Executive Director of Human Resources

City of Hurst; Hurst (TX); On-site; USD 150,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Hurst is seeking an Executive Director of Human Resources to provide strategic leadership for all HR functions. The role supervises recruitment, employee relations, compensation, benefits, payroll, training, and legal compliance with local, state, and federal laws.

It reports to the City Manager and aligns HR programs with the City’s Code of Ideals and The Hurst Way. Responsibilities include guiding employee engagement, managing the HR budget, and partnering with leadership on

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in HR/Business/Public Admin required.
• Seven years of progressive HR experience; five years in management.
• Municipal government/public agency experience preferred.
• Professional HR certification (SHRM/HRCI/PSHRA/TMHRA/ICMA) preferred.
• CJIS background restrictions apply: no disqualifying offenses in 10 years; certain felonies permanent disqualifiers.
• Pre-employment screenings including criminal, credit, drug test; valid Texas driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Lead HR functions: recruitment, employee relations, compensation, benefits, payroll, and training.
• Provide strategic counsel to the City Manager and leadership team.
• Oversee performance evaluation process and HR policy development for citywide compliance.
• Coordinate civil service and collective bargaining activities as assigned.
• Oversee self-insurance, workers’ compensation, and deferred compensation programs.
• Manage HR budget and supervise department staff.

Skills

Strategic HR leadership

Employee relations

Policy development

Budget management

People management

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR/Business/Public Admin

Municipal/public sector HR experience preferred

Job description

Position Information

Position Title:Executive Director of Human Resources

Department:Human Resources

Division:Administration

FLSA:Exempt

Salary Range:$150,000 – $170,000 annually

Starting salary will be determined based on the selected candidate’s qualifications

Priority Review Date:Monday, November 16, 2026

Applications received by the priority review date will receive first consideration. The position will remain open until filled.

Job Summary

The Executive Director of Human Resources is a department head who reports directly to the City Manager and provides strategic leadership for all Human Resources functions. The position oversees recruitment and retention, employee relations, compensation and benefits, payroll administration, workforce training and development, and compliance with local, state, and federal employment laws. The Executive Director ensures that HR programs support the City’s organizational goals, operational needs, and commitment to the City’s Code of Ideals and The Hurst Way.

Essential Job Functions

1. Works with City leadership and employees to support employee engagement, recognition, communication, and a positive workplace culture aligned with the Code of Ideals, The Hurst Way, and City Council's strategic priorities.
2. Directs and manages departmental staff and resources, and oversees the HR budget.
3. Oversees employee relations matters and provides management advice and guidance.
4. Directs the City’s performance evaluation process.
5. Creates and implements HR policies and procedures and ensures legally compliant application citywide.
6. In partnership with the City Manager’s Office, oversees the City’s compensation, benefits, and classification systems, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.
7. Coordinates and participates in civil service and collective bargaining activities as assigned.
8. Directs the City’s self-insurance, worker’s compensation, and deferred compensation programs.
9. Oversees payroll administration to ensure accuracy, efficiency and legal compliance.
10. Establishes priorities for employee training and development.
11. Within the City’s priority-based budgeting initiative, evaluates Human Resources programs, contracts, and expenditures to assess effectiveness and identify efficiencies.
12. Oversees personnel records management, information security, and records retention practices in coordination with applicable City departments.
13. Coordinates and supports the administration of the City's civil service system, as assigned, in accordance with applicable laws, local civil service rules, and the City's organizational structure.
14. Performs other related duties and special projects as assigned.

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

• Ability to organize, prioritize, and manage complex projects and competing responsibilities.
• A deep understanding of contemporary public sector human resources practices and associated legal dynamics.
• Ability to provide sound, strategic counsel on complex and sensitive human resources issues to the City Manager, Assistant City Managers, and others in the City organization.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to handle employee relations matters, provide sound guidance to supervisors, and promote fair and consistent application of City policies and procedures.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and protect sensitive employee and organizational information.
• Ability to sit for extended periods and operate standard office equipment, including a computer, keyboard, telephone, and printer.

Minimum Education, Certification, and Experience Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, Public Policy, Public Affairs, or a related field is required.
• Seven years of progressively responsible human resources experience required, including at least five years of management experience or an equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
• Previous experience in a municipal government or public agency setting is strongly preferred.
• Professional Human Resources certification or credential from a recognized HR certification organization preferred (HRCI, SHRM, PSHRA, TMHRA, ICMA, or other comparable credentials relevant to the position).
• Due to Criminal Justice Information Security (CJIS) requirements, the candidate must never have been convicted, put on court-ordered community supervision, or probation for any criminal offense above the grade of Class B misdemeanor or a Class B misdemeanor within the last ten years from the date of the court order. Class A Misdemeanor Conviction, Deferred Adjudication, or Felony Conviction are permanent disqualifiers.
• Must pass all pre-employment screenings including a criminal background check, credit check, drug screen and have a valid Texas driver’s license with an acceptable driving record as defined by City policy.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

The physical demands described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

Work is primarily performed in an office environment and requires regular interaction with employees, supervisors, executive leadership, and members of the public. The position may require attendance at meetings outside standard business hours and the ability to respond to time-sensitive or confidential organizational matters.

While performing the essential functions of this position the employee is rarely exposed to disagreeable environmental factors.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the person assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties and skills required. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and the job requirements change.