Principal Human Resources Analyst

City-of-Oakland,-Ca; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Oakland is seeking an experienced Principal Human Resources Analyst within the Human Resources Management (HRM) Department. This role provides expert-level consultation, leads complex HR programs, and helps shape policies and services that support the City's workforce.

The successful candidate will bring deep HR expertise, independent judgment, and the ability to address sensitive issues. The position may supervise staff, manage projects, and coordinate with City departments and

Qualifications

• Expert consultation on complex HR issues.
• Experience leading HR programs and policies.
• Ability to oversee staff, contracts, and budgets.

Responsibilities

• Providing expert consultation to executive leadership, department management, and HR professionals on complex human resources issues.
• Planning, administering, and evaluating HR programs and initiatives in areas such as recruitment and assessment, classification and compensation, and training and organizational development.
• Analyzing complex workforce and organizational issues, interpreting applicable laws and policies, and developing recommendations and implementation strategies.
• Developing and improving HR policies, procedures, programs, and processes to support organizational goals and effective service delivery.
• Leading, reviewing, and coordinating the work of assigned staff while providing technical guidance, coaching, and professional development.
• Preparing complex reports, studies, policy documents, and recommendations; managing assigned contracts and budgets; and representing HRM at meetings and, as assigned, City Council, board, and commission meetings.

Skills

HR expert

Analytical skills

Trusted advisor

Leadership

Collaboration

Organizational skills

Equity focus

Job description

The City of Oakland is an equal opportunity employer that values workforce diversity, inclusion, and equity. Oakland has a long history of activism around issues of justice and equity. Both oppression and this resistance to oppression have shaped the city's historical roots and the lives of its residents to this day. As public servants in one of the most diverse cities in the nation, we strive to develop employees who understand the harm and impacts of systemic inequity to create lasting, meaningful outcomes for everyone. Oakland strives to establish an environment that embraces the richness of culture, community, and individualism of employees.

The City of Oakland is seeking an experienced human resources professional to serve as a Principal Human Resources Analyst within the Human Resources Management (HRM) Department. This position offers an opportunity to provide expert-level consultation, lead complex human resources programs, and help shape the policies, practices, and services that support the City's workforce.

The Principal Human Resources Analyst is the expert-level in the Human Resources Analyst series. The position requires the highest level of professional expertise, sound independent judgment, and the ability to address complex and sensitive human resources issues. Depending on the assigned area of responsibility, the incumbent may provide expert consultation in recruitment and assessment, classification and compensation, training and organizational development, or other assigned human resources functions.

The successful candidate will bring both technical expertise and a practical understanding of how human resources policies and practices affect employees, managers, and the delivery of City services. The position may also plan and administer programs, lead initiatives, supervise staff, and recommend improvements to HR processes, policies, and service delivery.

Why join the City of Oakland’s Human Resources Management Department?

The City of Oakland's Human Resources Management Department plays a critical role in supporting the City's workforce and ensuring that departments have the people, systems, and resources they need to deliver essential public services. HRM provides a broad range of human resources services, including recruitment and selection, employee and labor relations, classification and compensation, benefits, human resources operations, organizational development and training, and employee support.

Working in HRM means working in a complex, full-service municipal human resources environment where the work has a direct impact on City employees and the communities they serve. You will collaborate with HR professionals, executive leadership, and City departments across a wide range of functions and have the opportunity to apply your expertise to complex organizational challenges.

The Department values collaboration, accountability, continuous improvement, and high-quality customer service. Employees are encouraged to identify opportunities to improve processes, develop practical solutions, and work together to strengthen the City's ability to recruit, develop, and retain a skilled and diverse workforce.

We are looking for someone who is:

• An HR expert. You bring substantial professional experience in human resources and can provide sound guidance on complex issues, policies, and practices.
• Analytical and solutions-oriented. You can evaluate complex information, identify problems, and develop practical, well-supported recommendations.
• A trusted advisor. You communicate effectively with executive leadership, department managers, and HR professionals on sensitive and challenging matters.
• A strong leader and collaborator. You can guide staff, develop employee capabilities, and build productive relationships across the organization.
• Organized and accountable. You can manage complex assignments and competing priorities while maintaining high standards for accuracy, quality, and timeliness.
• Committed to continuous improvement and equity. You look for ways to strengthen HR programs, improve service delivery, and support fair and consistent practices across the City.

What you will typically be responsible for:

• Providing expert consultation to executive leadership, department management, and HR professionals on complex human resources issues.
• Planning, administering, and evaluating HR programs and initiatives in areas such as recruitment and assessment, classification and compensation, and training and organizational development.
• Analyzing complex workforce and organizational issues, interpreting applicable laws and policies, and developing recommendations and implementation strategies.
• Developing and improving HR policies, procedures, programs, and processes to support organizational goals and effective service delivery.
• Leading, reviewing, and coordinating the work of assigned staff while providing technical guidance, coaching, and professional development.
• Preparing complex reports, studies, policy documents, and recommendations; managing assigned contracts and budgets; and representing HRM at meetings and, as assigned, City Council, board, and commission meetings.

A few reasons you might love this job:

• Meaningful and impactful work. Your work will directly affect the City’s ability to provide important public services to a community with a rich and dynamic history.
• Working across organizational boundaries. You will need to build consensus, communicate requirements, and help resolve issues involving different priorities, perspectives, and operational needs.
• Turning analysis into action. You will be expected to develop practical recommendations and help translate policies, strategies, and program objectives into effective implementation.

A few challenges you might face in this job:

• Balancing competing priorities. You will manage complex assignments, time-sensitive requests, and organizational needs while maintaining high standards for quality and accuracy.
• Navigating complex rules and requirements. You will need to interpret and apply personnel policies, Civil Service Rules, labor agreements, and applicable laws to situations that may not have straightforward answers in a highly unionized, Civil Service environment.
• Advising on sensitive issues. You will be expected to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and provide clear recommendations on matters that may have significant organizational or employee impacts.

Competencies Required:

• Professional & Technical Expertise: Applying technical subject matter to the job.

• Analyzing & Interpreting Data: Drawing meaning and conclusions from quantitative or qualitative data.

• Critical Thinking: Analytically and logically evaluating information, propositions, and claims.

• Delivering Results: Meeting organizational goals and customer expectations and making decisions that