Strategic Public HR Director — Talent, Labor & Policy

International Public Management Association for Human Resources; Southfield (MI); On-site; USD 123,000 - 185,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Southfield is seeking an experienced Human Resources Director to lead a centralized, full‑service HR department that supports a diverse municipal workforce and delivers high‑quality public services.

The Director reports to the City Administrator, sits on the Core Management Team, and will recruit and retain a qualified workforce while aligning compensation and benefits with fiscal sustainability. Regular evening meetings and a background check are required.

Qualifications

• Seven years of recent experience as a human resources director or senior manager in a government organization of similar size and scope.
• Experience in labor relations, contract negotiations, recruitment and selection, and compensation and benefits.
• Knowledge of laws affecting public-sector employment and demonstrated leadership, problem-solving, analytical, organizational, presentation, communication, and technology skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversees labor and employee relations, collective bargaining involving nine bargaining units, recruitment and selection, compensation and benefits, civil service support, policy development and legal compliance, training and organizational development, and retirement administration.
• Directly manages a team of approximately 10 employees including staff dedicated to recruitment, employee benefits, training and development, health and safety, and retiree administration.
• Partner closely with the City Administrator and City Council to advance workforce priorities and organizational goals.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Presentation skills

Technology skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in HR/Public Administration/Business Administration

Master’s degree preferred

HR certification preferred

Job description

City of Southfield is seeking an experienced Human Resources Director to lead a centralized, full‑service HR department that supports a diverse municipal workforce and delivers high‑quality public services.

The Director reports to the City Administrator, sits on the Core Management Team, and will recruit and retain a qualified workforce while aligning compensation and benefits with fiscal sustainability. Regular evening meetings and a background check are required.