Program Manager (Human Resources) - Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services

Program Manager (Human Resources)

The City of San Jose's Department of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services is proud to build healthy communities that inspire belonging through inclusive, creative, and excellent programs and services. Our mission is to connect people through people, parks, and programs. The Department is a steady force in our community, advancing education, health, and social connections. We meet the diverse needs of our community across the lifespan by connecting people to places and people to people. The principles of equity, access, diversity, inclusion, sustainability, and flexibility guide us.

The Department creates and activates thriving places where people live, work, play, and learn, which include 51 community centers, 209 parks, Happy Hollow Park & Zoo, over 65 miles of trails, programs and services that touch the lives of individuals and families in our community. We take a fun approach to public service, and value the public's trust. Our team is collaborative, supportive, and innovative.

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The Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services (PRNS) Department is currently seeking to fill one (1) full-time Program Manager (Human Resources) vacancy in the Administrative Services Division (ASD).

The total salary range for this classification is: $134,490.72 - $174,851.04 annually. This salary range includes an approximate five percent (5%) ongoing non-pensionable compensation. Actual salary shall be determined by the final candidates' qualifications and experience.

The Department of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services (PRNS) is seeking a strategic and collaborative leader to serve as its next Human Resources Program Manager within the Administrative Services Division (ASD). This position leads the Employee Services Unit, which provides comprehensive human resources services supporting the diverse, dynamic, and largest non-public safety City department.

The Employee Services Unit is responsible for recruitment and hiring, employee and labor relations, performance management, training and organizational development, disability and leave management, health and safety compliance, and timekeeping administration.

Reporting to the ASD Division Manager, the Human Resources Program Manager oversees a team that includes a Senior Analyst, Analysts, and Timekeeping staff, and serves as a key advisor to PRNS Executive Leadership Team.

This position plays a critical role in advancing PRNS's workforce strategies and organizational effectiveness. The HR Program Manager partners with leadership across Capital, Community Services, Parks, Recreation, and the Director's Office to support implementation of the Department's strategic plan, ActivateSJ.

The HR Program Manager also collaborates closely with the City's Human Resources Department, Office of Employee Relations, and Office of Racial Equity to ensure alignment with citywide policies, labor agreements, and equity-focused practices.

The HR Program Manager is challenged with leveraging a broad set of City administrative systems, policies, and procedures related to all Human Resources matters. This includes providing direction, education, and consulting services to managers, supervisors, and line staff about the best approaches for recruitment and on-boarding, as well as managing staff performance and development in alignment with the Department's Leadership Principles.

PRNS is seeking a leader who will adopt a collaborative and creative approach to managing heavy workloads, navigating complex policy issues, pursuing service delivery improvements, and advancing key organizational initiatives. In particular, the successful candidate will be able to strike an effective balance between the constraints of a unionized Civil Service environment and the operational needs of a large department that seeks to advance a diverse set of facility development, maintenance, and programming priorities for the community.

The key responsibilities of the HR Program Manager position include, but are not limited to the following:

• Provide leadership, supervision, and professional development to Employee Services Unit staff.
• Direct and manage all HR functions, including recruitment strategy, workforce planning, classification and compensation analysis, project management, and succession planning.
• Lead department-wide training and organizational development initiatives to support leadership capacity and employee growth.
• Oversee employee relations activities, including interpretation and application of policies, labor agreements (MOUs), and performance management and disciplinary processes.
• Manage PRNS employee health, safety, and wellness programs, ensuring compliance with CalOSHA, Workers' Compensation, and return-to-work requirements.
• Oversee timekeeping activities, including payroll coordination, leave administration, and compliance with applicable laws and policies.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to managers and supervisors, providing guidance on HR best practices, policy interpretation, and complex personnel matters.

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions in this, or other divisions or departments. If you are interested in employment in this classification, you should apply to ensure you are considered for additional opportunities that may utilize the applicants from this recruitment.

The ideal candidate will possess the following competencies, as demonstrated in past and current employment history.

Education: Bachelor's degree in a closely related field.

Experience: Five (5) years of directly related experience, including two (2) years of supervisory experience.