Director of Human Resources

The City of Midland is seeking a dynamic and strategic leader to serve as the Director of Human Resources. This position is responsible for modernizing, improving, and leading the City’s human resources functions with a focus on efficiency, process improvement, employee engagement, and customer service. The Director will drive organizational change, implement best practices, and ensure that HR is a key partner in achieving the City’s vision, mission, and strategic goals as well as ensure commitment by the organization to the core values.
The Director of Human Resources is also responsible for overseeing Employee Benefits, Risk Management, and Wellness programs to ensure the City maintains a competitive, comprehensive, and fiscally responsible approach to employee support and workplace safety.
This position requires a strong communicator and collaborator who will work effectively with City Management, Finance, Legal, and all City departments to align HR initiatives with organizational priorities to align policies and regulations to the city’s strategic plan and ensure compliance with these policies and regulations.


Why Join the City of Midland?
This is an opportunity to reshape and modernize HR in a growing and dynamic city, creating a lasting impact for both employees and the community. If you are an innovative HR leader ready to drive meaningful changes, implement best practices, and enhance employee experience, we encourage you to apply.


How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter through the City of Midland’s online application portal.  Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

The City of Midland is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its workforce.Strategic Leadership & Innovation

• Lead and modernize HR operations to enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and service delivery across all City departments.
• Develop and implement innovative process improvements to streamline operations, eliminate inefficiencies, and enhance employee experience.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to City leadership, providing recommendations on HR strategies, policy development, leadership development, and training aligned to the strategic plan, which includes: workforce planning, customer focus, strategic planning, communications.
• Collaborate with City Management, Finance, Legal, and department heads to ensure HR policies and programs align with the City’s operational (strategic plan) and fiscal goals (city’s 5-year Budget).
• Ensure HR functions align with the City’s overall vision, mission, and strategic goals as well as the city’s core values.

Employee Benefits, Risk Management & Wellness

• Oversee the administration of employee benefits programs, including health insurance, retirement plans, and leave policies, ensuring they are competitive and sustainable.
• Lead Risk Management efforts, develop strategies to reduce workplace injuries, manage workers’ compensation claims, and mitigate organizational risk.
• Implement and oversee employee wellness programs to support a culture of health, well-being, and productivity among City employees.
• Work closely with the Finance Department to manage benefit costs and ensure alignment with budget constraints.
• Stay informed on emerging best practices in benefits, risk management, employee incentives, and wellness to maintain a forward-thinking and proactive approach.

Employee Engagement & Workplace Culture

• Develop and execute strategies that promote employee engagement, satisfaction, and retention.
• Foster a workplace culture that values inclusion, accountability, and continuous learning.
• Oversee the implementation of training and professional development programs that support leadership growth and organizational success.
• Enhance internal communication strategies to ensure employees feel informed, supported, and valued.

HR Operations, Compliance & Confidentiality

• Oversee all human resources functions, including recruitment, compensation, benefits administration, labor advocacy, performance management, and employee relations.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, implementing policies and procedures that reflect best practices.
• Handle confidential personnel matters with the highest level of professionalism, discretion, and ethical integrity.
• Develop and implement HR policies and procedures that promote fairness, transparency, and operational excellence.
• Work closely with the Legal Department to ensure compliance with employment laws and risk management considerations.

Workforce Planning, Finance & Performance Management

• Overhaul and optimize the City’s performance evaluation systems to encourage accountability and continuous improvement.
• Leverage HR analytics and technology to support data-driven decision-making and improve efficiency.
• Collaborate with Finance to align compensation structures, benefits programs, and workforce planning with budgetary constraints and fiscal responsibility.
• Design and implement innovative recruitment and retention strategies to attract and retain top talent in a competitive market.

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR certification required (or the ability to obtain within one year of hire).
• Seven (7) to ten (10) years of progressive experience in human resources management, with at least three (3) years in a leadership role.
• Extensive knowledge of employment laws, HR best practices, workforce planning, and policy development.
• Proven experience leading organizational change, process improvements, and modernization initiatives within HR and the organization.
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with professionalism and discretion.
• Ability to effectively collaborate with City Management, Legal, Finance, and department leadership to align HR initiatives with organizational goals.
• Experience overseeing employee benefits, risk management, and wellness programs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in municipal, public sector, private sector HR leadership.
• Knowledge of HR technology systems and data-driven decision-making in workforce planning.
• Strong background in training, leadership development, and succession planning.

Key Competencies & Attributes

• Visionary Leadership – Ability to think strategically, challenge the status quo, and drive innovation in HR operations.
• Customer-Focused – Committed to providing exceptional service to employees and City leadership.
• Results-Oriented – Skilled in implementing data-driven HR strategies that align with organizational objectives.
• Integrity & Confidentiality – Maintains the highest ethical standards and discretion in handling sensitive personnel matters.
• Collaborative Approach – Works effectively with City Management, Legal, Finance, and department heads to support a positive and engaged workforce.

Salary : $137,016