Human Resources Director

About the role

Lancaster County is hiring a Human Resources Director to lead the County's HR function and shape its direction for years to come. This is a senior executive role reporting to the County Board of Commissioners, with full oversight of HR strategy, operations, and staff across the County.

What we are looking for

The ideal candidate brings deep HR expertise, strong leadership and communication skills, and a genuine passion for serving employees and the community through HR practices. You know how to develop, implement, and manage comprehensive HR programs, and you have the communication skills to guide staff and advise County leaders with confidence. You bring sound judgment, compassion, and strong relationship-building skills to the work.

What this role does

Under the direction of the County Board of Commissioners, the Human Resources Director serves as department head of HR and sets the strategic direction for all County-wide HR programs, including recruitment, compensation, benefits, employee and labor relations, training and workforce development, organizational development, policy administration, succession planning, HR information systems, safety programming, and compliance with employment laws and regulations. You will also serve as a strategic advisor to County leadership on workforce planning, labor relations, organizational effectiveness, and legal compliance. The role requires independent judgment, discretion, and confidentiality. This is an unclassified position.

Responsibilities

Strategy and Leadership

• Participate in leadership meetings to develop strategic plans, establish policies, and make decisions impacting operations and services.
• Advise County leadership on HR matters, including workforce planning, organizational structure, employee relations, and personnel administration.
• Lead initiatives to improve organizational effectiveness, mitigate employment-related risk, and align workforce strategies.

Recruitment and Talent Development

• Lead talent acquisition and workforce planning efforts and the recruitment and retention of a qualified workforce.
• Lead County-wide compensation and classification initiatives.
• Develop and direct County-wide benefits and wellness strategies.

Employee Relations

• Promote a positive and productive workplace culture.
• Serve as a key member of the County's collective bargaining team.
• Lead workplace investigations in partnership with legal counsel.
• Direct workforce development, succession planning, employee engagement, and organizational effectiveness programs.

Administrative

• Direct County-wide compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• Provide strategic oversight of the County's HR information systems.
• Lead the development and use of workforce analytics, reporting, and technology solutions.
• Serve as a strategic advisor on workforce and personnel-related financial matters.
• Act as secretary to the County Personnel Policy Board.
• Collaborate with County Risk Management regarding leave administration, workplace safety, workers' compensation, and risk management.
• Represent the Department through professional contacts and legislative matters.
• Perform other duties as necessary.

Desirable knowledge, abilities and skills

• Extensive expertise in public sector HR administration
• Comprehensive knowledge of employment laws and regulations
• Strong leadership and management capabilities
• Demonstrated ability to direct a comprehensive HR program and implement effective solutions
• Thorough knowledge of budgetary principles and methods
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills

Minimum qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with relevant major coursework and eight years of progressively responsible professional HR experience, including at least five years of senior management or executive-level experience directing HR programs, personnel, budgets, and organizational initiatives.

Benefits

• Vacation: 120 hours per year
• Sick leave: 104 hours per year
• 11 paid holidays plus 3 personal convenience days annually
• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance begin the first of the month following hire; FSA options are also available
• Post-employment health plan: County contributes $25 per pay period after six months of employment
• Life insurance: $50,000
• Retirement: 8% employee contribution with an 8% County match
• Paid parental leave: Up to six weeks, usable within 12 months following birth, adoption, or foster placement

Pay

Salary Range: $150,000 - $180,000