GovHRUSA
The City of Lawrence, Kansas (97,271) seeks a highly skilled, forward-thinking, transformative, hands-on leader to serve as its next Human Resources Director. The salary range for this position is $126,090 to $186,410 with an expected hiring range of $129, 875 to $157,851 DOQ. A generous benefit and retirement package is also offered by the city; details are available at lawrenceks.org/hr/employee benefits.
If you are looking for an exceptional opportunity to join a progressive leadership team that is committed to building an engaged and empowered workplace culture that attracts, retains, and develops top talent, the City of Lawrence is the place for you. Lawrence is home to the University of Kansas and is the sixth largest City in Kansas. Lawrence holds the title of the seventh best in college towns as well as ranking 6th in the nation for bachelor’s degree attainment by the U.S. Census Bureau. Lawrence is the County Seat for Douglas County and its proximity to the Kansas City and Topeka metropolitan regions makes it easy to access world class cultural and entertainment opportunities.
A vital member of the leadership team, the Human Resources Director provides strategic leadership and innovative management for all City-wide human resources programs, policies, and initiatives.
The Director serves as a trusted advisor to the City Manager, Assistant City Managers, department heads, and all employees, ensuring fair, consistent, and innovative approaches are used in this dynamic work environment. With an HR team of eleven, including the payroll and risk management functions, the HR Director manages budgets for HR operations, training and development, and employee healthcare. The city has a total workforce of 999 FTEs with four bargaining units.
To be successful in this role, collaboration and innovation will be key characteristics as well as being a skilled communicator who values an engaged, energetic, and equitable employment environment. Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills, a thorough understanding of human resources best practices, and the ability to build partnerships across all levels of the organization is a must for the next director. Experience in public sector HR management and service as an interactive management representative at the negotiations table for labor relations is highly desirable.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, mentor, develop and grow all aspects of the Human Resources team.
- Develop and implement best-in-class HR policies, goals, and service delivery strategies.
- Effectively lead the City recruitment, selection, classification and compensation programs and processes.
- Maintain and develop efficient and valuable employee benefit programs, which provide cost-effectiveness and excellence in service and vendor relations.
- Actively participate in, maintain and develop strong labor relations, contract negotiations, and effectively address labor/management issues.
- Provide knowledgeable guidance organization-wide on employee relations, grievance processing, investigations, and disciplinary processes.
- Lead organizational training initiatives, including management and supervisory programs to develop future Lawrence leaders.
- Foster employee engagement, wellness, recognition, and reward initiatives.
- Efficiently administer the HR Division budget, providing innovative organization-wide policy and program recommendations to leadership.
- Professionally represent the City as a true HR Business Partner when working with employees, elected officials, labor groups, and external agencies.
Qualifications
- Extensive knowledge of human resources management principles and practices, in all functional areas: classification, compensation, benefits, recruitment, labor and employee relations.
- Experience with labor negotiations, organizational culture assessment and change, and employee engagement strategies.
- Demonstrated history of strong leadership, mentorship, and team-building skills.
- Proven ability to analyze complex issues, develop solutions, make timely and sound decisions, and implement effective programs.
- Excellent communication, open and engaging style, and adaptable interpersonal skills.
- Bachelor’s degree in human resources, public or business administration, or a related field required; a master’s degree and/or professional HR certification preferred.
Candidates will be reviewed as applications are received. For best opportunity to be considered please apply by February 27, 2026, with resume and cover letter. For additional inquiries, contact: Ann Everhart, MGT Senior Consultant (815) 451-4559 or Charlene Stevens, MGT Vice President of Human Capital Solutions (847) 380-3240 X 124.
The City of Lawrence, KS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Application Deadline: February 27, 2026
Posted: 2026-01-26
To apply for this job please visit www.govhrusa.com.