Human Resources Manager

The City of Santa Barbara Human Resources Department is seeking a knowledgeable and strategic Human Resources Manager to manage and coordinate the work of assigned Human Resources Divisions. Depending on organizational needs, this position will manage a combination of HR functions, including any of the following:

• Recruitment and Selection
• Classification and Compensation
• Benefits Administration
• Employee and Labor Relations
• Training and Development
• Records Management

This leadership role is responsible for supervising professional and technical staff, administering divisional budgets, and driving initiatives that enhance workforce engagement and organizational effectiveness.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

1. Develops and implements goals and objectives for a division of Human Resources; administers associated programs across all City departments, consistent with State and federal requirements and sound professional principles and practices.
2. Leads and participates in strategic planning for human resources activities, including development and implementation of short- and long-range goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for each functional area. Establishes appropriate service and staffing levels and allocates resources according to priorities.
3. Monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures. Assesses and monitors workload, procedures, and administrative and support systems, identifying opportunities for improvement and directing the implementation of changes.
4. Represents the City with citizen groups, outside agencies and the general public. Attends and participates in City Council, Commission, committees, staff, and public and private agency meetings as required per assigned area of responsibility. Explains and presents Human Resources programs, policies and activities. Negotiates and resolves sensitive, significant and controversial issues as needed.
5. Ensures City compliance with a wide range of employment laws and regulations affecting City operations. Directs staff in the interpretation and application of these laws and regulations, and advises City staff in the interpretation of contracts, rules, and policies governing Human Resources programs.
6. Obtains, monitors, and supervises professional services and consultant work to ensure that project objectives, budgets and schedules are consistent and conform to City plans and policies.
7. Gathers a variety of statistical data and performs research and analysis of complex administrative, technical, or operational issues. Prepares feasibility studies and makes recommendations on the impact to the Department’s operation.
8. Prepares and administers an HR division budget; monitors and approves expenditures.
9. Performs other related duties as assigned.

The ideal candidate will possess a strong professional background and highly developed expertise in all areas of human resources management. In addition, he or she will be able to demonstrate:

• A broad understanding of labor and employment laws and regulations.
• A commitment to professional development, innovation, and alignment with modern public sector human resources practices and technologies.
• Strong communication and presentation skills needed to interpret law and policy through a broad array of communication and training tools, and to facilitate employee morale and engagement.
• A customer-focused, solutions-oriented approach to meeting City and community needs within ethical and legal frameworks.
• Proven ability to manage multiple high-priority projects and meet deadlines while maintaining service quality.