Human Resources Director

The Position

The City of Newport News, Virginia, is in a state of continued investment, revitalization, and growth. The City of Newport News currently has the largest population on the Virginia Peninsula and is committed to serving its residents, empowering their youths, and offering a premier quality of life that includes indoor and outdoor recreational opportunities, community building events, and premier dining and retail options. The City was recently recognized as one of ten, All-American Cities.

The City of Newport News is seeking a forward-thinking and experienced leader to serve as its next Human Resources Director. This is a unique opportunity for an eager and enthusiastic HR professional to make meaningful, long-term contributions to a dynamic and evolving organization. More than a traditional HR leadership role, this position calls for a strategic partner who can build on the strengths of a capable and committed team while continuing to shape a modern, innovative Human Resources Department. The City is committed to being an employer of choice, and the Human Resources Director will play a key role in achieving that goal.

As a member of the City’s Executive Leadership team, the Human Resources Director provides strategic direction and operational oversight for the full spectrum of HR programs and services throughout the organization. This includes policy development and administration, recruitment and retention, classification and compensation, benefits administration, training and organizational development, employee engagement initiatives, and employee and labor relations. The Director will lead efforts to enhance workplace culture, support workforce planning, and align human resources practices with the City’s broader goals and values.

The successful candidate will bring significant experience working in local government or similarly complex organizations, along with a strong history of ethical leadership, innovation, and collaboration. Exceptional communication skills, emotional intelligence, and the ability to build trusting relationships at all levels of the organization are essential. This position is appointed by and reports directly to the Senior Deputy Assistant City Manager. The Director will oversee a 28-member Human Resources Department, including two Assistant Directors and one two Human Resource Managers.

Experience and Education

Minimum requirements include a bachelor’s degree in human resources management, industrial or organizational psychology, business or public administration, or a closely related field and seven years of progressively responsible HR experience as a generalist. A minimum of five years of leadership, management, and coaching experience is also required.

Preferred qualifications include a master’s degree and demonstrated experience in organizational development; process improvement; diversity, equity, and inclusion; effective employee engagement; rebuilding trust; leading change; building and transforming culture; labor relations; and creating high-performing teams. Candidates with relevant public, private, or nonprofit sector experience with a comparable scale and complexity of workforce are also preferred.

Compensation

The expected hiring range for this position is $165,000 to $175,000 dependent on qualifications. Benefits offered include the following: health, dental, vision, life, and short- and long-term disability insurance; retirement benefits through the Virginia Retirement System; deferred compensation; paid leave; flexible spending accounts; Employee Assistance Program; and discounted fitness center memberships.