Description
THE OPPORTUNITY
The City of Elk Grove, CA is seeking an experienced Human Resources Director to lead a progressive organization committed to innovation, equity, and exceptional public service. This is a rare opportunity to influence citywide strategy, modernize talent practices, and champion a culture where employees are empowered to do their best work for a dynamic and growing community. As a key member of the City’s executive leadership team, the Human Resources Director will play a pivotal role in building a resilient workforce that reflects Elk Grove’s values, supports operational excellence, and helps drive the City’s next chapter of success.
ABOUT ELK GROVE
Elk Grove is a diverse, vibrant, and family-friendly community of approximately 182,000 people in the Sacramento, California region, located 14 miles south of the State Capitol and 60 miles east of the Bay Area. In addition, the beautiful Sierra Nevada mountains, several wine country regions, and countless other nearby amenities offer endless day-trip opportunities. Elk Grove is a young, ethnically diverse, modern city that was the first city in California to incorporate in the 21st Century (July 2000). The city is known for its low crime rate, excellent schools, over 100 community parks and 28 miles of trails, plentiful dining and shopping options, numerous annual events and festivals, and over 270 sunny days per year.
THE HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT
The Human Resources Department is responsible for providing the City with diverse and talented employees and maximizing their potential through proactive employee relations and organizational development programs. The primary functions of the Human Resources Department include recruitment, selection, and retention of qualified employees; administration of the City’s classification, compensation and benefit plans; workers’ compensation; leave administration; organizational development and training; employee relations; labor relations; administration of personnel rules and procedures; and labor law compliance.
The Human Resources Department is comprised of seven (7) professional staff who are supported by a department budget of $2.1 million. The mission of the Human Resources Department is to collaborate with all departments to provide responsible Human Resources programs and policies through effective recruitment, retention, organizational development and training, classification and compensation, sound policy and program development, compliance, and support.
THE POSITION
The Human Resources Director is a department head classification that oversees, leads, and participates in all activities of the Human Resources Department. The position directly reports to the Assistant City Manager. Some of the key job functions associated with the Human Resources Director role include assuming full management responsibility for all Human Resources Department programs, services, and activities; managing and participating in the development and administration of the department’s budget; directing the recruitment, examination, selection, pre-employment, and background processes; overseeing personnel transactions including onboarding, promotions, demotions, transfers, and personnel records; investigating and resolving sensitive, confidential, and controversial employee issues and complaints; overseeing and participating in labor negotiation sessions with various employee organizations; and representing the City in matters of concern to unions and associations representing City employees.
The ideal candidate will be a straightforward, consistent communicator who values relationships with others and establishes clear expectations, priorities, and transparent decision-making processes across the organization; have deep experience with employee relations, labor management relations and collective bargaining, disciplinary processes, ADA interactive processes, and promotional processes; a leadership style characterized by trust, authenticity, and approachability; and demonstrated experience and a strong commitment to coaching, training, and supporting the Human Resources Department staff.
SALARY & BENEFITS
The City of Elk Grove offers an excellent and competitive salary and benefit package. The Human Resources Director is a non-represented, FLSA-exempt position. The salary range for the Human Resources Director is $179,246 - $240,222, depending on the successful candidate’s qualifications. The City of Elk Grove provides an extensive suite of benefits including retirement provided by CalPERS. Classic members are at the 2% at 55 formula, while PEPRA members are at the 2% at 62 formula. The City offers an IRS qualifying retirement plan; therefore, employees do not currently participate in the Social Security program. In addition, optional participation in a 457(b) plan, with a 401(a) employer match up to 4% with a 1-year vesting period is also available.
For additional benefit information, interested candidates are encouraged to review the detailed recruitment brochure at www.mosaicpublic.com/careers.
APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS
To be considered for this position, interested candidates must submit a cover letter and résumé no later than Monday, March 30, 2026, at:
www.mosaicpublic.com/careers
Confidential inquiries are welcomed to:
Bryan Noblett | bryan@mosaicpublic.com | (916) 217-3696
Requirements
QUALIFICATIONS
Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. The following is a typical way to qualify:
Education: Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in human resources, employee and labor relations, organizational development, business or public administration, or a directly related field.
Experience: At least seven (7) years of increasingly responsible experience in human resources management and/or labor relations in a municipal or similar setting, with at least two (2) years of experience in a supervisory or management capacity. Public sector human resources experience is preferred.
