Human Resources Talent Acquisition Branch Chief

California Department of Human Resources (CalHR); Sacramento (CA); Hybrid; USD 88,000 - 109,000; Full time

Job summary

California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) is seeking a strategic Talent Acquisition Branch Chief to lead critical HR programs across the employee lifecycle. This role oversees classification and pay, examinations, hiring, executive appointments, recruitment, position control, workforce planning, training and development, engagement, and strategic projects.

The ideal candidate will be a credible advisor who can navigate complex personnel matters, influence senior leadership, and drive

Qualifications

• Expert knowledge of human resources laws, rules, regulations, policies, and personnel management practices.
• Experience leading talent management and workforce programs across the employee lifecycle.
• Experience serving HR services for high-level executives and sensitive appointments.
• Experience in change management and implementing organizational improvements.
• Ability to analyze complex information, apply laws/policies, and develop action plans.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Talent Acquisition Branch and oversee programs across the employee lifecycle.
• Provide HR services to client agencies including executive appointments and recruitment.
• Guide organizational change, strengthen operations, and drive timely, accurate service.
• Support development and implementation of talent management and policy initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Change management

Critical thinking

Communication

Job description

This position may be eligible for a telework opportunity in accordance with departmental policies and operational needs. Beginning July 1, 2026, employees will be required to work in-person at least four (4) days per week in alignment with Executive Order N-22-25. Additional in-office days may be required based on operational needs.

• The office is located at 1810 16th Street, Sacramento
• Please note, CalHR is not an E-Verified employer.

Job Description and Duties

Anticipated Interview Dates: We anticipate holding in-person interviews beginning the week of September 28, 2026. We look forward to meeting with you!

The California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) is the pillar of human resources management for all state employees. Our success is made possible by the hard work of more than 400 CalHR team members who serve as trusted advisors to our strategic partners and the public. If you are interested in providing exceptional human resource services and guidance, CalHR is the place for you. By joining our team, you’ll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while working alongside passionate professionals. Get to know us more here!

About This Role

Are you a strategic, people-centered human resources leader ready to make an impact across several prominent state organizations?

CalHR’s Human Resources Office is seeking a collaborative and innovative Talent Acquisition Branch Chief to lead critical programs across the employee lifecycle. This position oversees classification and pay, examinations, hiring, executive appointments, recruitment, position control, workforce and succession planning, employee engagement, training and development, and strategic projects.

In addition to supporting CalHR as the state’s human resources control agency, the Branch Chief and their team provide HR services to client agencies, including the State Personnel Board, Government Operations Agency, Lieutenant Governor’s Office, and Office of Data and Innovation.

The ideal candidate is a credible advisor and skilled leader who can navigate complex personnel matters, develop thoughtful recommendations, lead organizational change, strengthen operations, and inspire teams to deliver timely, accurate, and exceptional service. If you are ready to shape talent strategy, develop people, and help build the future of public service, we encourage you to apply.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• SUPERVISOR II

Classification:

SUPERVISOR II

$7,872.00 - $9,781.00/month

• New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Special Requirements

All interested applicants are required to submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ). The SOQ must include the applicant’s name in the upper-right corner and address the question below.

Please include specific examples of your education, training, and/or experience. SOQs should be limited to a maximum of two (2) pages, single-spaced, twelve-point Arial font.

• Note: Applicants who do not follow these instructions may be disqualified from the selection process. Cover letters, resumes or other materials will not be accepted in place of the SOQ.

SOQ Question:

Describe a complex human resources or workforce challenge for which you were responsible for developing and presenting a recommendation to executive or senior leadership. Your example should involve multiple competing considerations, such as applicable laws, rules, policies, operational needs, risk, equity, employee experience, or stakeholder expectations.

In Your Response:

• Explain the challenge and your specific role.
• Describe the research, data, and analysis you used.
• Identify the alternatives you considered and the recommendation you made, including why you selected that approach.
• Explain how you gained support, addressed concerns or resistance, and led or supported implementation.
• Describe the outcome, how success was measured, and what you would recommend doing differently in the future.

For helpful guidance on writing an effective SOQ, please see our Work4CA guide.

Required Application Package Documents

The Following Items Are Required To Be Submitted With Your Application. Applicants Who Do Not Submit The Required Items Timely May Not Be Considered For This Job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
• Other - If you are using education to meet the Minimum Qualifications of the classification, please include your unofficial transcripts. If you are not using education, please bypass this requirement.
• A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required and must be included. Please see the Special Requirements section for instructions.

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

This position has a Conflict-of-Interest designation and requires disclosure of economic interests (Form 700).

The incumbent is expected to demonstrate professional and ethical conduct that is reflective of CalHR's mission, vision, and core values.CalHR employees are expected to model and support CalHR Core Values.

The Desirable Qualifications For Supervisor II Include:

• Expert knowledge of human resources laws, rules, regulations, policies, and personnel and human resource management practices.
• Experience and knowledge in various human resources disciplines including, but not limited to, classification and pay, examinations, hiring, executive appointments, recruitment, position control, workforce and succession planning, training and employee development, employee recognition and engagement, talent management, policy and procedure development, and special projects.
• Experience leading or overseeing talent management and workforce programs throughout the employee lifecycle, including recruitment, onboarding, training and development, engagement, recognition, retention, and succession planning.
• Experience performing or overseeing human resources services for high-level executives, Career Executive Assignments (CEAs), Exempt appointees, and other sensitive or complex appointments.
• Experience overseeing departmentwide training, employee development, mandatory training compliance, or related workforce development programs.
• Ability to gain the confidence and support of executive leadership and advise executives on complex and sensitive human resources and workforce matters.
• Experience in change management, including identifying opportunities for organizational and operational improvement and successfully leading and implementing change.
• Ability to think critically, research and analyze complex information, interpret data, apply applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies, practices, and principles to personnel management and human resources, and develop effective action and implementation plans.
• Demonstrated ability to provide leadership and oversight to subordinate supervisors and staff, including the ability to coach, mentor, train, develop, and hold employees accountable for program and operational outcomes.
• Ability to establish priorities, effectively manage multiple complex programs and competing demands, delegate work appropriately, and ensure timely and high-quality completion of assignments.