Human Resources Deputy Director

Are you a strategic, people‑centered leader with a passion for strengthening organizational culture and elevating employee experience?

We are seeking an adaptable, forward‑thinking human resources professional to serve as Deputy Director of Human Resources
, helping lead a department committed to exceptional service, continuous improvement, and organizational stewardship. As Virginia’s second most populous city, Chesapeake offers a dynamic and diverse environment where HR plays a vital role in supporting over 3,000 employees across 25+ departments providing a wide‑variety of services to our citizens.

The Deputy Director of Human Resources provides strategic and operational support to the Human Resources Director, assisting with the oversight of daily departmental operations and the delivery of a broad range of HR programs and services. The Deputy Director works within broad organizational policy and guidelines to plan, implement, and assess HR initiatives; supervise assigned staff; resolve complex personnel issues; and ensure regulatory compliance across HR functions.

This position plays a critical role in advising City executives on HR strategies, guiding problem‑solving efforts, and upholding the City’s mission and CARES organizational values.

The Deputy Director may oversee one or more key HR functional areas, including:
benefits administration, learning and development, employee/labor relations and EEO, absence management and ADA compliance, classification and compensation, HRIS, and talent acquisition.

• Provide strategic leadership and direct supervision to HR staff, including training, guidance, direction, evaluation, and constructive feedback.
• Develop, revise, and interpret HR policies and procedures; respond to inquiries regarding HR programs and City policies.
• Support the Director in managing daily operations of the HR department and implementing policies, long‑range plans, and organizational priorities.
• Provide guidance on resolution of HR issues and departmental concerns; advise executives on strategies for effective problem‑solving.
• Oversee assigned functional area(s) such as benefits, learning and development, employee relations/EEO, ADA/absence management, classification and compensation, HRIS, or talent acquisition.
• Manage special assignments and complex HR projects delegated by the Director.
• Lead or participate in staff meetings, City‑wide work groups, and professional development sessions.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, timelines, HR standards, and City policy.
• Uphold and model the City’s CARES values: courteousness, attentiveness, resourcefulness, empowerment, and stewardship.

Education & Experience

• Requires a bachelor’s degree in human resources, public administration, or a closely related field and a minimum of five years of related, full‑time HR experience.

Certification & Licenses

• Valid driver’s license and compliance with City Driving Standards.
• PHR, SPHR, SHRM‑SCP, or PSHRA‑CP certifications preferred
• CLRP, CCP, or CEBS are a plus.

Preferred Qualifications

• Significant experience working within the public sector.
• Experience overseeing multiple HR functional areas in a large, complex organization.
• Project management experience and familiarity with HR enterprise systems.
• Experience in labor relations / collective bargaining.