Assistant HR Director

Job Overview

The Assistant Director of Human Resources serves as a key strategic and operational leader within the Human Resources Department, supporting the Director in the oversight, coordination, and continuous improvement of HR programs and service delivery. This role partners closely with executive leadership, department heads, legal counsel, labor representatives, and employees to deliver compliant, equitable, and future‑focused HR services.

• Assist in the development, implementation, and administration of human resources policies, programs, and initiatives, including labor and employee relations, workforce planning and development, recruitment and talent acquisition, and organizational effectiveness.
• Play a leadership role in departmental planning, performance measurement, and modernization efforts, including the use of HR technology, analytics, and process optimization.
• Assume full responsibility for departmental operations in the absence of the Director, including attending executive leadership training, evening City Council meetings, special meetings, and delivering presentations to elected officials, executive staff, and the public.
• Provide leadership in employee and labor relations activities citywide, including negotiations and contract administration for multiple collective bargaining units.
• Serve as a member of the City’s management negotiation team; develop bargaining strategies, conduct research, and prepare financial, operational, and workforce impact analyses.
• Oversee the City’s recruitment, selection, and onboarding processes; ensure equitable, efficient, and legally compliant practices; directly supervise recruitment staff.
• Provide strategic and operational leadership in the design, implementation, and evaluation of workforce development initiatives, including training, leadership development, succession planning, and talent pipeline strategies; directly supervise workforce development and training staff.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to department leadership on HR policies, labor agreements, performance management, discipline, and employee relations matters.
• Investigate and process grievances and support resolution of employee disputes, recommending corrective action when appropriate.
• Partner with legal counsel on employment‑related legal matters, labor agreements, negotiations, grievances, arbitrations, claims, litigation, and compliance issues.
• Maintain current knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and best practices affecting public‑sector human resources; recommend policy and operational updates based on emerging requirements and trends.
• Collaborate with the Director and HR team to establish short‑ and long‑term departmental goals, track performance metrics, analyze trends, and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
• Utilize HRIS, payroll, time and attendance, and related systems to support data‑driven decision‑making, reporting, and service delivery; participate in HR technology enhancements and process modernization efforts.
• Respond to requests for information from employees, departments, administration, elected officials, the public, and external organizations; document, investigate, and resolve complaints with professionalism and discretion.
• Assist with preparation, monitoring, and management of the Human Resources annual budget, ensuring alignment with City priorities and compliance with fiscal guidelines.
• Provide high‑quality customer service and foster a culture of professionalism, accountability, inclusion, and collaboration across the organization.

• Required:
  
  Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Required:
  
  Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible professional experience in human resources or public administration, including at least four (4) years of senior‑level HR experience that includes supervisory or management experience.

• Demonstrated hands‑on experience working with legal counsel on employee/labor relations, investigations, compliance, and policy interpretation.
• Exposure to employment law across…