Director of Human Resources

Salary: $5,776.80 - $7,296.80 Biweekly
Location : City of Sioux Falls, SD
Job Type: Appointed
Job Number: 202600124
Department: Human Resources
Opening Date: 08/18/2026
Closing Date: 8/28/2026 5:00 PM Central


Job Summary


The Director of Human Resources bears ultimate responsibility for the overall operation, planning, development, and administration of Human Resources, citywide benefits, risk management, the civil service system, and personnel policies and procedures.

Job Responsibilities
There shall be delegated to the holder of the Director of Human Resources the following executive and administrative duties and functions in which the public has an interest and for which the holder of said office shall bear ultimate responsibility:

1. Oversee the administration and interpretation of collective bargaining agreements, civil service rules, ordinances, and regulations; advise and authorize action taken by City officials and officers to ensure consistent application of personnel rules and regulations within the City ordinances and agreements and with state, federal, and labor laws.

2. Supervise the administration, investigation, and resolution of disciplinary cases, grievances, informal complaints, civil service, Department of Labor, and court appeals, and testify on the City's behalf as to the action or position taken.

3. Supervise the administration of the civil service system, including recruitment, testing, and examination, hiring, promotion/transfer, suspension, reduction, demotion, and discharge rules, policies, and procedures.

4. Supervise employees and make final decisions relative to hiring, discharge, layoffs or suspensions, disciplinary action, the adjustment of grievances, and employee performance evaluations.

5. Develop, implement, direct, and administer the City's health/life/dental program to provide quality comprehensive benefit coverage to all employees and to ensure adequate self-insurance funding levels to meet medical claims.

6. Supervise, administer, and approve the City payroll system ensuring correct wage payment to all City employees according to labor agreement provisions, personnel rules and regulations, fair labor standards, and City ordinances.

7. Develop and oversee the implementation and administration of employee benefit plans and programs, EAP, wellness and employee well-being, safety, workers' compensation programming; risk management, employee communications, training, and counseling to improve and maintain a quality employment environment.

8. Oversee the administration of the Employee's Retirement System and the Firefighters' Pension Fund; coordinate activities, requests, and contacts with pension actuary, investment advisor, and various money managers; coordinate membership election of officers and benefit changes.

9. Develop the City's bargaining position, proposals, and strategy for labor negotiations of all labor agreements and nonrepresented employee groups, and participate and assist the City Attorney in labor negotiations.

10. Confer, advise, and make recommendations to the Mayor and City Council members; attend and conduct administrative staff meetings to coordinate delivery services on matters of personnel and labor relations.

11. Develop and implement City ordinances, resolutions, policies, and procedures as they relate to the entire civil service, employee benefit system, and programs.

12. Review proposed state legislation affecting City government/operations, consult with and advise City Council in regard to such legislation, and testify before legislative committees on behalf of the City Council.

13. Serve as administrative secretary to the Civil Service Board, Employee's Retirement System, and Firefighters' Pension Fund; attend board meetings; oversee preparation and development of agenda items; advise and make recommendations regarding civil service rules and City ordinances; carry out decisions and general policies of the board(s); and coordinate board responsibilities and efforts with the City Council.

14. Maintain professional awareness of current literature and technological advances to ensure the most efficient, productive, and cost-effective operation of Human Resources.

15. Attend and make presentations before the City Council, various boards, and other public groups as necessary.

16. Submit an annual departmental budget request and ensure that the spent amount and/or obligated for the department, or for any purpose within the department, will not exceed the total amount appropriated for such department or purpose except as otherwise specially provided.

17. Ensure the proper care and disposition of City property assigned to Human Resources; file with the Finance department an annual inventory of all public/personal property, supplies, or stores in his/her custody; and upon termination, turn over the public/personal property in his/her custody to the successor or Director of Finance and take receipts for all property requiring inventory.

18. Perform other such duties and functions as are necessary or incidental to the proper performance of this position.

Minimum Qualifications
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in human resources, business, public administration, or industrial relations with a minimum of eight (8) years' experience in human resource management, including supervision of a labor relations function; or any such combination of education, experience, and training as may be acceptable to the hiring authority.

Possession of a valid driver's license is desirable.

Supplemental Information

• Knowledge of personnel administration.
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal employment and labor laws and equal opportunity laws, plans, and programs.
• Knowledge of health benefit and unemployment insurance programs, pension programs, and other employee benefit programs.
• Knowledge of effective labor relations including contract negotiations and administration.
• Oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

The City of Sioux Falls takes pride in being an Employer of Choice including our Culture, Values, and Compensation and Benefits. Apply today to become part of ONE Team and help us take care of today for a better tomorrow!

• Competitive salary with other public and industry positions, including step advancements.
• The City participates in the South Dakota Retirement System . Employees receive a 6% match . Additionally, employees may choose to enroll in a Deferred Compensation Plan.
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Competitive rates for single, 2-party, and family.
• 11 paid holidays and 2 personal leave days each calendar year.
• New employees are granted 40 hours of vacation at time of hire and accrue an additional 2 weeks in their first year.
• Sick leave accrues over 96 hours per year.
• The City of Sioux Falls is an eligible employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.