Senior Human Resources Officer

Salary Range: $170,706.00

Hybrid work may be available at 1200 Third Avenue, San Diego after onboarding. This unclassified position reports to the Supervising Human Resources Officer and may include supervisory duties in the future.

About the Role

The Senior Human Resources Officer (Program Manager) leads labor and employee relations for the City of San Diego. This role involves developing and implementing HR policies and programs, representing the City in labor negotiations, presenting materials for the Mayor, Council, and City Management, acting as a liaison with employee organizations, and supporting department needs.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily HR operations, manage multiple priorities and projects, and lead HR initiatives and process changes.
• Prepare, review, and present materials for the Mayor, Council, and City Management for meetings and briefings (e.g., Council Meetings and Closed Sessions).
• Build credibility and trusted relationships with City leaders; consult on strategic objectives and implement HR programs and organization design.
• Apply expertise in labor laws, City policies, MOUs, and best practices to resolve complex employee or union issues.
• Advise stakeholders on Federal, State (CA), and Meyers-Milias-Brown Act compliance for labor relations.
• Lead successor MOU negotiations and facilitate meet-and-confer sessions with recognized employee organizations.
• Prepare communications and presentations on labor negotiations for City leadership and employee groups.
• Provide policy advice and communication strategies to department management; facilitate Labor Management Committee meetings.
• Deliver employment trainings and support supervisory staff; assist with contracting-out protocols and change management initiatives.
• Act as primary liaison to City Departments; provide guidance on employment laws, City policies, regulations, and MOUs.
• Review and advise on progressive and property rights level disciplinary actions and appeals; assist with complex investigations.
• Support department management and employees regarding the grievance process and resolution.
• Facilitate human resource-related trainings and mentor department management staff.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, public administration, or a related field.
• 3–5 years of relevant HR management experience in employee or labor relations, including mid-level labor relations or employee relations duties with labor organizations or HR functions.
• Experience in a public sector or unionized private organization (e.g., schools, districts, hospitals).
• A Master’s degree in human resources management, public administration, or a closely related field may substitute for up to one year of required experience.

Desired Qualifications

• Master’s degree in human resources management, public administration, or a closely related field.
• Professional certifications related to human resources (e.g., CLRM, PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, IPMA).

Skills & Abilities

• Demonstrated confidence in public speaking and experience conducting human resources-related trainings.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment; make sound consequential judgments based on available information.
• Excellent writing and verbal communication skills; strong interpersonal skills.
• High level of sensitivity and professional demeanor toward department management, employees, and recognized employee organizations (REOs).
• Ability to effectively manage conflict and develop/maintain working relationships with department management, employees, labor union leadership, and the public.
• Experience handling discipline matters and conducting investigations resulting in conflict resolution.
• Strong political acumen.

About the Department

The Human Resources Department cultivates a skilled workforce where individuals thrive, teams succeed, and equity is operationalized across programs: Labor Relations, Employee Relations, People and Organization Development, Citywide Volunteer, Internship and Work Readiness, People Analytics, Disability Management, Talent Acquisition, Veteran and Employee Engagement, and COVID Response and Recovery. The department plays a pivotal role in attracting and retaining talent and building equitable, thriving teams.

About the City

The City of San Diego, with over 1.4 million residents, is the eighth largest city in the U.S. and the second largest in California. It offers a strong economy, diverse population, great educational institutions, and a renowned quality of life. The City’s mission is to serve communities to make San Diego a great city, with a vision of opportunity in every neighborhood and excellent service for every San Diegan. As one of the region’s largest employers, the City employs nearly 13,000 dedicated employees and has a combined Fiscal Year 2027 operating and capital budget of approximately $6.42 billion.

Benefits

• Defined retirement plan, including pension reciprocity, dependent on eligibility status.
• Cafeteria-style health and wellness plans or in-lieu cash waiver.
• 11 paid City holidays per calendar year and 1 floating holiday per fiscal year.
• Approximately 176 hours of paid annual leave for the first 15 years of service, and approximately 216 hours for 16+ years.
• Up to 24 hours of paid discretionary leave per fiscal year.
• Up to 320 hours of paid Parental Leave per childbirth or placement of a child.
• Up to 40 hours of paid Bereavement Leave per fiscal year.
• Tuition reimbursement up to $2,000 per fiscal year and complimentary LinkedIn Learning professional development opportunities.
• Free transit pass (including MTS Trolley, MTS Bus, and all Rapid and Rapid Express bus services).
• Access to premier City golf courses at a discounted rate and reduced-rate fitness center memberships.
• City-paid life insurance.