Human Resources Director – The City of Virginia Beach, VA

The City of Virginia Beach, VA (pop. 460,000) seeks a skilled and experienced local government professional to lead its full-service human resources department. In addition to managing the Human Resources Department, the Director serves as the executive staff liaison to the Personnel Board, Human Rights Commission, and Investigation Review Panel. This position is appointed by and reports to the City Manager and serves as a member of the senior executive leadership team.

Virginia Beach is the most populous city in the state and is located in the Hampton Roads Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). It is widely known for its 38 miles of Atlantic shoreline and the hundreds of hotels, restaurants, and attractions by which it earned the nickname, “The Resort City.” Virginia Beach is also one of the safest communities in the nation among cities above 300,000 residents.

·        The City has a FY2023 total budget of $2.46 billion and 18,000 full-time equivalent (FTE) positions across all funds, about half of which is allocated to the public schools. The Human Resources Department has a FY2023 budget of $6.6M and 64 FTEs.

·        Services and programs administered by the Human Resources Department include staffing and compensation; learning and development; workforce planning; citywide recognition; EEO and ADA; employee relations; and safety and health services. Additionally, the department assists in the coordination of the Human Rights Commission, the Personnel Board and the police Investigative Review Panel).

·        Key priorities for the next Human Resources Director will be the focus on employee recruitment and retention including maintaining a relevant benefits structure, enhancing citywide employee recognition, promoting employee safety and wellness, optimizing use of an employee clinic specifically in the area of returning employees to work after injury and illness, and continuing ongoing efforts to improve efficiency through the optimization of technology and other innovations that will further Virginia Beach as an employer of choice. The new Director will also lead the implementation of a new human capital management system.

·        Successful candidates will demonstrate highly refined communication skills and a sense of enthusiasm for their work. They should also possess the ability to collaborate effectively across a large, complex organization; to promote a healthy, safe, and productive work environment; to think creatively and strategically; and to maintain a modern, responsive human resources department. Finally, they will demonstrate a commitment to equity and inclusion and empathy towards a workforce impacted directly and indirectly by trauma.

Preferred Qualifications: A master’s degree in Human Resources, Public Administration, Government Operations, Business Management, or related field and six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in human resources; or higher-level education and experience equivalent to 12 years, including five (5) years of HR program management experience. SHRM, IPMA, and/or HRCI certification strongly preferred. Considerable knowledge of employment laws, regulations, and compliance standards as well as familiarity with current human resources trends and practices required. The salary range for this position is $114,473-177,433. Position is open until filled and applications will be reviewed continuously. Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible at www.GovHRjobs.com to the attention of Dele Lowman Smith, Senior Vice President, 630 Dundee Road, #130, Northbrook, IL 60062. Tel: (847) 380-3240 x141.