Human Resources Division Administrator

City of Ann Arbor; Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 131,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefit Summary Sheet

Job summary

The City of Ann Arbor, located in Southeast Michigan, seeks a Division Administrator in the Human Resources Division to provide strategic leadership, oversee budgets and resources, and drive effective HR programs aligned with City priorities.

Reporting to the Human Resources and Labor Relations Director, you will supervise divisional staff, guide policy implementation, and advise on staffing, risks, and strategic initiatives while fostering cross-department collaboration.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of professional HR experience, including staff supervision.
• At least 3 years supervising or managing employees with performance accountability.
• Professional certifications such as SHRM-SCP, SHRM-CP, SPHR, PHR, IPMA-HR, or labor relations certification preferred.
• Public-sector HR experience preferred (labor relations, bargaining, policy administration).

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and direction for the assigned HR division.
• Oversee division strategy, budgets, resources, and service delivery.
• Advise the Director on staffing, resources, risks, and strategic priorities.
• Lead policy implementation, risk management, and organizational initiatives.
• Supervise divisional staff and support staff development.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Strategic guidance

Coaching

Performance management

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR / Public Administration / related field

Job description

The City of Ann Arbor, located in Southeast Michigan in Washtenaw County and near Detroit, is well known for its vibrancy, high-tech business community, social activism, and is home to the University of Michigan. The City is consistently featured by various media outlets on their “best places to live” lists. It is a community-oriented, progressive city that provides exceptional city services and has a socially conscious Council that is innovative, creative, and responsive to new ideas that can benefit its residents.

The population of Ann Arbor is approximately 120,000 individuals, and covers around 28 square miles with a variety of residential developments, diverse retail and commercial businesses, including multiple headquarters locations, and the University of Michigan academic and athletic campuses.

Ann Arbor provides its residents with excellent schools, a wide range of community amenities, a relatively stable employer base, and cultural and athletic attractions that are nationally recognized. The community is known for strong civic and community engagement and is viewed as progressive/liberal.

The City has recently prioritized climate action, affordable housing, inclusion, and other progressive values.

About the Role

The Human Resources Division Administrator provides strategic leadership and direction for an assigned division, ensuring effective service delivery, operational excellence, and alignment with City priorities. The role is responsible for division strategy, budget and resource management, staff development, and organizational effectiveness, while serving as a trusted advisor on complex human resources matters. The Administrator partners closely with the Human Resources and Labor Relations Director to guide policy implementation, manage risk, advance workforce initiatives, and support the long-term success of HR programs and services.

Reporting directly to the Human Resources and Labor Relations Director, the Division Administrator directly supervises assigned divisional staff, supporting their development and accountability for assigned programs.

Key Responsibilities include:

Division Strategy and Leadership

• Lead and develop division staff through coaching, performance management, delegation, and accountability.
• Guide the strategic direction, effectiveness, and continuous improvement of assigned HR programs.
• Foster collaboration, consistency, and knowledge sharing across HR teams and City departments.

Operational and Financial Management

• Oversee division operations, resources, budgets, and service delivery.
• Manage key vendor relationships, contracts, and program investments to ensure effective and efficient outcomes.
• Support organizational decision-making through sound resource and program stewardship.

Senior HR Consultation

• Provide expert guidance on complex employee relations, labor relations, investigations, grievances, and organizational challenges.
• Advise the Director on staffing, resources, risks, and strategic priorities.
• Lead special initiatives, represent the department, and serve in a leadership capacity as assigned.

About You

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Public Administration, Organizational Development, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Seven years of progressively responsible professional Human Resources experience, including at least three years supervising, leading, or managing employees, with responsibility for performance management, employee development, coaching, and accountability.
• Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.
• Professional certifications such as SHRM-SCP, SHRM-CP, SPHR, PHR, IPMA-HR, or a labor relations certification are preferred.
• Experience in public-sector Human Resources, including one or more of the following areas: labor relations, collective bargaining, contract administration, employee relations, workforce planning, organizational development, or HR policy administration is preferred.

Why work for us?

• Benefits offered for this opportunity: Benefit Summary Sheet
• The compensation range for this role is: $109,533 - $131,165.
• The City supports flexible work arrangements, with a minimum expectation of two days on-site each week. Depending on the responsibilities and operational needs of the position, additional on-site presence may be necessary, with flexibility in scheduling whenever possible.

Applications are requested by November 13, 2026.