Director of Human Resources and Risk Management

About the role

The City of Rialto is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Human Resources leader to serve as its next Director of Human Resources and Risk Management. This is an exceptional opportunity for a collaborative and service-oriented professional to shape the future of a department poised for transformation and to help position Human Resources as a trusted strategic partner throughout the organization.

Responsibilities

• Modernize Human Resources Systems and Processes: Evaluate existing Human Resources programs, workflows, and business practices to identify opportunities for increased efficiency, consistency, and customer service. Establish standardized procedures, clearly defined roles and responsibilities, and measurable performance expectations across the department.
• Strengthen Labor and Employee Relations: Build productive and collaborative relationships with employee organizations and labor representatives while providing strategic guidance to executive leadership. Prepare for and lead negotiations associated with all labor agreements, which are scheduled to expire in June 2027.
• Elevate Organizational Performance Management: Successfully implement and integrate NEOGOV Perform and establish a consistent, organization-wide employee performance evaluation program that supports accountability, employee development, and organizational excellence.
• Update Policies, Rules, and Classification Systems: Partner with departments and labor groups to review and update the City's Personnel Rules and Policies. Evaluate and update classification specifications to ensure alignment with current organizational needs and operational responsibilities.
• Develop and Empower Staff: Invest in the professional growth and development of department staff through coaching, mentoring, training, and succession planning. Establish clear expectations and accountability while fostering a positive, engaged, and high-performing workplace culture.
• Advance Safety, Wellness, and Risk Management Programs: Strengthen organizational safety initiatives through workplace violence prevention training, drug and alcohol reasonable suspicion training, updates to the Injury and Illness Prevention Program, and the establishment of a Citywide Safety and Wellness Committee.
• Support Citywide Workforce Excellence: Continue partnering with departments on strategic workforce planning, recruitment, retention, and employee engagement initiatives that help attract and retain a diverse, talented, and committed workforce.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in Human Resources, business or public administration, industrial relations, or a related field.
• Six years of progressively responsible experience in all areas of Human Resources administration, including three years at a management or program administration level.
• Experience working successfully with employee associations or unions and/or prior experience working for a public agency is preferred.
• Professional certification through the International Public Management Association – Senior Certified Professional (IPMA-SCP), the Society of Human Resources Management – Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP), or the Human Resource Certification Institute – Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) is desirable.

Qualifications

• Achieved a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
• Proven ability to lead and manage a team effectively.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders, including employees, unions, and other city departments.
• Knowledge of labor laws and collective bargaining processes.
• Experience in implementing and managing HRIS systems.
• Experience in performance management and employee development.
• Experience in risk management and safety initiatives.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information.

Skills

• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent leadership and management skills.
• Strong negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Knowledge of HRIS systems and software.
• Experience with performance management tools and platforms.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.

Benefits

The City of Rialto offers a competitive executive compensation package, including additional pay for education for qualified candidates, retirement, fully paid health benefits, paid leave, and professional development opportunities.

Pay

The annual salary for the Director of Human Resources and Risk Management is up to $216,912, depending on qualifications. A 3% cost-of-living adjustment effective July 1, 2026, will increase the maximum salary to $223,419.

Schedule

The position will be open until filled, with a first review of applications beginning July 31, 2026. Please note that the first round of virtual interviews is tentatively scheduled for August 18. Finalists will be invited to participate in in-person interviews tentatively scheduled for September 1. Selected candidates must be available for both dates.

Contact Information

Please direct questions to Serena Wright-Black at swrightblack@raftelis.com and Niayla Hairston at nhairston@raftelis.com.