Deputy HR Director for Operations

State of North Carolina; North Carolina; Hybrid; USD 101,000 - 227,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

2 days onsite

Job summary

The State of North Carolina is seeking an Agency HR Director III (NS) to lead the DHHS HR operations, including Classification and Compensation, Talent Acquisition, Benefits, and Program Evaluation. This role directs policy development, cross‑functional projects, and enterprise HR initiatives at a senior level.

Based in Raleigh with a hybrid work option, the position requires strategic vision, strong collaboration with executive leaders, and the ability to drive efficiency across HR services

Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of human resources management, administrative principles and techniques.
• Proven ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with directors and managers.
• Demonstrated skill in planning, leading, and directing the work of others.

Responsibilities

• Lead operational HR service teams responsible for Classification and Compensation, Talent Acquisition, Benefits, Program Evaluation, and Project Management.
• Plan and execute strategic and tactical HR initiatives that support departmental and statewide objectives.
• Manage HR projects related to DHHS and OSHR initiatives, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities.
• Develop, coordinate, and communicate HR policies to support consistent and compliant HR operations.
• Provide technical expertise on agency-wide HR issues and special projects requiring advanced analysis or cross‑functional coordination.
• Support the HR Director through strategic planning, operational planning, and leadership of key HR programs.
• Lead process‑improvement and business‑enhancement initiatives to strengthen HR services, continuity, reporting, and customer service.
• Plan, forecast, and evaluate work activities across assigned HR functional areas to ensure effective service delivery.
• Initiate and manage annual and multi‑year HR projects to address operational needs and enhance HR service delivery practices.
• Provide leadership and direction to HR staff responsible for implementing human resources programs across the agency.

Skills

HR management

Building relationships

Leadership planning

Education

Bachelor’s degree in HR or related field

Job description

Agency

Dept of Health and Human Services

Division

SEC OFFICE - HUMAN RESOURCES

Job Classification Title

Agency HR Director III (NS)

Position Number

60050099

Grade

NC26

About Us

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is one of the largest, most complex agencies in the state, and has approximately 17,000 employees. It is responsible for ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of all North Carolinians, providing human service needs for special populations including individuals who are deaf, blind, developmentally disabled, and mentally ill, and helping poor North Carolinians achieve economic independence.

Description of Work

The Deputy Human Resources Director for Operations serves as a senior HR leader responsible for directing operational service teams within the DHHS Division of Human Resources. This position provides strategic and tactical leadership across core HR functions, including Classification and Compensation, Talent Acquisition, Benefits, Program Evaluation, and Project Management. It supports department-wide initiatives by planning, coordinating, and implementing HR programs and process‑improvement efforts that align with agency goals.

The Deputy HR Director for Operations role functions within a large, complex agency environment and ensures compliance with statewide and departmental policies, procedures, and standards. The position also partners with executive leadership to strengthen HR service delivery and advance organizational performance.

Key Duties Include:

• Lead operational HR service teams responsible for Classification and Compensation, Talent Acquisition, Benefits, Program Evaluation, and Project Management.

• Plan and execute strategic and tactical HR initiatives that support departmental and statewide objectives.

• Manage HR projects related to DHHS and OSHR initiatives, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities.

• Develop, coordinate, and communicate HR policies to support consistent and compliant HR operations.

• Provide technical expertise on agency-wide HR issues and special projects requiring advanced analysis or cross‑functional coordination.

• Support the HR Director through strategic planning, operational planning, and leadership of key HR programs.

• Lead process‑improvement and business‑enhancement initiatives to strengthen HR services, continuity, reporting, and customer service.

• Plan, forecast, and evaluate work activities across assigned HR functional areas to ensure effective service delivery.

• Initiate and manage annual and multi‑year HR projects to address operational needs and enhance HR service delivery practices.

• Provide leadership and direction to HR staff responsible for implementing human resources programs across the agency.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Salary Grade Range: $100,795.00 - $226,791.00

Recruitment Range: $100,795.00 - $130,000.00

Candidates now meet the minimum qualifications of a position if they meet the minimum education and experience listed on the vacancy announcement. The Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)/ Management Preferences are not required. Applicants who possess the following skills are preferred:

• Thorough knowledge of human resources management, administrative principles and techniques as they relate to the administration of a comprehensive HR management program.

• Proven ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with directors and managers.

• Demonstrated skill in planning, leading, and directing the work of others.

This Position Is Funded In Part Through Federal Funds

This Position Is For A Hybrid Work Option That Includes 2 Days A Week Onsite

About the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS):

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services manages the delivery of health and human‑related services for all North Carolinians, especially our most vulnerable people – children, elderly, disabled and low‑income families. The Department works closely with health care professionals, community leaders, advocacy groups, local, state and federal entities and many other stakeholders to make this happen.

About the DHHS Division of Human Resources (DHR):

The DHHS Division of Human Resources is responsible for strategic and tactical human capital management within DHHS including compliance with all federal and state rules and regulations affecting employee relations, recruitment/selection, job evaluation, salary administration, benefits, workers compensation, safety, and core staff development.

Compensation and Benefits:

The State of North Carolina offers excellent comprehensive benefits. Employees can participate in health insurance options, standard and supplemental retirement plans, and the NCFlex program (numerous high‑quality, low‑cost benefits on a pre‑tax basis). Employees also receive paid vacation, sick, and community service leave. In addition, paid parental leave is available to eligible employees.

Visit the website for State Benefits.

Supplemental Contact Information:

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer that embraces an Employment First philosophy, which consists of complying with all federal laws, state laws, and Executive Orders. We are committed to reviewing requests for reasonable accommodation at any time during the hiring process or while on the job. For more information about DHHS: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/.

DHHS uses the Merit‑Based Recruitment and Selection Plan to fill positions subject to the State Human Resources Act with the most qualified individuals. Hiring salary will be based on relevant qualifications, internal equity, and budgetary considerations pertinent to the advertised position.

In accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order 303, our agency supports second‑chance employment for individuals who were previously incarcerated or justice‑involved. We invite all potential applicants to apply for positions for which they may be qualified.

Minimum Education and Experience

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.

Bachelor’s degree, typically in Human Resources or related field from an appropriately accredited institution and at least 6 years of experience in human resources, including 4 years of experience in an HR leadership position

OR

An equivalent combination or education and experience.

EEO Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.