GovHRUSA
Chatham County, GA (pop. 296,329) seeks a skilled local government professional to lead the Human Resources Department. The organization is characterized by stable leadership, a long-tenured workforce, and a positive work environment. The next Human Resources Director will be a people-oriented, consultative, and creative leader who champions innovative approaches to help the organization adapt and thrive in a new normal. The Director also must understand the nuances of county government, including working collaboratively with constitutional offices (i.e., courts, Sheriff) and interacting with the Board of Commissioners. The Director serves on the Chatham County Pension Board and is a fiduciary to the Pension Plan. This position is appointed by and reports to the County Manager and serves as a member of the senior leadership team.
Chatham County is part of the Savannah Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) and is the largest county outside of metro Atlanta, Georgia. It is situated on the Atlantic Coast and is bounded by the Savannah and Ogeechee Rivers and the southern border of South Carolina. The Savannah-Hilton Head International Airport (SAA), quick access to Interstates 95 and 16, and two Amtrak passenger lines make the county not only an attractive destination but an accessible one as well, welcoming leisure and business travelers year round. Multiple higher education institutions also call Chatham County home, including Savannah State University, Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD), and a satellite campus of Georgia Southern University.
- Chatham County has an approved FY2024 total budget of $292.7M and 2,185 full-time equivalent (FTE) positions. The Human Resources Department has a general budget of $2.3M, a $1.4M wellness fund, and 19 FTEs. The department’s purview includes administration of the county personnel ordinance and oversight of benefits, classification and compensation, compliance, recruitment, employee relations, and DEI. While the county’s human resources functions are centralized, departments maintain some autonomy over day-to-day personnel matters.
- Like many employers, Chatham County has faced recruitment and retention challenges, and the new Director will need to apply forward thinking and unconventional approaches to attract and retain talent in a highly competitive local economy. Additionally, the county will implement NeoGov starting in August, and the next Director will be expected to help the department navigate that transition as well as identify other technological and operational enhancement opportunities. Other priorities include re-solicitation for a vendor to operate the County’s Employee Health Center; overseeing the renovations and move of the Employee Health Center to a new location; managing the implementation of a new DEI program in the County; staffing at two new county facilities within the next few years; and the possibility of transitioning Fire and EMS services into county operations.
- Successful candidates will demonstrate a strong grasp of all HR subspecialties; the ability to gain credibility with elected officials and fellow department directors; the ability to problem solve creatively and collaboratively; good judgment and critical thinking; and a focus on maintaining a modern, responsive human resources department. Additionally, they will demonstrate a commitment to equity and inclusion and pride themselves in cultivating a caring, people-centered culture.
Qualifications: A Master’s degree in Business, Public Administration, or related field and ten (10) years of professional experience in human resource management, at least five (5) years of which was at the managerial level; or any combination of experience and training which provides the equivalent scope of knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work. SHRM, IPMA, or HRCI certification preferred but not required. Considerable knowledge of employment laws, regulations, and compliance standards as well as familiarity with current human resources trends and practices required. The salary range for this position is $135,086 – $222,892 (midpoint $178,988). Apply online by July 28, 2023, with your cover letter, resume, and contact information for 5 professional references to the attention of Dele Lowman, Senior Vice President, Tel: (847) 380-3240.
Application Deadline: July 28, 2023
Posted: 2023-07-12
