Personnel Operations Section Leader

Job Description and Duties

Note: Effective July 1, 2025, a 3% salary reduction is in place under the Personal Leave Program (PLP), with 5 hours of Personal Leave Credit earned monthly in exchange. This program is subject to change based on union agreements and state budget policy.

This position is located in Sacramento. 

At HCD, we are dedicated to fostering a dynamic and inclusive work environment where innovation and collaboration thrive. If you’re interested in promoting safe, affordable, sustainable communities for all Californians, HCD is the place for you. By joining our team, you’ll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in your community while working along passionate professionals.

Under the general direction of the Human Resources Branch (HRB) Chief, the incumbent is responsible for the management and activities of the Personnel Operation Section including Classification and Pay, Exams, Recruitment, and Selection. The incumbent acts as a trusted strategic partner with key Department stakeholders to ensure personnel and HR related needs are being met. Serves as the Personnel Operations Manager with full management and supervisory authority and acts in the absence of the Branch Chief. Responsible to uphold delegations with the Department of Human Resources (CalHR), the State Personnel Board (SPB), and the State Controller's Office (SCO), the Department of Housing and Community Development’s (HCD).

This position requires reporting to an HCD office a minimum of four days per week. In limited cases, at the Department’s discretion, an employee may be approved to work in a remote centered capacity on a temporary basis until appropriate office- space becomes available. Under California Government Code Section 14200, telework eligible- employees must reside in California. The designated headquarters location will be based on the employee’s primary residence and may be updated if HCD criteria are met.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Special Requirements

Confidentiality

Do not include any confidential information on any documents you submit for a job vacancy, such as your State application, resume, or educational transcripts. Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents includes, but is not limited to, your Social Security Number (SSN), birthdate, student identification number, driver’s license number (unless required), basis of eligibility, examination results, LEAP status, marital status, and age. Confidential information on the first page of applications submitted electronically online, such as Easy ID number, SSN, examination related information, and driver’s license number will automatically be redacted upon submission.

Employment Application (STD.678)

It is a requirement to submit work experience, dates, and hours worked, contact names and phone numbers of supervisors on the state application. Resumes or other documents cannot substitute a state application. Applicants who fail to submit a completed STD. 678 will not be considered.

HCD Disclosure Requirements

Selected candidates may be subject to rules imposed by a Conflict of Interest Code that apply to HCD employees, which may require filing a Statement of Economic Interest (Form 700).

HCD conducts pre-employment background checks on all new to HCD or returning to HCD candidates. This position requires a background check to be conducted in California and  cleared prior to being hired.

HCD utilizes the federal E-Verify system to verify employment authorization in the United States. For additional information, please visit the E-Verify website

Per CCR 249.3, this job control may be used to fill subsequent vacancies.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

• Demonstrated leadership experience managing complex human resources programs, including providing direction, coaching, development, and performance management to supervisors and professional staff.

• Extensive knowledge and experience in personnel management, including classification and pay, examinations, recruitment and selection, out-of-class assignments, training and development assignments, limited-term appointments, reorganizations, salary determinations, and the interpretation and application of applicable laws, rules, policies, and personnel practices.

• Demonstrated experience evaluating minimum qualifications, reviewing applications and employment history, and utilizing the Examination and Certification Online System (ECOS) and/or Legacy System.

• Knowledge of and experience working with California State control agencies, including but not limited to the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR), State Personnel Board (SPB), and State Controller’s Office (SCO), and ensuring compliance with delegated personnel authorities, including experience with CalHR delegation, Career Executive Appointments (CEA) proposals, and exceptional allocations.

• Experience providing strategic consultation, recommendations, and solutions to executive leaders, managers, supervisors, and other stakeholders on complex and sensitive personnel matters.

• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing recruitment and talent acquisition strategies, including outreach initiatives designed to attract qualified and diverse candidate pools.

• Experience leading operational and process improvements, including the use of technology, automation, data, workload information, performance measures, and HR metrics to improve efficiencies, service delivery, and the employee/customer experience.

• Exceptional leadership, interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, with demonstrated ability to build collaborative relationships, manage competing priorities, exercise sound judgment, and effectively represent Human Resources with executives, control agencies, and other stakeholders.

Benefits

We offer competitive benefits and flexible opportunities:

• Excellent health, dental and vision benefits for employee/employee’s family
• 401k program
• Flexible Schedules
• Hybrid telework
• Alternate Work Week Schedule options
• Paid Holidays and vacation/leave
• Tax-advantaged savings and spending accounts
• Free Employee Assistance Program
• Investment in your training and development

HCD’s Sacramento Headquarters’ building also offers:

• Convenient transportation options, including light-rail and pre-tax parking
• Free On-site Gym
• On-site Childcare
• On-site Café, Deli, and Grill
• On-site ATM

For more details about employee benefits, visit the

Statement of Qualifications

Interested individuals must submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) in addition to the standard state application (form STD 678). Your SOQ will be considered the first interview for this position. Cover letters and resumes do not take the place of the SOQ.
When completing the SOQ, number your responses, include all relevant experience, education, and training, as applicable, and explain all answers thoroughly. Your SOQ should not exceed two pages, single-spaced, Arial 12-point font and address the following:

1. Describe your experience leading complex and sensitive human resources assignments and providing consultation and recommendations to management. Please provide a specific example that demonstrates your role, approach, and application of sound personnel practices.

2. Describe your leadership experience managing human resources programs and staff. What is your leadership style and approach, and how have you used it to develop staff, manage competing priorities, and achieve successful outcomes?

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
• Statement of Qualifications - Please refer to the Statement of Qualifications section below for additional requirements.