Director of Human Resources and Risk Management

City of Laguna Beach; Laguna Beach (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

City-paid health insurance

Job summary

The City of Laguna Beach is seeking an experienced Director of Human Resources and Risk Management to provide strategic leadership for HR and risk programs. Reporting to the City Manager, this executive role shapes culture, drives workforce initiatives, and serves as a trusted advisor to the Council and department heads.

The ideal candidate has executive HR leadership, strong labor relations, employment law knowledge, and a collaborative style.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in public administration, human resources management, or a related field.
• Eight or more years of increasingly responsible experience in human resources, labor relations, and risk management, with at least four in a supervisory or management capacity.
• Public sector or local government personnel management experience is highly desirable.
• California driver’s license is required.
• Professional HR certifications (SHRM/PHR or equivalent) desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead the City’s HR and risk management functions aligned with strategic priorities.
• Partner with the City Manager, City Council, and executive leadership on workforce planning and organizational development.
• Oversee HR areas including labor relations, benefits, classification/compensation, recruitment, HRIS, and risk management.
• Lead labor negotiations and manage collective bargaining agreements.
• Direct risk management functions including workers’ compensation and workplace safety.
• Develop policies and programs to enhance employee engagement and organizational effectiveness.
• Provide guidance on employment law, policy interpretation, investigations, and employee relations.
• Present recommendations to the City Council and represent the City professionally.

Skills

Executive leadership

Labor relations

Employment law

Compensation & benefits

HRIS

Organizational development

Negotiation

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in public administration or related field

Master’s degree desirable

Job description

Description

The City is seeking an experienced and innovative human resources professional to serve as its next Director of Human Resources and Risk Management. Reporting directly to the City Manager, this executive-level position provides strategic leadership for the City's human resources and risk management functions while serving as a trusted advisor to the City Manager, City Council, and department directors. This position plays a critical role in shaping organizational culture, leading workforce initiatives, fostering positive employee relations, and ensuring the City remains an employer of choice.

What You’ll Do

• Lead the City's human resources and risk management functions, aligning programs and services with the City's strategic priorities.
• Partner with the City Manager, City Council, and executive leadership on workforce planning, organizational development, and complex personnel matters.
• Oversee all aspects of human resources including employee and labor relations, benefits administration, classification and compensation, recruitment and selection, HRIS, and organizational development and training, and risk management.
• Lead labor negotiations, administer collective bargaining agreements, and cultivate productive relationships with employee associations.
• Direct key risk management functions, including workers' compensation, workplace safety initiatives, and the City's asset insurance program.
• Develop policies, programs, and initiatives that enhance employee engagement, operational excellence, and organizational effectiveness.
• Provide strategic guidance on employment law, policy interpretation, investigations, and employee relations.
• Present recommendations and reports to the City Council and represent the City with professionalism and integrity.

The Ideal Candidate

• Executive-level experience leading comprehensive human resources operations, preferably in a public sector environment.
• Strong knowledge of labor relations, collective bargaining, employment law, classification and compensation, benefits administration, and organizational development.
• Political acumen and the ability to build effective relationships with elected officials, executive leadership, employees, and community stakeholders.
• A collaborative, approachable leadership style that promotes accountability, transparency, and employee development.
• Excellent judgment and discretion when handling sensitive and confidential matters.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• The ability to balance strategic vision with operational execution while leading through change and competing priorities.
• A commitment to innovation, exceptional customer service, and fostering a positive organizational culture.

Examples of Duties

The normal duties for the positions can be found in the job description for Director of Human Resources and Risk Management. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Qualifications

Any combination demonstrating the ability to effectively and successfully perform the duties of the position is considered qualifying. A typical combination is as follows:

Education

• Bachelor's degree in public administration, human resources management, or a related field.
• Master’s degree in a related field is desirable.

Experience

• Eight or more years (extensive) of increasingly responsible experience in human resources, labor relations, and risk management, with at least four (4) in a supervisory or management capacity.
• Experience in public sector or local government personnel management is highly desirable.

License/Certificate Requirements

• Due to the performance of some field duties, which may require the operation of a personal or City vehicle, a valid California Driver’s license and an acceptable driving record are required.
• Professional certifications in human resources (SHRM, PHR, or equivalent) are desirable.

Supplemental Information

This recruitment will establish an eligibility list that may be used to fill future vacancies in the same or lower classifications.

Application/Selection Process

Applications will be screened carefully, and selected applicants will be invited to participate in the Structured Panel Interview. The appointing hiring authority will further review the job-related qualifications of those deemed eligible for hire before making selection decisions. The selection process may be modified based on the needs of the City.

Pre-employment Process

Selected candidates must successfully pass a fingerprint check with the State Department of Justice. Education and employment verification and reference check(s) will also be conducted.

Why work for Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach is a beautiful coastal city located in Orange County, California, with a vibrant art scene and cultural events. We offer competitive compensation and benefits packages, including City paid health insurance for employees, retirement plans, and paid time off. The City has a strong commitment to its employees, providing opportunities for professional growth and development through training and education programs.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Laguna Beach is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. We encourage you to inform Human Resources at least two business days prior to the first phase of the selection process if you have a disability that may require an accommodation. EEO/ADA.