Overview of Role:
Johnson County, Kansas Government is seeking a creative, collaborative, and innovative professional to serve as the next Deputy Director of Human Resources. As an award-winning organization with high regard for the positive contributions of the many thriving cultures within our county, we are committed to delivering high-quality, innovative human resources services to attract, develop, motivate, protect and retain a diverse workforce. In doing so, we strive to balance the needs of the organization with the needs of our most valuable stakeholders-our employees and the residents of Johnson County.

The Profile:
The Deputy Director will provide staff leadership as well as establish and maintain strong, positive working relationships with internal and external partners. The successful candidate will be creative, strategic, and adaptable to the changing needs of our organization and people strategies. The Human Resources Department offers a team-oriented environment that fosters individual participation in the department's goals. The Deputy Director will play a critical role in aligning human resources strategies with organizational objectives, fostering a positive work environment, and driving organizational success. This role requires a strategic thinker with an enterprise lens, strong leadership skills and a deep understanding of HR best practices. This role currently functions in a hybrid work schedule with 4 days in office based on business needs.

Key Responsibilities
· Serves as an internal consultant to all county departments and agencies on HR issues, programs, and initiatives.
· Drives organizational change and builds consensus across all levels of the organization.
· Collaborates with leadership to align HR strategies with organizational goals and drive operational results.
· Collaborates with HRD Leadership to ensure oversight for HR functions including policy administration, talent acquisition, employee relations, classification and compensation, organizational development, benefits, ADA compliance, and records management.
· Partners with county departments to identify workforce needs and develop strategies to attract, develop and retain top talent.
· Drives initiatives to enhance employee engagement and workplace culture.
· Consults with leadership on complex employee issues, ensuring fair and consistent policy application.
· Provides coaching, guidance, and support to ensure effective HR service delivery.
· Sets performance standards and provides staff with timely, constructive feedback.
· Implements employee development programs to enhance workforce capabilities.
· Resolves staffing issues, facilitates employee retention, and ensures HR operations align with county objectives.
· Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
· Assists with budget development, administration and reporting for HR functions.
· Compiles and analyzes HR metrics and reports to support data-driven decision-making.
· Acts as Human Resources Director in the Director’s absence.
· Represents the department on various boards, commissions, and committees.
· Stays current on industry trends and best practices to maintain a competitive and innovative HR function.

Minimum Qualifications
· Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, Communications, Public Administration, Finance, Psychology or relevant field of study is required. A Master’s degree is preferred.
· Twelve (12) years of increasingly responsible experience performing varied and complex professional-level work in three or more of the HR operational areas, to include benefits; talent acquisition; classification and compensation; employee relations; employment; organizational learning and development; workplace planning or relevant experience.
· Five years of experience leading at least two of the HR operational areas to include benefits; talent acquisition; classification and compensation; employee relations; employment; organizational learning and development; workplace planning
· Five years of experience supervising staff in a medium to large-sized organization, preferably public sector
· HR certification (e.g., SHRM-SCP, SPHR) or equivalent
· Education can substitute for experience; experience can substitute for education.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Working knowledge of:
· Human resources program design and management
· Compensation/classification program design and job measurement
· Human Resources Information Systems
· Aligning HR strategies with organizational objectives.
· HR best practices, employment laws, and regulations.
· Techniques of conflict resolution and mediation
· Budget development and reporting practices
· Federal, state and local laws, policies, and guidelines governing employment
· Business English and report writing

Ability to:
· Analyze complex management issues and develop appropriate solutions
· Plan, initiate, and manage projects from beginning to end with minimal direction
· Build relationships and influence at all levels of the organization.
· Effectively carry out difficult and complex assignments requiring considerable independent judgment and initiative with a minimum supervision
· Lead scalable organizational change management initiatives.
· Establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, appointed department directors, staff, other agencies, the media and the public
· Follow written and oral instruction
· Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
· Adapt and make decisions amid uncertainty or with limited information

Skills:

· Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with ability to use data to drive decisions.
· Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
· Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and projects in a fast-paced environment.