounding hiring and training for
the organization and I am always struck by her insights and ability to add value to the organization."
Jon Barsness, Senior Recruiter, Communications Systems, Inc, worked directly with Jessica at
Communications Systems, Inc.
Page5
"There are so many assets that make Jessica a valuable corporate resource; but it's her thought leadership and
global planning ability that truly set her apart. Jessica understands day-to-day operations, yet can manage any
project - small or large - to align HR functions with corporate goals and business planning. I've always
enjoyed Jessica on so many different levels. She's a true professional and brings enthusiasm and spirit to the
job!"
Tracy Hitchcock, EHBA, Vice President, Wells Fargo Insurance Services, was a consultant or contractor
to Jessica at Communications Systems, Inc.
"It was a pleasure working with Jessica during the brief two mouth period I temped at CSI. Jessica was a
great boss and excellent communicator. She was a model of how I see a manager and apply her example to
my current employment."
Caleb Williams, Receptionist, Communications Systems, Inc., reported to Jessica at Communications
Systems, Inc.
"I had the pleasure of working with Jessica at Spherion. She is reliable, intelligent and possesses a great
ability to lend insight into employee problem resolutions. She is driven and creative in her efforts to seek
solutions that please both clients and employees. Not only does she have a strong ability to skill-match, she
has good instincts in finding an appropriate employee/employer culture match. Her calm, yet focused,
demeanor would make her an excellent addition in either a team environment or working in an independent
nature."
Elizabeth "Libby" Dunn, Client Service Supervisor, Spherion, worked directly with Jessica at Spherion
Contact Jessica on LinkedIn
Page6