Director, Human Resources and Employee Relations

BASIC FUNCTION

Under the direction of the area administrator, plans, organizes, coordinates, directs, and provides leadership for the Human Resources functions of the District. The Director is responsible for the clear articulation of District personnel policies, procedures, collective bargaining agreement, and applicable laws and regulations to administrators and employees to ensure compliance and effective Human Resources administration. Representative Duties The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them form the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this class. 1. Coordinates the day-to-day operations of the Human Resources Department including recruitment and selection, equal opportunity and diversity outreach, compensation and classification, personnel processing, recordkeeping, personnel policies, performance management, employee recognition, contract administration and employee relations; 2. Assists in selecting, training, supervising, and evaluating the performance of assigned staff; recommend transfers, reassignments, discipline, terminations, promotions and other personnel actions as appropriate. 3. Oversees and administers the evaluation and the maintenance of the classification system, including salary and classification studies, implementation of salary schedules, classification review, development and maintenance of job descriptions and position control; supervises the coordination of reclassification of all existing and new positions and position responsibilities, according to established policies and procedures. 4. Coordinates the development, implementation and modification of the human resources information system for the management of employee, retiree, contractor and related HR records and documentation; serves as department lead in the continued implementation of human resources information systems; facilitates continued modification following implementation. 5. Coordinates the handling of disciplinary matters; counsels managers, supervisors, and employees on District policies, practices, discipline, and performance evaluation matters; investigates grievances or complaints and prepares written reports/responses. 6. Assists in ensuring compliance with the District's Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Plan in various aspects of employment and education, including compliance with American with Disabilities Act (ADA), sexual harassment, discrimination, Title IX, and EEO; encourage cultural and ethnic diversity in staffing, programs, and services. 7. Assist in directing functions associated with risk management as assigned and the benefit program, providing service and information regarding salary, classification, range and step increases, leaves, unemployment insurance, health and welfare and retirement. Articulates with Payroll Department as needed to ensure proper salary and benefit payments. 8. Develop and coordinate the gathering and analysis of data used in contract negotiations, special projects, and reports; participate in negotiations and contract administration; interpret bargaining unit contracts, Memoranda of Understanding, Administrative and Board policies. 9. Participates in the preparation of the annual budget; supervises its implementation and maintenance. 10. Meet schedules and timelines, organizes multiple projects efficiently and effectively and carries out required project details throughout the year. 11. Participates in shared governance and collaborates on a variety of institutional issues including employee relations, HR administration, union relations, collective bargaining agreements and related HR topics. 12. Perform other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

1. Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in business administration, public administration, human resources or a related field; AND 2. Four (4) years of increasingly responsible human resources experience; three (3) years of which must have been at the level of supervisor or higher within a HR department. Preferred Qualifications 3. Human Resources experience in public higher education, including community college, is preferred. 4. Master's degree preferred.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

1. Human Resources administration and practices in public higher education. 2. Mediation and negotiation skills 3. Using and applying Human Resource Information System technology. 4. Job evaluation and classification techniques. 5. Compensation practices, methods and techniques. 6. Applicable federal and state laws, rules and regulations. 7. California Ed Code and Title 5 requirements relating to personnel activities. 8. Principles and practices of supervision, training, performance evaluation and discipline. 9. Leadership, team building, motivation and conflict resolution principles. 10. Collective bargaining and labor relations in the public sector. 11. Fair employment practices and recruitment and selection procedures leading to a diverse pool of qualified applicants.

Skills & Abilities :

1. Understanding of, sensitivity to, and respect for the diverse academic, socio-economic, ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds, disability, and sexual orientation of community college students, faculty and staff. 2. Demonstrated success in labor relations/negotiations. 3. Organize and direct workflow. 4. Communicate effectively and persuasively both orally and in writing with faculty, staff, administrators, constituents and representatives. 5. Effectively mediate disputes and resolve conflict. 6. Read, interpret, and explain laws, rules and regulations, and to develop and implement personnel policies and procedures. 7. Demonstrate initiative, creativity, and assertiveness in developing and implementing new programs. 8. Manage a number of projects and issues simultaneously. 9. Prioritize and organize information. 10. Work effectively under pressure. 11. Work with difficult individuals. 12. Demonstrated success with extensive public contact with individuals, small groups and large groups. 13. Conduct complex data comparison, analysis and synthesis. 14. Attend to detail. 15. Maintain an understanding of current ideas, trends, and practices pertaining to the areas of responsibility through continued study and participation in professional organizations. 16. Demonstrated flexibility and adaptability. 17. Perform with tact, patience and sensitivity.

EMPLOYMENT STATUS

Classified Administrator Classified Leadership Salary Range 10 Salary placement is contingent on education, experience, and department budget.

Retirement System:

CalPERS (upon meeting eligibility criteria)

WORKING CONDITIONS

Environment:

1. Office environment. 2. Extended periods of time sitting.

REQUIRED APPLICATION AND REQUIRED UPLOADED DOCUMENTS

To be considered a candidate for this position, the following materials must be electronically uploaded:

Online Application:

All sections of the College of the Desert District online application must be completed including education and experience.

Resume:

Must include length of employment (month/year start and end dates) for each employer.

Cover Letter:

Please address how you meet the minimum requirements for this position and any special qualifications you possess.

College Transcripts:

Academic transcripts of all college level coursework showing date degree awarded from an accredited institution. For consideration, degree(s) must be awarded at the time of application. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable at time of application. Successful candidate must provide official transcripts upon hire. Non-U.S. transcripts must include a certified U.S. evaluation (i.e., NACES agency: www.naces.org) at the time of application. Diplomas will not be accepted in lieu of the required transcripts.

REQUIRED IN YOUR APPLICATION

List of References :

References should include at least two supervisors and one colleague. Please include name, title, email and current phone numbers. Letters of reference will not be accepted in lieu of the required List of References.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. College of the Desert does not offer sponsorship nor take over sponsorship for an employment VISA. Employment is contingent on residence in California. Incomplete application packages will not be considered. All submitted materials become the property of College of the Desert Community College District and will not be returned or copied and will be considered for this position only. Salary placement will be contingent on all materials submitted for this position. Applicant bears the sole responsibility for ensuring that the application package is complete when submitted. All travel arrangements will be at applicant's expense. Application materials must be received by the deadline. Application materials received after the closing deadline will not be accepted. For online application, information, and instructions, visit the College of the Desert job opportunities website at https:// www.collegeofthedesert.edu/faculty-staff/human-resources/career-opportunities.php or call (760) 773-2529.

FAQs:

For additional information, click here: Recruitment - Frequently Asked Questions .

TIMELINES

For consideration, please apply by Sunday, May 31, 2026. Late submissions will not be accepted. Interviews are tentatively scheduled in-person in early July, 2026. Tentative schedule is subject to change based on District need.