Human Resources Manager - our client, the Association of California Water Agencies

The Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) is the largest statewide coalition of public water agencies in the country. Our client’s 470 public agency members collectively are responsible for 90% of the water delivered to cities, farms and businesses in California. ACWA envisions a California that values and invests in water as an essential and plentiful resource that is managed efficiently and sustainably from headwaters to the ocean to meet all of California’s present and future needs. ACWA serves the water industry and the public by promoting local agencies as the most efficient means of providing water service; sharing reliable scientific and technical information; tracking and shaping state and federal water policy; advocating for sound legislation and regulation; and facilitating cooperation and consensus among all interest groups. ACWA's mission is strong, and their work is critical. Location & Work Schedule Sacramento, CA (3X a week in office, 2X a week remote) Position Overview The Human Resources Manager reports directly to the Executive Director. This position is primarily engaged (more than 50% of work time) in the performance of exempt administrative duties, including work directly related to management policies and general business operations. They regularly exercise discretion and independent judgment on matters of significance and provide strategic support and advice to executive leadership. Under general direction, they plan, direct, and administer human resources activities and operations including recruitment and selection, classification and compensation, benefits administration, workforce planning, organizational development, employee relations, and compliance with applicable employment laws and regulations.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is a single-position management classification responsible for overseeing and administering ACWA’s human resources programs and functions, including recruitment and selection, benefits administration, employee relations, organizational development, and workforce planning. They perform complex and sensitive work involving significant discretion, independent judgment, and accountability. Successful performance requires substantial professional experience and the ability to coordinate programs and initiatives across departments.

EXAMPLES OF IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Plans, organizes, directs, and oversees ACWA’s human resources programs, including recruitment and selection, job analysis and classification, compensation, benefits administration and leaves of absence, employee training and development, pre‑employment reference checks, and employee relations. Develops, interprets, and implements human resources policies, programs, and procedures; exercises independent judgment in making recommendations affecting organizational operations, workforce management, and legal compliance; and serves as a strategic advisor to executive leadership on workforce and organizational matters. Leads organizational development and workforce planning initiatives designed to improve employee engagement, leadership capability, recruitment, retention, succession planning, and overall organizational performance. Administers employee benefits and leave programs, including health and retirement benefits, open enrollment activities, onboarding and orientation, and compliance with applicable leave and accommodation laws and policies. Oversees employee onboarding, orientation, and benefits communication activities. Oversees leave of absence programs and advises management and employees regarding applicable leave laws, benefits, accommodations, and organizational policies to ensure legal compliance and consistent administration. Oversees and conducts benefit open enrollment activities and employee communications. Develops and oversees recruitment, testing, and selection processes, including employment screening and background investigation procedures, to ensure effective hiring practices and compliance with applicable laws and organizational policies. Oversees classification and compensation studies for new and existing positions; develops and revises classification specifications; analyzes internal and external compensation data; and participates in the development and administration of compensation programs and strategies. Oversees organizational training and professional development activities, including identifying training needs, coordinating training resources, and ensuring programs support organizational objectives and workforce development needs. In coordination with labor counsel, advises managers and supervisors on employee relations matters, including policy interpretation, performance management, disciplinary actions, workplace investigations, and conflict resolution. Assists leadership in managing organizational change initiatives through communication planning, employee engagement strategies, leadership support, and workforce transition planning. Provides strategic and analytical support to the Executive Director, including preparing reports, recommendations, and other organizational communications. Participates in organizational studies, strategic initiatives, and change management efforts; develops workforce metrics and analytics; recommends operational and program improvements to support organizational effectiveness and data‑driven decision‑making. Coordinates and integrates human resources programs and activities with all ACWA departments to ensure alignment with organizational goals and operational priorities. Develops and implements procedures and practices to ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local employment laws, regulations, and organizational policies. Performs other duties as assigned.

JOB RELATED AND ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of: Operational characteristics, services, and activities of a human resources program. Principles, practices, and techniques of human resources in a public agency setting, including recruitment and selection, equal employment opportunity, and affirmative action; job analysis and classification; compensation analysis and administration; new employee orientation; benefit analysis and administration; and employee relations, including workplace investigations, grievances, and the interpretation of laws, regulations, policies, and procedures. Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting, program development, implementation, evaluation and project management. Organizational and management practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of programs, policies, and operational needs. Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility, including, but not limited to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA), Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), California Family Rights Act (CFRA), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), and related laws. Principles and practices of nonprofit budget preparation and administration. Recent and ongoing developments, current literature, and sources of information related to the operations of human resources programs. Complex arithmetic and statistical techniques. Business letter writing and the standard format for reports and correspondence. Modern office practices, methods, computer equipment and applications related to work. Record keeping principles and procedures. English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation. Techniques for effectively representing the ACWA in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, regulatory and legislative organizations. Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, the Board of Directors and ACWA staff. Skill/Ability to: Oversee and participate in the management of a comprehensive human resources program. Recommend and implement goals, objectives, and practices for providing effective and efficient services. Evaluate and recommend improvements in operations, procedures, policies, or methods. Plan, organize, and carry out assignments with minimal direction. Conduct complex research projects on a wide variety of human resources topics, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare effective technical staff reports. Apply critical thinking and analysis to a broad range of situations and in reaching decisions. Prepare and administer program budgets. Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials. Interpret and apply complex federal and state employment laws and regulations, and advise leadership on compliance risk and appropriate courses of action. Effectively represent the department and ACWA in meetings with governmental agencies, contractors, vendors, and various businesses, professional, regulatory, and legislative organizations. Maintain confidentiality of sensitive personal information of applicants, employees, former employees, and other matters affecting employee relations. Maintain accurate files and records. Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks effectively and timely; organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical deadlines.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited four‑year college or university with major study in human resources management, business or public administration, organizational development, or related field and five (5) years of experience in professional human resources administration including two (2) years in a leadership/management role or a related field. This role offers excellent benefits, including CalPERS retirement benefits. #J-18808-Ljbffr Colleague Executive Search