Deputy Director of Human Resources

Commonwealth of Virginia; Chesterfield; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A government agency in Chesterfield is seeking a highly qualified Deputy Director of Human Resources. This role involves providing essential guidance on employee relations, managing day-to-day HR operations, and ensuring compliance with relevant laws. Candidates should possess advanced knowledge of employee relations principles, strong leadership skills, and experience in conducting investigations. The position requires regular onsite presence, contributes significantly to workplace culture, and offers a negotiable salary up to a predetermined range.

Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge of employee relations principles.
• Skill in conducting investigations and preparing reports.
• Capacity to manage grievance processes and negotiate outcomes.
• Knowledge of state and federal employment laws.
• Experience collaborating with legal counsel.
• Competence in analyzing workforce data.
• Leadership in supervising HR staff.

Responsibilities

• Provide guidance on grievances and disciplinary actions.
• Ensure compliance with employment laws and oversee investigations.
• Assist in managing day-to-day HR operations.
• Develop best practices for employee relations.

Skills

Employee relations principles

Conducting investigations

Negotiation skills

Federal and state employment laws

HR policies interpretation

Data analysis

Leadership skills

Communication skills

Technical proficiency in HRIS

Budgeting and financial acumen

Education

Advanced knowledge of employee relations

Tools

HRIS systems

Microsoft Office

Cardinal/PeopleSoft/PageUp

Job description

The Virginia Department of Emergency Management is currently seeking a qualified candidate for the position of Deputy Director of Human Resources.

*This position is eligible for one day of telework per week. Due to the public-facing nature of the role, regular onsite presence is required.*

The Deputy Director of Human Resources supports the Human Resource Director in leading VDEM’s employee relations program and serves as a key advisor on complex workplace issues.

• Provide advanced-level guidance and consultation to leadership, managers, and employees on grievances, disciplinary actions, and policy interpretation.
• Ensure compliance with state and federal employment laws, oversee investigations, and facilitate access to training and alternative dispute resolution resources across all VDEM regions and headquarters.
• Assist the Human Resource Director with managing day‑to‑day operations of Human Resources, and with the implementation of customer‑friendly HR services, policies, and programs.
• Develop processes and best practices to ensure equitable, respectful, and situationally appropriate handling of employee relations issues.

All VDEM employees are designated as essential personnel and may be required to work during emergency situations, such as inclement weather, and natural or man‑made disasters/events as directed. This may require irregular work hours, work at locations other than the official duty station, and may include duties other than those specified in the employee’s official EWP.

Minimum Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge of employee relations principles, practices, and applicable laws to resolve complex workplace issues.
• Skill in conducting and reviewing investigations, managing escalated cases, and preparing clear, comprehensive reports for leadership.
• Demonstrated capability to administer grievance and dispute resolution processes and negotiate effective outcomes.
• Strong understanding of federal and state employment laws (Title VII, ADA, ADEA, FLSA, Virginia Human Rights Act) and their application in complex scenarios.
• Proficiency in interpreting and advising on HR policies and procedures.
• Experience collaborating with legal counsel and the Office of the Attorney General on high‑risk matters.
• Competence in analyzing workforce data to identify trends, assess risks, and recommend program improvements.
• Proven leadership in supervising and developing HR staff, delegating work, and leading high‑performing teams under deadlines, while fostering collaboration across organizational levels.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, with experience presenting complex information and designing/delivering training on employee relations topics.
• Commitment to confidentiality and safeguarding sensitive employee information.
• Technical proficiency with HRIS systems and Microsoft Office applications, with project management experience in HR process improvements and technology implementations.
• Financial acumen in budgeting, payroll/time allocations, and leave reporting, with familiarity in equitable hiring and pay practices within state government frameworks.
• Ability to develop strategies that enhance customer service, program efficiency, and organizational effectiveness.

Additional Considerations

• Demonstrated expertise in managing an Employee Relations Program for a public‑sector employer.
• Advanced knowledge of state government HR systems (Cardinal/PeopleSoft/PageUp).

Special Instructions

Applications will be accepted only online through the State Job website. The application must include all work history and references. Applicants must provide sufficient information for assessment. Employment is contingent upon satisfactory results of required background checks. The position requires a one‑year probationary period.

The salary for this position is negotiable up to the maximum hiring range listed in this posting. Offers will not be made outside of the hiring range. This is a restricted position due to the funding source.

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and people with National Service experience are encouraged to apply.

VDEM does not provide sponsorship to prospective or current employees. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment.

The Virginia Department of Emergency Management is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Contact Information

Name: Human Resources

Phone: [phone]

Email: ov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we encourage individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service‑connected veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to obtain their AHP Letter.