Human Resources Director

Director of Human ResourcesCustomer Service. Stewardship. Honesty. Integrity. Respect. Teamwork.If these core principles resonate with you, you might just be the perfect fit for our Human Resources department. With our current leader's upcoming retirement, the City of Manassas is preparing to welcome its next Director of Human Resources who will serve as a member of the City's Senior Staff reporting to the City Manager. This is a key leadership role responsible for guiding a people-first HR function that supports a collaborative and service-driven organization.There are HR jobs where the days are predictable. This is not one of them. This is an opportunity to join a leadership team that values partnership, accountability, and thoughtful decision-making while continuing to strengthen the employee experience across the organization.The City of Manassas is a vibrant and growing community in Northern Virginia known for its accessibility, strong leadership, and commitment to public service. The organization takes pride in fostering a workplace culture that emphasizes respect, trust, and continuous improvement.Leadership and CultureThe City values leaders who are approachable, solutions-oriented, and grounded in integrity. The ideal candidate will bring a balanced approach that combines strategic thinking with practical implementation and a strong understanding of public sector environments.Key PrioritiesContinue advancing a positive and consistent employee experienceStrengthen partnerships with department leadershipEvaluate and enhance HR processes for efficiency and claritySupport leadership development across the organizationMaintain compliance while adapting to evolving workforce needsEssential Job FunctionsThe Director of Human Resources will lead all aspects of the City's HR operations and strategy including effective leadership, planning, and administration of the City's human resources department; employee relations, human resource policies & compliance, benefit & leave administration, performance management, city-wide training and development, HRIS, budget administration, talent acquisition/EEO, compensation and classification, risk management and safety compliance.This role will work closely with executive leadership and department heads to:Inform critical decisions including staff selection and development, interpretation and explanation of personnel rules and state/federal lawsDevelop and present personnel policy recommendations to City Council for approvalStrengthen workforce planning and organizational effectiveness in support of citywide goals and objectivesSupport consistent and fair HR practices across departmentsEnhance employee engagement and retention effortsContinue building a responsive and trusted HR functionMinimum Required QualificationsMaster's degree in Human Resources, Public Administration, or related fieldSeven (7) years of progressively responsible HR leadership experience, ideally in local governmentPHR/SPHR, SHRM or PSHRA certification is requiredStrong working knowledge of employment law and HR best practicesDemonstrated ability to build trust across a diverse workforceExperience advising senior leadershipThe ideal candidate will bring a strong foundation and will also be:A steady and trusted advisor who builds credibility quicklyApproachable and practical, not overly theoreticalComfortable navigating complex employee relations mattersSkilled at balancing consistency with flexibilityA collaborative partner who meets departments where they areFocused on solutions, not just policy enforcementThey understand that success in this role comes from building relationships, maintaining transparency, and supporting leaders in a way that is both consistent and thoughtful.Compensation and Benefits Salary range and benefits will be competitive and commensurate with experience. The City of Manassas offers a comprehensive benefits package and a supportive work environment that values balance and flexibility where operationally feasible.Special RequirementsEqual Opportunity Employer: The City of Manassas prohibits discrimination against any person in any practice or procedure relating to hiring, promotion, discharge, pay, training, fringe benefits, and other aspects of employment on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, marital status, age, religion, political affiliation, disability which is unrelated to a persons occupational qualifications, or any other non merit factor which is not a bona fide occupational qualification. Reasonable accommodations which do not impose an undue hardship are available to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities, as defined in the Americans with Disabilities Act, during the recruitment process and during employment.