Assistant Director of Human Resources

Distinguishing Features of Work The City of Wichita is seeking an experienced and strategic HR professional to serve as its next Assistant Director of Human Resources . This position plays a critical leadership role in managing the City’s HR departmental operations, driving organizational strategy, and supporting departments in a wide range of employee‑related matters. The Assistant Director also serves as a key resource in HR technology management and periodically presents to City Council on HR initiatives, HR vendor selections and recruitment activities. The City of Wichita is NOT an E‑Verify Employer. Position Overview The Assistant Human Resources Director is an exempt position that provides complex professional, administrative, and managerial support to the Human Resources Director. This role requires an experienced HR generalist to help shape and implement HR policies, department strategies, employee relations practices, labor agreement compliance, HR operations, recruitment programs, and HR technology. The position also acts as HR Director in the Director’s absence and assists the Director with contract negotiations. Work is reviewed through collaborative goal setting, progress evaluation, and alignment with City priorities. Key Responsibilities Leadership & Department Operations Act as the HR Director in their absence approving personnel actions. Responsible for budget development and attending budget hearings as needed. Acts as the HR Director in their absence, including attending department head meetings, making key decisions, and overseeing Senior HR Specialists. Assists the HR Director with contract negotiations, possibly leading negotiations for multiple unions. Lead the development of short‑ and long‑term strategic plans for the HR Department. Manage daily HR operations, including developing and implementing department processes and identifying operational improvements. May also perform clerical and/or administrative functions to assist with operations. Provide City‑wide operational support on HR policies, disciplinary matters, legal questions, FMLA and ADA issues, and technology needs. City‑Wide Collaboration Present HR reports, initiatives, budget items, and policy updates to HR Director, Council, and/or Senior Leadership as required. Advise department leadership on recruitment, training, conflict resolution, and employee relations. Partner with shared‑service departments to streamline workflows, strengthen cross‑departmental processes, and support organizational goals. Collaborate with department leaders on innovative HR solutions and continuous improvement opportunities. Recruitment, Employment Processing & Employee Relations Manage and direct the City’s recruitment processes and programs. Ensure consistency and compliance with union agreements, City policies, and HR guidelines. Provide regulatory and compliance‑based training to departments, HR staff, and City employees. Manage the internal promotional processes for Police and Fire departments while ensuring departmental policy and contractual obligations are met. May also serve on panels or moderate panels in this process. Supervise a Senior HR Specialist who manages the recruitment and employment processes. Must understand the laws, regulations and policies impacting recruitment, including pre‑employment and post‑employment substance testing, background checks, and physicals. Responsible for executive‑level recruitment for the organization, utilizing resources such as LinkedIn, working with departments on recruitment strategy, and collaborating with Communications on recruitment materials. Acts as point of contact with external recruiters/firms and transitions hired candidates to onboarding. HR Technology & Data Oversee and support all HR‑related software systems, including MUNIS and HRIS platforms. Maintain system integrations to reduce manual processes and improve data accuracy. Provide technological assistance, guidance, and troubleshooting for HR systems across all departments. Develop and maintain reporting dashboards; analyze trends, benchmarks, and workforce data to support decision‑making. Budget, Finance and Purchasing Assist with oversight of the HR annual budget, working closely with the Department Director to ensure timelines are completed on time. May also be required to produce written reports, documents, and narratives as it relates to budgeting and purchasing. #J-18808-Ljbffr