Senior Project Manager

California Department of Human Resources (CalHR); Sacramento (CA); Hybrid; USD 87,000 - 109,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid telework

Health and dental insurance

Long-term disability

11 paid holidays

Job summary

California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) invites applications for the Senior Project Manager position in the Benefits Division, based in Sacramento. You will lead project efforts, refine management tactics, and drive service innovations to improve employee well‑being and program delivery.

Ideal candidates will bring proven experience managing multiple projects, data analysis capabilities, and change-management collaboration.

Qualifications

• Interpersonal skills to collaborate with diverse teams.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
• Reliability in meeting deadlines and managing tasks.

Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of Benefits Division projects.
• Enhance project management practices and drive service innovations.
• Oversee data gathering, analysis, and reporting to support outcomes.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Dependability

Job description

Please note, CalHR is not an E-Verified employer. Department Website: https://www.calhr.ca.gov

Job Description And Duties

This positing is being readvertised. If you have previously applied, you do not need to reapply for consideration.

Why join CalHR?

The California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) was named a 2026 Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award winner for strengths development, a national recognition of organizations that build cultures helping people do their best work. This honor reflects our department-wide investment in a strengths-based workplace that supports growth, leadership and a stronger employee experience. Join CalHR to work in an environment that prioritizes professional development and public service.

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!

CalHR employees are excluded from bargaining and are eligible to receive enhanced benefits, such as CoBen benefit allowance, employer paid life insurance, additional vacation/annual leave, and are not subject to State Disability Insurance payroll withholding.

This is an exciting opportunity to join our diverse team in the following role. If you are interested in joining our team,

About This Role

It is an exciting time to join the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) awarded the 2026 Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award. This position is part of the Benefits Division, where you will be part of a team committed to establishing a respectful and engaged workplace by taking a holistic approach to product, programs, and service delivery to support the employee's overall well-being. As the Division's Senior Project Manager you will make a difference by managing all aspects of the Division's projects and be the focal point to enhance project management tactics, bring service innovations and successfully reach desired outcomes. Your work will further the Benefits Division commitment to improve the health of state worksites, through quality benefit programs and services for the State of California workforce.

Working Conditions

• Career Development: CalHR provides continuous learning and training opportunities to support personal and professional growth, including two Professional Development Days per fiscal year.
• Location: CalHR is centrally located near the Ice Blocks in downtown Sacramento, with many dining and shopping options nearby.
• Work-Life Balance: Work-life balance is fostered through measures like telework and adjustable schedules, allowing personal and professional lives to thrive together.
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity: A work culture that emphasizes a culture of diversity and inclusivity, offering tangible rewards and recognizing the intrinsic value of varied perspectives and collaboration.
• Generous State Benefits: Comprehensive health and dental insurance, long-term disability insurance, 11 paid holidays per year, paid time off, defined benefit retirement program, commute program, employee wellness programs, employee assistance programs, and medical/dependent care reimbursement accounts.

This position may be eligible for a telework opportunity in accordance with departmental policies and operational needs. Employees are currently required to work in-person at least two (2) days per week. 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.

Personal Leave Program: Effective July 1, 2025, state employees are subject to temporary salary reductions ranging from 2% to 4.62% in exchange for Personal Leave Program (PLP) hours. Please note that the salary ranges listed in this Job Control may not reflect these reductions associated with the 2025 Personal Leave Program. Please follow the link for more information regarding the 2025 Personal Leave program: http://hrmanual.calhr.ca.gov/Home/ManualItem/1/2113.

Merit Salary Adjustment (MSA): Every seven (7) - twelve (12) months depending on the position and based on performance, employees may receive a 5% salary increase until they reach the maximum salary of the position.

Minimum Requirements

• ANALYST IV

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details

Job Code #: JC-521655

Position #(s): 363-500-5403-001

Working Title: Senior Project Manager

Classification: ANALYST IV

$7,276.00 - $9,107.00

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

# of Positions: 1

Work Location: Sacramento County

Telework: Hybrid

Job Type: Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

The California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) oversees a wide range of matters related to employee salaries and benefits, job classifications, civil rights, training, exams, recruitment, and retention. For most employees, many of these matters are determined through the collective bargaining process managed by CalHR.

Our Mission: To serve as the trusted advisor to our strategic partners and the public, providing exceptional human resource services and guidance in developing a diverse and inclusive workforce.

Our Vision: Shaping California’s future of public service excellence with fair and equitable employment opportunities and a diverse, engaged workforce.

Core Values: People Centric, Leadership, Accountability, DEIA, Integrity, and Transparency.

Please note, CalHR is not an E-Verified employer.

Department Website: https://www.calhr.ca.gov

Special Requirements

• Describe your experience managing multiple projects. How do you successfully track project deliverables to ensure project outcomes are met as expected? Please include years of experience.
• Please describe your experience in gathering, analyzing and reporting data. What methodologies do you use?
• Describe a time you were part of a team that recommended and implemented a process change. How did you work through the change management process to gain buy-in?

Note: Applicants who do not follow these instructions may be disqualified from the selection process. Cover letters and resumes do not take the place of the SOQ.

Final Filing Date

10/23/2026

Who May Apply

Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply.

Desirable Qualifications

• Interpersonal skills – conflict resolution, effective team behavior, adaptability, resilience, and helping behaviors, works effectively both independently and with others, manages projects flexibly and professionally, ability to master specific competency and skill levels
• Communication skills – clear and concise verbal and written, presentation skills, meeting facilitation skills, and the ability/skill to engage customers
• Dependability – meets deadlines, follows established Benefits Division procedures, and manages time and schedule effectively, receives strategic direction and takes action to achieve desired results, demonstrates a high degree of initiative and responsibility
• General business acumen – honest, ethical, tactful, systemic thinking, thoughtfully decisive and conscientious, maintains an open and learning mindset
• CalHR employees are expected to model and support CalHR Core Values

Benefits

CalHR ensures that all state employees, retirees and their dependents have access to competitive, quality and affordable benefits. Please visit our new Benefits website at www.benefits.calhr.ca.gov for more information!

Contact Information

The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the application process. The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position.

Department Website: https://www.calhr.ca.gov

Human Resources Contact

Izzy Isquierdo [phone] [e-mail]

Hiring Unit Contact

Sarah Herrera [phone] [e-mail]

EEO Contact

RA Coordinators [phone] [e-mail] California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Examination Information

Take the online Analyst IV exam to become list eligible for this position.

The Limited Examination and Appointment Program (LEAP) is an optional pathway to state civil service for people with disabilities. Visit the CalHR LEAP page for additional information.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.