What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Human Resources position at Lake Forest?
If you are a visionary HR leader looking for an opportunity to drive cutting-edge workforce strategies with the full support of City leadership and elected officials, this is your chance to make a lasting impact.
The Director of Human Resources is both a technical and strategic leader, adept at managing the department’s day-to-day operations while playing a pivotal role in helping shape the organizational culture by seeking new and innovative ideas and managing the implementation of these solutions. This role is ideal for a proactive and solutions-oriented professional who can build strong relationships across the organization and serve as a trusted advisor to City leadership.
The Director will champion talent development, employee engagement, and HR technology, ensuring the department remains a valuable resource for leaders seeking expert HR guidance, collaborative solutions, and strategic workforce planning. With the support of the City Council, the Director will also drive personnel initiatives that enhance organizational culture and advance the City’s goal of becoming an employer of choice.
The Human Resources Director is an integral part of the executive leadership team and is appointed by the City Manager. The Director oversees a staff of one full-time and one part-time professional with a department budget of $580,000, manages all employee-related issues, and is a strategic partner to the City Manager and department heads.
Acting as the lead negotiator for the City’s three collective bargaining units, the Human Resources Director and department heads focus on maintaining the City’s positive labor relations culture, which is an important aspect of this position.
The Director serves on a variety of committees and is the primary liaison to the City Council’s Personnel Compensation Administration Committee and attends City Council meetings as needed.
Additionally, the Director serves as the Secretary to the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners and participates in the Executive Safety Committee to ensure the safety and well-being of the workforce.
The Director collaborates closely with employee committees and consultants to oversee and manage all employee benefits.
Candidates must be experienced human resources leaders with a commitment to excellence in customer service, employee relations and development, and integrity in local government. They must also possess a management and leadership style that reflects collaboration, teambuilding, accessibility, responsiveness, commitment to continuous improvement, and a calm, professional demeanor. Experience in labor relations is highly valued.
Candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree in business, psychology, political science, public administration, or related fields with some emphasis on human resources management.
Five years or more of progressively responsible experience in the human resources field is also essential. SPHR, SHRM-SCP, or other professional human resources certification is preferred.
Residency is not required.
The Director of Human Resources is both a technical and strategic leader, adept at managing the department’s day-to-day operations while playing a pivotal role in helping shape the organizational culture by seeking new and innovative ideas and managing the implementation of these solutions. This role is ideal for a proactive and solutions-oriented professional who can build strong relationships across the organization and serve as a trusted advisor to City leadership.
The Director will champion talent development, employee engagement, and HR technology, ensuring the department remains a valuable resource for leaders seeking expert HR guidance, collaborative solutions, and strategic workforce planning. With the support of the City Council, the Director will also drive personnel initiatives that enhance organizational culture and advance the City’s goal of becoming an employer of choice.
Want to learn more? Take a look at our Director of Human Resources brochure!
Starting salary range is $175,000 /-
Starting salary dependent on qualifications. Annual progression based on merit.
Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter and 5 professional references when you apply
The position will remain open until filled
Initial Review of applications will begin April 18, 2025.
The position will remain open until filled
Initial Review of applications will begin April 18, 2025.
The Director serves on a variety of committees and is the primary liaison to the City Council’s Personnel Compensation Administration Committee and attends City Council meetings as needed.
Candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree in business, psychology, political science, public administration, or related fields with some emphasis on human resources management.
Five years or more of progressively responsible experience in the human resources field is also essential. SPHR, SHRM-SCP, or other professional human resources certification is preferred.
Residency is not required.
Starting salary range is $175,000 /-
Starting salary dependent on qualifications. Annual progression based on merit.
open until filled
open until filled
The City of Lake Forest is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, religion, disability, age, ethnicity, national origin, sex, gender, LGBTQ identification, family status, or military status.
Women and minorities are strongly encouraged to apply.
Salary : $175,000
