Human Resources Director

The City of Arcadia is excited to announce an opportunity to join our team of collaborative leaders as the Human Resources Director. In Arcadia, we believe that innovation, compassion, and kindness create a more effective way to serve our community. We believe our value lies in what we give, and that our employees are our greatest asset. If these values resonate with you, we encourage you to apply!

ABOUT ARCADIA
Nestled along the rolling foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains and Angeles National Forest, Arcadia is a charming, family-oriented community with a population of just over 57,000. Located only 13 miles east from downtown Los Angeles, regional transportation networks like the Metro Gold Line connect Arcadia as a premier residential, shopping, and entertainment destination in the San Gabriel Valley. Arcadia is known for its top-rated schools, iconic landmarks, and serene neighborhoods. Arcadia is an award-winning community having been twice named as the Best City in California in which to Raise Kids and has been recognized as a business-friendly City in Los Angeles County.

With many exciting new developments underway including the downtown revitalization around the Metro A Line Station, new hotels, affordable housing projects, and a thriving regional shopping mall, joined with the conveniences and amenities of a full-service, mid-size city, Arcadia’s “Community of Homes” provides a quality of life that will go Above & Beyond your expectations.

ABOUT US
Our small but dynamic Human Resources team is dedicated to supporting employees and the public, fostering strong relationships, and continually advancing our workforce, all while enjoying the work we do.

We believe people perform their best when they can be their authentic selves, and we strive to create an environment where everyone can bring their strengths to work each day. Our team is composed of supportive professionals with diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and personalities.

Join a group of thoughtful problem solvers, diligent compliance stewards, strategic risk managers, talented recruiters, and champions of employee engagement. We take pride in cultivating a work environment that is uniquely ours, one that reflects and celebrates the individuality of each team member.


THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
The City of Arcadia is seeking a Human Resources Director who will lead six energetic team members who are committed to supporting the City’s mission of going Above and Beyond. The successful candidate will be responsible for competing key early initiatives, including labor negotiations for all agreements set to expire June 30, 2027, modernizing performance evaluations, streamlining departmental processes, and enhancing policies and procedures.

The successful candidate will demonstrate a commitment to The Arcadia Way:

• Helpful
• Trustworthy
• Highly Responsive
• Better Together
• Progressing Every Day

If you are looking to have a meaningful impact with service and excellence as guiding principles, then we invite you to join our team of collaborative, community-focused leaders.

WHAT WE OFFER

• CalPERS retirement plan
• Monthly benefit contribution:
  • Employee Only: $866
  • Employee +1: $1,550
  • Family: $2,150
• $300/month Deferred Compensation match through Empower
• City paid Vision Plan for employee and family
• City paid Life Insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, and Long-Term Disability
• Tuition reimbursement/advancement
• Up to 80 hours of additional Management Leave

RECRUITMENT PROCESS AND IMPORTANT DATES
Application Submission Deadline: Application filing period will close at 11:59 PM on Sunday, August 23, 2026
Qualifications Appraisal Interview: Week of September 14, 2026 (Tentative)
Executive Team Interview: Week of October 5, 2026 (Tentative)
Selection Interview: Week of October 12, 2026 (Tentative)

DEFINITION
Under general administrative direction, to plan, direct, manage, and oversee the activities and operations of the Human Resources Department including recruitment and selection, employee benefits administration and engagement, training and development, safety, liability and risk management, Workers’ Compensation, employee and labor relations, classification and compensation, leave management and other related program areas; to coordinate assigned activities with other City departments and outside agencies; and to provide highly responsible and complex administrative support to the City Manager.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED
Exercises direct supervision over management, supervisory, and clerical staff.

EXAMPLES OF IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Assume full management responsibility for all Human Resources Depart­ment services and activities including recruitment and selection, employee benefits administration and engagement, training and development, safety, liability and risk management, Workers’ Compensation, employee and labor relations, classification and compensation, leave management, and other related program areas.
• Provide high level support to the Chief Negotiator in establishing the general direction and tone of the City’s employer-employee relations efforts; as needed, plan, prepare, and represent the City in employer-employee relations matters including impasse resolution and grievance administration, and implement and administer labor contracts.
• Manage the development and implementation of Human Resources Department goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for each assigned service area; establish, within City policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; allocate resources accordingly.
• Continuously monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; assess and monitor workload, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identify opportunities for improvement; direct the implementation of changes.
• Represent the Human Resources Department to other City departments, elected officials and outside agencies; explain and interpret Human Resources Department programs, policies, and activities; negotiate and resolve sensitive, significant, and controver­sial issues.
• Select, train, motivate, and evaluate Human Resources Department person­nel; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline and termination procedures.
• Plan, direct, and coordinate the Human Resources Departmen­t's work plan; meet with manage­ment staff to identify and resolve problems; assign projects and programmatic areas of responsibility; review and evaluate work methods and procedures.
• Manage and participate in the development and administration of the Human Resources Department’s budget.
• Coordinate Human Resources Department activities with those of other departments and outside agencies and organizations.
• Advise and provide staff assistance to the City Manager, City Council, and City staff regarding Human Resources or related issues; prepare and present staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
• Conduct a variety of organizational studies, investigations, and operational studies; recommend modifications to Human Resources programs, policies, and procedures as appropriate.
• Audit and approve Human Resources purchase orders, bills, invoices, and related charges.
• Attend and ensure coordination of Human Resources Commission meetings; attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of administrative services programs.
• Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive inquiries and complaints.

OTHER JOB-RELATED DUTIES
Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned

JOB RELATED AND ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:

• Operational characteristics, services, and activities of a comprehensive Human Resources program, to include risk management.
• Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations pertaining to employment and labor, safety, benefit programs, insurance programs, liability, Workers’ Compensation, retirement, FEHA, ADA, EEO, FMLA/CFRA/PDL, and other related program areas. 
• Organization and management practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of Human Resources programs, policies, and operational needs.
• Principles and practices of Human Resources administra­tion, including compliance, research, employer-employee relations, program administration, classification and compensation, training, risk management.
• Information sources and research techniques related to the fields of public administration, human resources, risk management, budget preparation.
• Principles of supervi­sion, training, and performance evaluation.
• Safe driving principles and practices.

Skill to:

• Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment.
• Operate a motor vehicle safely.

Ability to:

• Provide administrative and professional leadership and direction for the Human Resources Department.
• Develop, implement, and administer goals, objectives, and procedures for providing effective and efficient Human Resources and Risk Management services.
• Plan, organize, direct, and coordinate the work of management, supervisory, profession­al, technical, and clerical staff; delegate authority and responsibility.
• Select, supervise, train, and evaluate staff.
• Identify and respond to community and City Council issues, concerns, and needs.
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommenda­tions in support of goals.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.
• Prepare and administer the Department budget; allocate limited resources in a cost-effective manner.
• Prepare clear and concise administrative reports.
• Interpret and apply the policies, procedures, laws, codes, and regulations pertaining to assigned programs and functions.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Any combination of education and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential job duties of the position is qualifying. The incumbent will possess the most desirable combination of training, skills, and experience, as demonstrated in past and current employment history. A typical example includes:

Experience:
Six years of progressively responsible experience in Human Resources administration, labor relations, benefit administration, and risk management, including at least three years of management experience.

Training:
Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Human Resources, Business, Public Administration, or a closely related field. A Master’s degree in Public or Business Administration is desirable.

License or Certificate:
Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid driver's license.

Special Requirements:
Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment:
Ability to work in a standard office environment; ability to travel to different sites and locations.

Application:
A fully completed online application is required to be submitted. Incomplete, late, emailed, faxed and hard copy applications are not accepted. Resumes are not considered in lieu of the required online employment application. All certificates, resumes, cover letters, and other documents requested by the City for the position advertised, must be uploaded with your online application.

The Selection Process:
Those candidates who are determined to be best qualified based upon the information presented on the application materials will be invited to continue in the selection process which may include a qualifying written or performance evaluation and will include an interview weighted 100%. The City reserves the right to limit the number of interviews conducted. Candidates will be notified via e-mail or telephone if they qualify to move to the next step in the selection process. The interview score will determine ranking on the eligibility list and will remain in effect for one year.

Pre-employment background and medical examinations are additional requirements for hire. Failure on any part of the selection process will result in removal from the recruitment process. 

Please Note: If you have a disability, health or medical condition, or a sincerely held religious belief that may require accommodation in the selection process or in the performance of your duties, please notify Human Resources in writing when you submit your application.