Head of Employee Relations & HR Compliance

Human Resource Director
Culpeper County seeks an exceptional Human Resource Director to lead our comprehensive human resources operations and drive strategic initiatives that support our mission of delivering outstanding public services to our community. This senior leadership position requires a dynamic professional who will serve as the chief architect of our workforce strategy, ensuring organizational excellence through effective talent and workforce management, policy development, and employee engagement.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate exceptional leadership capabilities, superior organizational skills, and unwavering professionalism while fostering a culture of integrity, innovation, and continuous improvement throughout our organization.
Provide visionary leadership for all human resource functions, developing and implementing comprehensive HR strategies that align with County objectives and support organizational growth
Lead cross-functional teams and collaborate with department heads to drive organizational change initiatives and workforce planning strategies
Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on complex employee relations matters, organizational development, and strategic talent and workforce management decisions
Direct, mentor, and develop HR staff, creating a high-performance team environment that promotes professional growth and accountability
Foster a collaborative leadership culture that encourages innovation, continuous learning, and best practice implementation
Champion succession planning initiatives and leadership development programs throughout the organization
Systems & Process Management

Design and implement efficient HR systems, policies, and procedures that streamline operations and enhance service delivery to employees and departments
Oversee comprehensive workforce analytics and reporting systems to support data-driven decision making
Ensure seamless integration of technology solutions that optimize HR service delivery and organizational effectiveness
Budget & Resource Management

Demonstrate exceptional organizational skills in managing complex HR budgets, vendor relationships, and resource allocation
Optimize operational efficiency through strategic planning and systematic process improvements
Demonstrate cultural competency and sensitivity in managing diverse workforce needs and promoting inclusive workplace practices
Serve as a role model for professional behavior and organizational values
Maintain objectivity and fairness in all employee relations matters
Develop and execute comprehensive recruitment and retention strategies that attract top talent to county government
Oversee all aspects of employee relations, including conflict resolution, disciplinary actions, and grievance procedures
Lead organizational development initiatives including performance management systems, training programs, and employee engagement surveys
Ensure compliance with all applicable employment laws, regulations, and collective bargaining agreements
Manage benefits administration, compensation analysis, and classification studies
Coordinate with legal counsel on employment-related matters and litigation
Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience in Human Resources, Public Administration, Business Administration, or related field required
Minimum of seven (7) years of progressive human resources experience
Professional HR certification (PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP) required
Additional certifications in public administration or related fields preferred
Advanced proficiency in HRIS systems and Microsoft Office Suite
Experience with collective bargaining and union relations preferred
This position operates in a professional office environment with occasional travel to various County facilities. Regular computer use, telephone communication, and document review are required. Some evening and weekend work may be necessary for Board meetings or special projects.
The above information in this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performance by employees within this classification. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Culpeper County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
County of Culpeper benefits include medical, dental, retirement, life insurance, optional life and disability insurance plans, flexible spending accounts, and a deferred compensation program. Employees are enrolled in a retirement plan with the Virginia Retirement System that provides a monthly benefit to all retirees for life. The County of Culpeper provides a basic life insurance plan for all eligible employees. The County offers two medical plans: an HMO & an HSA. The County offers three comprehensive dental plans for employees and their eligible dependents. Paid holidays, vacation, and sick accrual depend on the agency, office, or department in which an individual is employed. The County also offers additional income protection that will continue beyond the short term disability period until an employee is able to return to work or reaches retirement age. The County offers a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and a Dependent Care Assistance Program. The County offers a 457 as another alternative to set aside money for retirement.