Department Administrator, Senior - People and Culture Division

About the role

The Human Resources Department is seeking an experienced, strategic Senior Department Administrator to lead our People and Culture Division. In this key leadership role, you will partner closely with the HR senior management team and report directly to the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO).

Responsibilities

• Oversee and provide direction to HR teams, including Talent Acquisition, Learning and Development, Change Management, Strategic Initiatives, Employee Career Center, Workplace Inclusion, and Communications.
• Oversee the development and coordination of programs and supporting administrative systems in accordance with county and Human Resources goals and priorities.
• Demonstrate core leadership responsibilities by setting performance expectations, evaluating employee results, and ensuring accountability.
• Oversee daily work assignments, provide coaching and development opportunities, participate in hiring decisions, and manage budgets responsibly while serving as a steward of county resources.
• Lead efforts to promote workplace inclusion and foster a positive culture of belonging, ensuring diversity, equity, and inclusion practices are embedded throughout HR processes.
• Oversee and support the development of change management strategies to support organizational transformation, employee engagement, and adaptation to new business needs.
• Collaborate with HR senior management to develop and implement HR strategies that enhance departmental performance, foster a positive workplace culture, and ensure compliance with state and federal laws, policies, and contracts.
• Serve as a member of the HR leadership team and represent HR on countywide committees and projects, as needed.
• Maintain a strong on-site presence to facilitate collaboration, enhance communication, drive process improvement, and provide effective leadership across all teams.
• Ensure responsibility for financial resources and employee resources for the success of the department and organization and prepare and justify budget proposals.

Requirements

• Ten years or more of program administration experience in government or an organization closely related to government.
• Bachelor's degree or higher in business administration, political science, or other field appropriate to the position and six years or more of program administration experience in government or an organization closely related to government.
• Seven or more years of progressive human resources experience, including significant practitioner experience in multiple HR disciplines such as talent acquisition, learning and development, change management, and diversity/inclusion.
• Five or more years in a senior HR leadership role, managing teams and leading strategic initiatives.
• Demonstrated experience in bridging senior leadership with frontline HR teams, especially in environments with new leaders.

Nice to have

• Managing HR team(s) in a public sector environment.
• Building and operationalizing strategic plans to ensure alignment with department and county goals and initiatives.
• Communicating complex or sensitive information clearly to internal and external stakeholders across all levels.
• Facilitating cross-functional collaboration to align teams around shared priorities and values.
• Developing budgets, monitoring fiscal performance, and allocating resources effectively.
• Using data and research to inform recommendations, evaluate program effectiveness, and guide policy changes.
• Leading through change and driving transformation initiatives with clarity and purpose.
• Ability to inspire trust, build strong relationships, and champion a people-centered, inclusive culture.
• Demonstrate critical thinking and analytical skills. Balance strategic vision with operational execution across multiple HR functions.
• Plan long-term organizational transformation while managing day-to-day complexities.
• Coach leaders at all levels and foster an environment where teams feel empowered and accountable.
• Design equitable workforce systems that support a diverse employee population.
• Apply systems thinking to understand how decisions affect interconnected departments and services.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of HR disciplines, including talent acquisition, learning and development, change management, workforce planning, HR communications, and workplace inclusion.
• Public-sector governance, organizational development, and policy-making.
• State and federal employment laws, labor relations, and compliance requirements.