Human Resources Advisor Senior (ER) - Austin Public Library

City of Austin; Arlington (VA); Hybrid; USD 72,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Telework option

Public service environment

Job summary

The City of Austin seeks a Senior Human Resources Advisor to partner with senior leaders on HR program design, analysis, and policy implementation. You will advise management on complex HR matters, interpret regulations, and lead data-driven initiatives to improve processes and reporting.

This role supports employee relations and training across departments. Based at the Austin Central Library, this exempt full-time position may offer telework options.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field and 4 years HR experience.
• One additional year of experience may substitute for education up to the maximum of four years.

Responsibilities

• Collaborates with senior leaders on HR program analysis and administration.
• Manages complex HR issues and provides solutions for programs and processes.
• Advises management on HR-related decisions.
• Serves as subject matter expert on HR policies, regulations, and procedures.
• Interprets policies and ensures compliance with laws and program objectives.
• Analyzes data to support policy development and decision making.

Skills

employee relations

HR policy

investigations

training delivery

data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office 365

Job description

About This Position

Job Description:

Human Resources Advisor Senior

Purpose:

Under limited direction, provides management and employee groups advanced journey-level professional human resources (HR) support on a broad range of HR issues and decisions, primarily in matters that require independent discretion. Responsible for the implementation of services and programs in one or more areas of HR.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Collaborates and serves as strategic partner with senior leaders and management on HR programmatic analysis, implementation, and administration providing operational oversight, advice, and analytical support.
• Manages and resolves complex HR-related issues and provides solutions to programs and processes, monitoring implementation of agreed upon actions until the problem has been resolved.
• Advises and influences management in making sound HR-related decisions.
• Serves as subject matter expert in providing advice and counsel to management and employee groups on a broad range of HR issues and with applicable regulations, programs, policies, and procedures.
• Interprets and provides guidance on, and interpretation of, applicable systems, policies, procedures, strategies, process workflows, and regulations; and monitors compliance with policies, regulations, laws, and program objectives.
• Identifies, analyzes, and recommends solutions for various HR problems using morale indicators and other personnel measurements, such as, but not limited to, surveys, turnover, and grievances; and presents recommendations for corrective action programs when needed.
• Provides training to managers and supervisors on HR topics and procedures.
• Researches, gathers, analyzes, and evaluates data and information; monitors program trends; reviews and performs quality checks of program-related data; and develops and maintains management reporting to support decision making and policy development.
• Monitors and maintains system data, files, records, and reporting; transmits program data files to vendors; and develops, monitors, and implements information tracking systems.

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, training, and guidance to others.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws and ordinances governing personnel activities.
• Knowledge of City practices, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge and practices of HR program administration and management.
• Knowledge of practices and methods of coaching and leading the work of others.
• Knowledge of principles and applications of critical thinking and analysis.
• Knowledge of customer service principles.
• Skill in overseeing the maintenance of HR program/process documentation, data, schedules, records, and files.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Skill in using computers and related software.
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
• Skill in planning and organizing.
• Ability to coordinate deadlines, prioritize work demands and assign/monitor work performed.
• Ability to handle hostility, conflict, and uncertain situations.
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
• Ability to train others.
• Ability to develop and maintain knowledge in assigned specialized HR areas.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other City employees and the public.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a related field, plus four (4) years of HR experience.
• One (1) additional year of experience may substitute for the education up to the maximum of four (4) years.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience providing advanced employee relations consultation, including conducting investigations, facilitating conflict resolution, writing investigation reports, and advising on discipline and performance management.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret, apply, and provide counsel on federal, state, and local laws (such as FMLA, ADA, Workers’ Compensation, FLSA, Title VII, Texas Labor Code) and City of Austin policies and procedures.
• Skill in developing and delivering training on employee relations topics such as Sexual Harassment/Harassment Prevention, Respectful workplace, Personnel Policies, etc.
• Experience handling grievances, reviewing corrective action documents regarding performance, and disciplinary actions.
• Experience as an HR professional in a government and/or a Municipal Civil Service environment
• Demonstrates strong written and verbal communication skills that enable clear, concise guidance across all levels of the organization, while fostering collaborative, two‑way dialogue built on integrity, accountability, and consistent verbal and non‑verbal communication.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office 365 (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) and utilization to prepare documents, present information, and conduct meetings virtually.
• Current certification in PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, and SHRM-SCP, or ability to gain certification within one (1) year of hire date.
• Ability to travel to more than one work location

Notes to Candidate:

The Human Resources Advisor Senior serves as the primary point of contact for employee relations at the Austin Public Library (APL). This role guides employees and leaders through meaningful conversations, thoughtful problem‑solving, and fair, consistent processes. It provides expert consultation in areas such as personnel policy implementation, grievances and appeals, employee relations concerns, TWC hearings, unemployment claims, mediation, policy development, and ER training, while also tracking and leading key employee relations programs. Through this work, the HR Advisor Senior strengthens relationships, supports effective policy, and helps create a workplace where employees can thrive.

Work Location:

Austin Central Library – 710 West Cesar Chavez St., 78701

Salary Range:

$72,220.00 to $90,280.00 annually

Hours:

Exempt/Full Time

Monday – Friday

9:00 am to 6:00 pm

• Hours and shifts may vary based on operational or business needs to include weekends, holidays, and extended shifts.
• This position offers the opportunity to telework, subject to departmental needs and approval.

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation’s most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – that anchor our delivery of services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference : Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
• Value and Innovation : Work in an environment where employees are valued, and innovation thrives.
• Competitive Benefits : Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work‑life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
• Retirement Security : Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees’ Retirement System.
• Sustainable Transportation Options : Commute easily with access to public transit and bike‑friendly infrastructure.
• Focus on Wellness : Stay healthy through wellness programs, on‑site fitness centers, and mental health support.
• Career Growth : Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
• Modern Workspaces : Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual’s AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call [phone] or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.