Human Resources Administration - Assistant Director of Human Resources

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Under the general direction of the Director of Human Resources, the Assistant Director of Human Resources provides strategic and operational leadership across all divisions of the Human Resources Department, including Benefits, Civil Service, Payroll, Workforce Development & Leadership, and Workforce Services. The position serves as second-in-command to the Director and acts as a strategic partner in planning, implementing, and evaluating citywide human capital initiatives.
This role leads high-impact projects, fosters innovation through technology and process improvement, develops and implements workforce strategies, and ensures that HR programs advance the City’s mission and Core Values of Respect, Integrity, Service Above Self, and Excellence in All We Do.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
Supervises professional, technical, and administrative HR staff; provides cross-functional leadership across multiple HR divisions; and acts as Director of Human Resources in the Director’s absence.
IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Assist the Director of Human Resources with developing, implementing, and monitoring strategic HR goals and objectives that align with Citywide priorities, workforce trends, and service delivery standards.
Provide leadership, oversight and coordination of major HR functions including benefits, compensation, recruitment, employee relations, payroll, Civil Service, and workforce development.
Lead citywide organizational development initiatives to strengthen employee engagement, leadership capability, and succession planning.
Design, revise, and implement human resources policies and programs that ensure equity, consistency, and compliance with federal, state, and local laws.
Oversee the collection, interpretation, and presentation of workforce data to support evidence-based decision-making and operational transparency.
Mentor and develop HR management and staff through coaching, performance feedback, and leadership opportunities that enhance team effectiveness and professional growth.
Support and oversee Civil Service processes for Police and Fire, including recruitment, testing, promotions, and compliance with applicable statutes
Drive HR technology innovation by overseeing HRIS enhancements, system integrations, and process automation that improve accuracy and service efficiency.
Lead, manage, and monitor departmental HR projects from conception to completion, to ensure timely delivery and measurable outcomes.
Ensure compliance with all employment-related laws and regulations including FLSA, FMLA, ADA, Title VI, Title VII, and USERRA, and lead internal reviews to reduce legal and operational risks.
Provide guidance and oversight on employee relations issues, workplace investigations, and disciplinary matters to ensure fairness, consistency, and compliance.
Assist in developing and administering the HR Department’s operating budget, ensuring fiscal accountability, effective resource allocation, and alignment with strategic priorities.
Serve as a liaison between HR and other City departments, elected officials, and external partners to promote collaboration, transparency, and responsive service delivery.
Lead initiatives to improve HR systems and processes, manage organizational change, and cultivate a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.
Operates a vehicle to travel to various locations to conduct business.
OTHER JOB-RELATED DUTIES
Perform other job-related duties and responsibilities as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:
Advanced human resource and public sector management principles.
Federal and state employment laws, compliance standards, and Civil Service regulations.
Strategic workforce planning, leadership development, and organizational design.
HRIS and data analytics tools for workforce and performance management.
Budget preparation, fiscal analysis, and resource allocation principles.
Project management methodologies and tools.
Group and individual employee benefits, including self-insured health insurance plans.
HRIS and intermediate-level Excel skills.
Budgeting and accounting principles.

Skill to:
Lead, inspire, and develop professional staff and promote teamwork across divisions.
Manage complex projects, timelines, and priorities with strategic foresight.
Analyze data and metrics to inform policy and operational decisions.
Work effectively with others and multi-task in a high-paced environment.
Communicate persuasively with executive leadership, and employees at all levels.

Ability to:
Function as a trusted advisor and strategic partner.
Interpret and apply relevant policies, laws, policies and procedures.
Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, both internally and externally.
Follow and embrace the City of Abilene Core Values – Respect, Integrity, Service Above Self, and Excellence in All We Do.
Lead, manage, and perform as a team member in a manner that accomplishes the Department’s mission and treats team members with dignity, courtesy, and respect.

Experience and Training Guidelines:
For positions with more than one level, all listed requirements at the lower levels are required at the higher levels. Any combination equivalent to experience and training to provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be qualifying. Knowledge, skills, and abilities may be obtained through:

Experience:
Six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in human resources management, including supervisory, project management, and leadership experience is required.

Education/Training:
A Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Human Resource Management, Public Administration or a related field is preferred.
A master’s degree is preferred.

License or Certificate:
A valid driver’s license or a military waiver is required.
An HR certification such as SHRM-CP or SCP (Society for Human Resource Management – Certified Professional or Senior Certified Professional) certification is required; or an advanced supplemental HR-relevant certification approved by the Director of Human Resources based on role is required.

Special Requirements:
Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment:
Ability to travel periodically.
Ability to work in a standard office environment.
With or without accommodation, the “X” indicates the overall strength demand of the position during a typical workday:
___ Sedentary – lifting of no more than 10 pounds
___ Light – lifting no more than 20 pounds; carrying up to 10 pounds
_X_ Medium – lifting no more than 50 pounds; carrying up to 25 pounds
___ Heavy – lifting no more than 100 pounds; carrying up to 50 pounds
___ Very Heavy – team lifting over 100 pounds; carrying more than 50 pounds
Physical Demand Codes: The following describes whether or not the position is expected to exert the physical demands listed during a typical workday as well as the overall frequency of the task:

Codes for how often:
N = No
E = Extensive (100 – 70% of the time)
M = Moderate (60 – 30% of the time)
I = Infrequent (20 – 10% of the time)
A = Almost Never (< 10% of the time)
Code / Task
_I_ Standing
_E_ Sitting
_I_ Walking
_I_ Lifting
_I_ Carrying
_I_ Pushing/Pulling
_A_ Overhead Work
_E_ Fine Dexterity
_I_ Kneeling
_A_ Crouching
_N_ Crawling
_I_ Bending
_I_ Twisting
_A_ Climbing
_I_ Balancing
_E_ Vision
_E_ Hearing
_E_ Talking
___ Other: _____________________