Director of Human Resources - City of Philadelphia

A best-in-class city that attracts best-in-class talent, Philadelphia is an incredible place to build a career. From our thriving arts scene and rich history to our culture of passion and grit, there are countless reasons to love living and working here. With a workforce of over 30,000 people, and more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia offers boundless opportunities to make an impact.

As an employer, the City of Philadelphia values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work above all else. We offer a vibrant work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and the experience you need to grow and excel. If you’re interested in working with a passionate team of people who care about the future of Philadelphia, start here.

What we offer

• Impact - The work you do here matters to millions. 
• Growth - Philadelphia is growing, why not grow with it? 
• Diversity & Inclusion - Find a career in a place where everyone belongs.
• Benefits - We care about your well-being.

Agency Description

The Office of Community Empowerment and Opportunity (CEO) provides leadership on issues of economic justice by advancing racial equity and inclusive growth to ensure that all Philadelphians share in the city’s prosperous future and by alleviating the immediate impact of poverty on individuals, families and communities.  CEO is Philadelphia’s Community Action Agency (CAA); CAAs are private or public agencies created by the 1964 Economic Opportunity Act and federally designated to receive Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) funding.

Guiding Principles (We believe…)

• The people of Philadelphia deserve the opportunity to live happy, healthy, full lives. 
• City Government should both recognize its culpability in creating and sustaining inequity and aspire to its responsibility to provide opportunities, represent the best interests, and promote the well-being of all residents. 
• People can offer meaningful insights into both personal experiences and how systems around them function. 
• Poverty is a deliberately created systemic issue and city government can lead in calling for justice and dismantling the barriers that often prevent opportunities. 

Values (How we work)

• Dignity: We actively respect our individual colleagues and people in the community.
• Inclusivity: Our work is more beneficial, valuable, and valid when our full range of experiences, knowledge, and skills can contribute.
• Persistence: We recognize the challenges inherent in this work, and when we get discouraged, we find ways to be resilient, lift each other up, and push forward.
• Accountability: We are transparent and honest about our plans, our actions, and our results.
• Honesty: We create a space to have healthy, honest dialogues about systems, people, and misconceptions and then communicate truthfully.

This position will lead the Human Resources Unit within CEO; overseeing the day-to-day leadership for the Human Resources (HR) functions of the office. This includes providing oversight and direction for the areas of recruitment, Office of Human Resources and City requirements compliance, training and career development, performance management, Human Resource Capital Management Systems (Currently OnePhilly), employee recognition and change management. You will work with Hiring Managers and the HR team to improve time-to-hire for new applicants and work across the organization to support and encourage a diverse, high-performing, and collaborative workplace environment. The HR Director is also responsible for HR-issues management including, but not limited to facilitating de-escalation, coaching and performance improvement processes. 

This position falls within the larger Operations unit within CEO and is required to identify best practices to be shared across the broader organization. 

Essential Functions

• Oversee day to day Human Resources operations. 
• Provide Human Resources guidance across the organization. 
• Plan and Execute required Annual Training Calendar and other Workforce development programs to support staff. 
• Be Lead liaison between the department and OHR and between Human Resources and the Executive Team. 
• Lead on conflict resolution and change management efforts for a positive and high-performing workforce. 
• Oversees key functions of the unit including Human Resources-onboarding and offboarding, Human Resources Capital Management Systems and Learning Management Systems transactions, application of City laws and regulations, and Human Resources-related guidance to all levels of staff. 
• Other duties as assigned. 

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Deep understanding of best practices and regulations within HR. 
• Ability to identify areas of improvement and work across teams to advance work. 
• Understanding of and experience applying compliance in labor laws and workforce regulations. 
• Strong communication and ability to create plans, presentations, and findings reports to support connections between all staff. 

Work-Life

Working hours are generally 37.5 hours per week. Our team is currently hybrid with both virtual and in-office days, however the position can opt to come in the office each day if desired

• Four (4) year college degree required. 
• Equivalencies in formal advanced degree and experience will be considered.  
• Ability to demonstrate flexibility and exercise the authority of the position with sound judgment. 
• Previous work in non-profit or public sector is ideal. 
• Strong development or policy background is a plus. 
• 7+ years of HR management experience required. 
• Ability to demonstrate flexibility and exercise the authority of the position with sound judgment
• Previous work in non-profit or public sector is ideal
• Strong development or policy background is a plus
• 7+ years of progressive management experience required

Other Specialties, Certifications, Physical Requirements, and Work Conditions

• Regular, predictable attendance is required
• Successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire

TO APPLY: Interested candidates must submit a cover letter, writing samples, references and a resume.

Discover the Perks of Being a City of Philadelphia Employee:

• Transportation: City employees get unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program. Employees can ride on SEPTA buses, subways, trolleys, and regional rail for their daily commute and more.
• Parental Benefits: The City offers its employees 6 weeks of paid parental leave.
• We offer Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
• Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
• Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Generous retirement savings options are available
• Pay off your student loans faster - As a qualifying employer, City of Philadelphia employees are eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Join the ranks of hundreds of employees who have already benefited from this program and achieved student loan forgiveness.
• Unlock Tuition Discounts and Scholarships - The City of Philadelphia has forged partnerships with over a dozen esteemed colleges and universities in the area, ensuring that our employees have access to a wide range of tuition discounts and scholarships. Experience savings of 10% to 40% on your educational expenses, extending not only to City employees but in some cases, spouse and dependents too!

Join the City of Philadelphia team today and seize these incredible benefits designed to enhance your financial well-being and personal growth!

*The successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire

Effective May 22, 2023, vaccinations are no longer required for new employees that work in non-medical, non-emergency or patient facing positions with the City of Philadelphia. As a result, only employees in positions providing services that  are patient-facing medical care (ex: Nurses, doctors, emergency medical personnel), must be fully vaccinated.

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to faqpchr@phila.gov.

For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx