Director of Human Resources

Contra Costa County, Martinez, CA

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leeryContra Costa County

Contra Costa County was incorporated in 1850 as one of the original 27 counties of the State of California and is now one of the largest counties in the Nation by population. It is one of nine counties in the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Area and covers approximately 733 square miles extending from the northeastern shore of San Francisco Bay easterly about 50 miles to San Joaquin County. Contra Costa County has one of the fastest growing work forces among Bay Area counties, with growth in its employment base being driven primarily by the need to provide services to an increasing local population and the presence of relatively high-wage skilled jobs.

The County has one of the State’s most heterogeneous populations — rich in ethnic, cultural and socioeconomic diversity. With a current population in excess of 1.15 million, Contra Costa County is the ninth most populous county in California. The City of Martinez is the County seat and the location of the County administrative offices.

Contra Costa County includes varied urban, suburban, rural, industrial, agricultural and port areas and contains 19 incorporated cities. The County’s employment economy is as diverse as its population. Major industries include health care, petroleum refining, telecommunications, financial and retail services, steel manufacturing, prefabricated metals, chemicals, electronic equipment, paper products and food processing.

With its strategic location as Capital of the Northern California Mega-Region™ and easy access to suppliers and customers, Contra Costa County is a business destination full of opportunity. The County is home to a wide variety of companies and organizations, reflecting the character of the diverse communities of the region. From urban neighborhoods to rural farms, Contra Costa County is replete with world-class companies as top brands thrive here.

Prestigious public and private academic institutions, including St. Mary’s College of California, California State University East Bay, and one of California’s best community college systems, Contra Costa Community College District, thrive in Contra Costa County.

Recreation within the County varies from fishing, boating and water skiing in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Rivers to hiking, horseback riding and camping in Mt. Diablo State Park. Recreational areas and National Parks, including Yosemite, the wine country of Napa and Sonoma Counties, the picturesque seaside communities of Carmel and Monterey, and the Sierra Lake Tahoe mountain region, are also within an easy drive from the County.

The Organization Contra Costa County provides a full range of services through its 25 County Departments divided into service areas such as: Public Protection, General Government, Health and Human Services, Special Districts and other authorities. There are also a number of affiliated organizations the County participates with or directly manages. Contra Costa County is one of the few counties in the Nation to offer a full spectrum of health-related services under one organizational structure, including the Contra Costa Regional Medical Center and its health centers.

The County has a general law form of government. Contra Costa is known for

being progressive and is governed by a five-member Board of Supervisors elected by District, on a non-partisan basis, for staggered four-year terms.

The County has a FY 2020/2021 budget of $4.5 billion and a General Fund budget of $1.8 billion, with a permanent countywide staff of approximately 9,900 full-time equivalent employees.

The County recently transitioned into its new 71,000-square-foot four-story County Administration building, which houses a variety of County departments and the Board of Supervisors’ meeting chamber.

For additional information on Contra Costa County, please visit www.cccounty.us.

The Human Resources Department The Director of Human Resources, who also serves as the Executive Secretary to the Merit Board, directs the activities of the Department with the support of two Human Resources Managers. The Department is supported by a total of 52 FTE’s and a FY 2020/21 budget of approximately $11.8 million. This Department coordinates closely with a separate unit within the County Administrator’s Office, the Labor Relations Services Unit, which is responsible for labor relations at the County.

The Department is organized into 4 Service Units that provide a full

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range of personnel services to County Departments, employees, and the public. These include the Administrative Services Unit, headed by the Director; the Employee Benefits Services Unit, headed by a Human Resources Manager; the Information Management Unit, overseen by a Human Resources Information System (HRIS) Administrator reporting to a Human Resources Manager; and the Personnel Services Unit, headed by a Human Resources Manager.

The Ideal CandidateThe County is seeking a seasoned professional with a proven performance record who welcomes challenges and thrives on collective problem solving. This individual will be a champion for changes that result in improved customer experiences and greater operational effectiveness. Working closely with

to work collaboratively with others to formulate solutions. The ideal candidate will be progressive and forward thinking, and rely on his/her strong foundation of human resources experience to be successful. Recognizing that Human Resources touches all Departments, the Director will earn the trust and respect of others quickly, and adopt a partnership approach towards meeting the needs of a diverse and evolving workforce. Others will look to the Director for his/her expertise in adhering to County policies and complying with the merit system.

Well versed in the relevant technical aspects of human resources, the ideal candidate will also be someone with the inclination, and confidence, to explore and recommend creative and innovative initiatives. The Director will balance ensuring consistent day-to-day administration of the Department with preparing the organization to meet the operating requirements of the future. As the complex Human Resources environment continues to change and departments turn to HR for assistance, from talent spotting to meeting training needs, the Director will lead his/her team in exploring and applying efficient processes to better serve both internal and external customers.

This individual will be tech-savvy and experienced in using and implementing new technologies demonstrated to provide resourcing and development solutions that are faster, more flexible and technology enabled and employ new media and a strong web presence to attract and engage with the future public servants. As a critical and objective thinker, the new Director will also be adept at creating a team environment for all employees in the Department. The essential ability

to motivate dedicated staff and guide them through change and progress will be coupled with high standards and accountability. He/she will enable employees to appreciate the need for modernization, and empower them to develop processes that incorporate new activities and assignments. This requires a candidate endowed with emotional intelligence who is an excellent communicator and capable of providing clear expectations and directions and reinforcing accountability.

This individual is also expected to be an exceptional manager, an honest and authentic person, who leads by example, values all staff and their development, and is generous with praise for work well done. The successful candidate will embrace his/her role in continuing to transform a traditional organization into a streamlined and modern department with the reputation of being highly functional and service oriented. Comfortable with data and figures, the Director will be adept at managing administrative duties, presenting complex information before elected officials, and engaging all employees of the organization.

the County Administrator, the County Finance Director, the Chief Assistant County Administrators, and others, the candidate selected will be tasked with strategically addressing the Department’s priorities and employing best practices to execute its critical functions.

The mission for Human Resources requires a talented Department Head who has the ability to swiftly identify systemic issues, identify opportunities for efficiency through technology, and continue the evolution of the Department. The Director will bring the proven ability

The Recruitment ProcessPlease submit your cover letter and resume (including month/year of employment) via our website:

Peckham & McKenneywww.peckhamandmckenney.comFeel free to contact Bobbi Peckham toll-free at (866) 912-1919 if you have any questions regarding this position or recruitment process.

EEO Policy It is a policy of Contra Costa County to consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or other protected category under the law.

Contra Costa County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity at all levels of the organization.

Minimum requirements include a bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration, political science or closely related field as well as six years of full-time professional experience or its equivalent in public sector human resources management, at least two years of which must have included significant administrative responsibilities as the head of a major human resources function such as recruitment, classification, benefits, labor relations, or closely related area.

The CompensationThe annual salary range for the Director of Human Resources is $193,747 – 235,501. In addition, the County offers the following benefits.

Retirement – Contra Costa County Employees Retirement Association (CCCERA), a 1937 Act defined benefit retirement plan, which is reciprocal with other 1937 Act county retirement systems, CalPERS, and systems with CalPERS reciprocity. Member contribution rate is determined by your tier, your employer, and for legacy members, your age at entry into the system. 

Social Security – the County participates in Social Security and Medicare.

Medical Insurance – A variety of medical and dental plans are offered.

Life Insurance – County program is provided; employee may subscribe to a voluntary supplemental program.

Long Term Disability – County paid program available.

www.peckhamandmckenney.com

Search ScheduleFiling Deadline: ......................................................November 13, 2020

Preliminary Interviews: ................................November 19 and 20, 2020

Recommendation of Candidates: .............................November 25, 2020

Panel Interview Process: .............................. Week of December 7, 2020

These dates have been confirmed and it is recommended that you plan your calendar accordingly.

Vacation Leave – Initial monthly accrual rate is 10 hours, up to maximum accumulation of 240 hours.

Sick Leave – Monthly accrual is 8 hours.

Annual Management Administrative Leave – 94 non-accruable leave hours are credited each January 1st (prorated for those hired after January 1st).

Personal Holiday Credit – Accrual of 2 hours each month, up to 40 hours.

Holidays – 10 holidays per year.

Professional Development Reimbursement – Eligible for reimbursement of $925 each 2-year period for qualifying expenses.

Deferred Compensation Plan – County contributes $85, plus an additional $150, per month upon qualifying employee contributions.