Human Resources Director

City of St Joseph; Southfield (MI); On-site; USD 123,000 - 185,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

The City of Southfield is seeking a Human Resources Director to lead a centralized HR team and support a diverse municipal workforce. The role reports to the City Administrator and collaborates with the City Council to advance workforce priorities and organizational goals.

The Director oversees labor relations, recruitment, compensation and benefits, policy development, and retirement administration, ensuring compliance and high-quality public service delivery.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in HR, Public Administration, Business Admin, Labor Relations, or related field.
• Master's degree and/or SHRM/PHR certification preferred.
• Experience leading HR in government or public sector.

Responsibilities

• Oversee labor and employee relations and collective bargaining with nine units.
• Direct recruitment, selection, compensation, and benefits programs.
• Provide civil service support, policy development, and legal compliance guidance.
• Lead training, organizational development, and retirement administration.

Skills

Public sector leadership

Employee relations

Policy development

Communication skills

Analytical thinking

Strategic planning

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR/Public Administration/Business/Labor Relations or related field

Master's degree and/or professional HR certification preferred

Job description

SOUTHFIELD, MICHIGAN -- HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR

Southfield, MI (pop. approximately 77,000) - Located immediately north of Detroit, Southfield is one of Oakland County's largest suburbs and a major regional business center. The City's daytime population approaches 175,000, reflecting its concentration of major employers, international companies, and professional services.

The Human Resources Director is appointed by and reports to the City Administrator, subject to confirmation by the City Council, and serves as a member of the City's Core Management Team. The Director leads a centralized, full-service HR Department supporting a diverse municipal workforce and the delivery of high-quality public services. The next Director will ensure the City is focused on recruiting and retaining a qualified, motivated, trained, and productive workforce, aligned with the policy goals of the City of Southfield, while maintaining fiscal sustainability in compensation and benefits.

The City has approximately 600 full-time-equivalent employees (FTEs), including 450 full-time staff and 150 FTE part-time, contract, and seasonal. In addition, the city administers benefits for approximately 700 retirees. The Human Resources Director oversees labor and employee relations, collective bargaining involving nine bargaining units, recruitment and selection, compensation and benefits, civil service support, policy development and legal compliance, training and organizational development, and retirement administration. The Director directly manages a team of approximately 10 employees including staff dedicated to recruitment, employee benefits, training and development, health and safety, and retiree administration.

Key Opportunities

• Lead human resources for a workforce that reflects the diverse, dynamic community it serves.
• Build on a strong foundation in recruitment, retention, and compensation work.
• Shape the future of the HR Department through organizational review and team development.
• Foster internal talent, succession planning, and pride in City employment across the organization.
• Partner closely with the City Administrator and City Council to advance workforce priorities and organizational goals.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Public Administration, Business Administration, Labor Relations, or a closely related field. A master's degree and/or professional human resources certification is preferred.
• Seven years of recent experience as a human resources director or senior manager in a government organization of similar size and scope. Direct experience in the areas of ongoing employee/labor relations, labor contract negotiations, recruitment and selection, and compensation and benefits.
• Considerable knowledge of the laws affecting public-sector employment and demonstrated leadership, problem-solving, analytical, organizational, presentation, communication, and technology skills.

Wage range of $122,967.85 to $184,524.44, with a comprehensive benefits package. This is an unclassified, at-will position in the Management Group. Regular attendance at evening meetings is required. Applicants will be subject to a thorough background investigation.

The City of Southfield is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on any characteristic protected by law. Reasonable accommodations are available to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Apply by October 21, 2026.