Human Resources Director

The City of Takoma park is seeking a highly-skilled and experienced Human Resources Director with a strong foundation in human resources management principles, including expertise in benefits management, employee compensation, performance management, and labor relations. Additionally, the candidate should have a solid understanding of public administration practices, budgeting and accounting, risk management, and occupational health and safety principles.

The candidate will lead and support staff while fostering a collaborative and efficient work environment. They should demonstrate strategic thinking, with experience in policy development, legal compliance, and conflict resolution. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential for effectively engaging with staff, senior leadership, and external stakeholders and in problem-solving, and mediating disputes. The HR department is staffed by four professionals supporting approximately 180 FTEs.

Key Responsibilities

The Human Resources Director is a pivotal leader responsible for managing all aspects of the City’s human resources functions and ensuring the smooth operation of the department and delivering high-quality services to both internal staff and external stakeholders. Key responsibilities include:

• Lead and Execute: HR strategies aligned with organizational goals: workforce planning, retention, performance management process, training, and culture.
• Oversee HR Operations: benefits, payroll (in partnership with Finance), employee relations, recruitment, and engagement.
• Advise: Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on organizational and management issues.
• Leadership and Supervision: Directly supervise and mentor 3 HR staff, supporting their professional growth.
• Training: Facilitate training programs including onboarding, compliance, and leadership development.
• Budget Management: Develop and oversee a department and the City’s annual personnel budget, including salaries, benefits, and workers’ compensation.
• Policy Development: Draft and implement HR policies and procedures and recommend updates to the City Code.
• Benefits Administration: Manage the City’s comprehensive benefits program and administer the Police Employees’ Retirement Plan.
• Recruitment: Lead recruitment efforts, including executive searches, and support employee relations by coaching staff and supervisors.
• Risk Management: Oversee the City’s risk management and loss control program.
• Compensation Plan: Maintain and update the City’s compensation plan to ensure competitiveness and equity.
• Union Negotiations: Serve as a management representative in union negotiations.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration or relevant field
• Master's degree Human Resources Business Administration or related field. Preferred.

Experience

• 5–10 years of progressive HR experience, including 3 years in a leadership role
• HR Certification strongly preferred (PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP)
• Proficiency in UKG HRIS and Microsoft Office Suite
• Possess strong prioritization, planning, and interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated Excellence in HR Process Optimization: Proven ability to review, streamline and implement high-quality HR processes with a consistent detail-oriented approach. Experienced in maintaining operational excellence across all HR functions driving efficiency and enhancing the overall employee experience at the organizational level.
• Strategic Policy Development and Interpretation and Organizational Development: Skilled in drafting, interpreting and applying company policies and organizational practices. Proactively identifies opportunities for improvement and recommends strategic changes that align with evolving and best practices in human resources management.
• Effective Public Speaking and Stakeholder Engagement: Adept at developing and delivering impactful presentations on complex HR topics to senior management, elected body, and diverse employee groups. Able to communicate key initiatives, policy changes and strategic HR objectives in a clear persuasive and engaging manner.
• Leadership Coaching and Influence: Highly capable of influencing and coaching staff through a wide range of HR and operational challenges. Fosters leadership development supports talent management initiatives.
• Strategic Planning and Execution: Experienced in translating organizational strategy and key initiatives into actionable plans. Ensures seamless alignment between HR programs and city goals driving successful implementation and measurable outcomes at all levels of the organization.
• Conflict Management and Negotiation: Demonstrated conflict management and negotiation skills; ability to effectively engage in collective bargaining activities.

Why Join the City of Takoma Park?

Takoma Park is deeply committed to inclusivity and community. The City welcomes people from diverse racial, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds, creating a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. Its compact size, cultural richness, and shared values make it an exceptional place to live and work. The community values sustainability, inclusivity, and active participation, hosting numerous events and programs throughout the year.

Takoma Park Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
• Maryland State Retirement & Pension System.
• 457 deferred compensation plan
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Smart Trip Pre-Tax Commuter Benefits
• Life Insurance
• Generous Annual Leave—vacation, personal and sick days

The starting salary range for this position is $130,000 - $160,000.

The City of Takoma Park is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to be a diverse workforce that is representative of the residents we serve. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply. Please visit our website for more information.