Human Services Human Resources Manager

International Public Management Association for Human Resources; Santa Rosa (CA); On-site; USD 138,000 - 168,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary advancement

Paid time off

Professional development

Health premium contributions

Post-retirement health benefits

Retirement pension

Parental leave

Additional benefits

Job summary

The County of Sonoma is seeking an experienced Human Resources Manager to lead the Human Resources team within the Human Services Department. The role focuses on directing the department’s comprehensive HR program, supervising managers, and guiding organizational workforce planning and policy interpretation.

Ideal candidates will demonstrate strong leadership, expertise in employment law, and the ability to advance equity and efficiency across a large government workforce, including training and

Qualifications

• Experience supervising and leading a team of individuals with diverse backgrounds, preferably in a public sector organization, or a field with similar complexity, regulatory requirements, and labor structures.
• The ability to be a trustworthy and approachable leader who can respond to critical situations and apply sound judgement.
• Experience leading or supporting organizational change initiatives.
• A strong understanding of employment laws, County policies, labor relations practices, and collective bargaining environments.
• The proven ability to manage and prioritize multiple high-impact assignments simultaneously, ensuring timely completion and consistent follow-through with minimal oversight.
• The ability to assess issues, identify systemic patterns and causes, and develop sustainable solutions while paying close attention to critical details.
• High emotional intelligence and the ability to create an environment of trust across all organizational levels.
• A commitment to strengthening the Department’s workplace culture and organizational performance.
• Demonstrated expertise in developing concise written guidance and formal documentation for leadership and managers.
• The ability to explain complex HR concepts in a clear, supportive, and actionable manner.
• A passion for providing ethical and accountable leadership committed to transparency, responsible use of public resources, and equitable service delivery in support of the Department’s mission.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a key advisor to the Department’s executive management team, guiding workforce planning, organizational development, and consistent policy interpretation related to human resources functions
• Cultivate collaboration between the Human Resources team and the Department’s executive management team to evaluate, improve, and implement human resources processes, tools, and initiatives that promote an equitable, efficient, and service-oriented workforce
• Interpret, apply, and maintain compliance with all County and Department policies, ordinances, Civil Service Rules, collective bargaining agreements, and applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations
• Champion Department-wide efforts that support employee wellbeing, workplace culture, equity, compliance, and organizational priorities
• Oversee and manage complex employee and labor relations matters, including investigations, performance management, corrective action, and conflict resolution
• Lead departmental classification and compensation activities, including position reviews, reclassifications, and organizational structure assessments
• Coach and support managers and supervisors on HR practices, County policies, and labor agreements; and develop and deliver related training
• Design, improve, and implement HR processes, tools, and initiatives that support an equitable, efficient, and modern workforce

Job description

Salary: $138,042.12 – $167,804.45 Annually

Closing Date: 11/9/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

The Human Services Department is looking for an experienced Human Resources Manager to lead their Human Resources team!

About the Position

The Human Services Department (HSD) is looking to hire a strategic, experienced Human Resources leader to direct the Department’s comprehensive human resources program. The Human Services Human Resources Manager will manage, plan, organize, implement, and oversee all aspects of human resources for HSD. As the largest agency in Sonoma County government, the Human Services Department’s mission is to build upon strengths, as we bridge clients to opportunities through responsive safety-net services. This position will directly supervise managers and lead an amazing team of human resources subject-matter experts who work across a variety of Department program areas, including Safety, Employee and Labor Relations, Disability Management, Staff Development, Training, Recruitment and Classification, Civil Rights/Fair Hearings, and Payroll. This role works closely with the Department’s executive management team, divisional and administrative managers, and other stakeholders to provide organizational and high-level leadership, advice, recommendations, and consultation to achieve departmental objectives and navigate complex issues. In addition, this position will:

• Serve as a key advisor to the Department’s executive management team, guiding workforce planning, organizational development, and consistent policy interpretation related to human resources functions
• Cultivate collaboration between the Human Resources team and the Department’s executive management team to evaluate, improve, and implement human resources processes, tools, and initiatives that promote an equitable, efficient, and service-oriented workforce
• Interpret, apply, and maintain compliance with all County and Department policies, ordinances, Civil Service Rules, collective bargaining agreements, and applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations
• Champion Department-wide efforts that support employee wellbeing, workplace culture, equity, compliance, and organizational priorities
• Oversee and manage complex employee and labor relations matters, including investigations, performance management, corrective action, and conflict resolution
• Lead departmental classification and compensation activities, including position reviews, reclassifications, and organizational structure assessments
• Coach and support managers and supervisors on HR practices, County policies, and labor agreements; and develop and deliver related training
• Design, improve, and implement HR processes, tools, and initiatives that support an equitable, efficient, and modern workforce

As the ideal candidate for this position, you will demonstrate the ability to promote positive staff relationships at all levels, have excellent communication skills, and possess many of the following:

• Experience supervising and leading a team of individuals with diverse backgrounds, preferably in a public sector organization, or a field with similar complexity, regulatory requirements, and labor structures
• The ability to be a trustworthy and approachable leader who can respond to critical situations and apply sound judgement
• Experience leading or supporting organizational change initiatives
• A strong understanding of employment laws, County policies, labor relations practices, and collective bargaining environments
• The proven ability to manage and prioritize multiple high-impact assignments simultaneously, ensuring timely completion and consistent follow-through with minimal oversight
• The ability to assess issues, identify systemic patterns and causes, and develop sustainable solutions while paying close attention to critical details
• High emotional intelligence and the ability to create an environment of trust across all organizational levels
• A commitment to strengthening the Department’s workplace culture and organizational performance
• Demonstrated expertise in developing concise written guidance and formal documentation for leadership and managers
• The ability to explain complex HR concepts in a clear, supportive, and actionable manner
• A passion for providing ethical and accountable leadership committed to transparency, responsible use of public resources, and equitable service delivery in support of the Department’s mission
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint

What We Offer

Working at the County of Sonoma offers expansive opportunities for growth and development, the ability to be a part of a challenging and rewarding work environment, and the satisfaction of knowing you’re working to better our communities. You can also look forward to flexible work arrangements and excellent benefits* including:

• Salary Advancement – A salary increase after 1,040 hours (6 months when working full-time) for good work performance; eligibility for a salary increase for good performance every year thereafter, until reaching the top of the salary range
• Paid Time Off – Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year
• Staff Development/Wellness – Annual benefit allowances of up to $2,000 and ongoing education/training opportunities
• County Paid Health Premium Contributions – 100% premium contribution for the majority of employee-only and employee + family health plan options
• Post-Retirement Health Reimbursement Arrangement – County contributions to help fund post-retirement health insurance/benefits
• Retirement – A pension fully integrated with Social Security
• Incentive Retirement Savings Plan (IRSP) and 457 Voluntary Deferred Compensation – 3% of salary County contribution to a 401(a), in addition to the County matching up to 1% of base salary in 401(a), based upon employee contribution
• Paid Parental Leave – May be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) after 12 months of County employment
• Additional Benefits – Excellent dental, vision, disability, life insurance, employee assistance program, professional development, and more
• Student Loan Debt Relief – County employees may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the U.S. Department of Education

*Salary is negotiable within the established range for the position and benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice. The County of Sonoma is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and are committed to having a workforce that is representative of the communities we serve.