Police Human Resources and Labor Relations Division Chief

About the role

The Alexandria Police Department (APD) is seeking a highly experienced and strategic Human Resources & Labor Relations Division Chief to lead one of the Department’s most critical functions—its people. This is a rare opportunity to shape workforce strategy, strengthen organizational performance, and directly support a mission-driven public safety agency operating in a complex, highly regulated, and compliance-driven environment.

The Division Chief serves as a key advisor to executive leadership, providing expert guidance on complex personnel matters, labor relations, and workforce strategy. This role directly influences organizational effectiveness, risk management, and the Department’s ability to maintain a qualified, ready, and resilient workforce.

Responsibilities

The Division Chief oversees a broad and impactful portfolio, including:

• Human resources administration
• Labor relations and grievance management
• Workforce planning and organizational development
• Payroll and leave administration
• Employee wellness, peer support, and resiliency programs
• Recruitment, hiring, and promotional processes

As Division Chief, you will lead, direct, and manage all human resources and labor relations functions, ensuring effective, compliant, and service-oriented operations. You will serve as a strategic advisor to executive leadership on personnel matters, workforce strategy, regulatory compliance, and organizational risk.

Requirements

A Bachelor's degree in Management, Business Administration, Finance, or related field is required. Six (6) years of experience in human resources, labor relations, employee training, organizational development, budgeting, policy development, etc. is also required. Two (2) years of experience in a lead or supervisory capacity is necessary.

Degree requirements may be substituted with an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate is a seasoned HR leader with experience in complex, compliance-driven environments such as law enforcement, public safety, federal, or large municipal organizations. Core strengths include:

• Deep expertise in human resources management, labor relations, and policy development
• Strong understanding of regulatory and compliance frameworks, including experience navigating high-accountability environments
• Proven ability to lead organizational development, workforce planning, and employee engagement initiatives
• Experience advising senior and executive leadership on complex personnel matters, risk, and workforce strategy
• Exceptional judgment, discretion, and conflict resolution skills in handling sensitive and high-impact issues

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred qualifications include:

• Master’s degree in Human Resources Management, Organizational Development, Psychology, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field
• Professional certification in human resources (e.g., PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, or comparable public-sector certification)
• Experience in a law enforcement, public safety, or similarly complex and highly regulated environment
• Demonstrated success leading human resources functions within a complex organization, including workforce planning, labor relations, policy development, and organizational initiatives

Skills

Strong leadership presence with the ability to develop, motivate, and manage staff is necessary. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and build trust across all levels of the organization, are also required.

The ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, mission-critical environment is essential. A demonstrated commitment to advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, and a supportive workplace culture is also necessary.