Human Resources Director

Human Resource Director

Are you a strategic HR leader who thrives at the intersection of people, policy, and purpose? This is an opportunity to shape the culture, workforce strategy, and leadership practices of a mission-driven state agency while serving as a trusted advisor to executive leadership.

As the agency's senior Human Resources leader, you will play a critical role in fostering a collaborative, equitable, and high-performing workplace—one where employees feel supported and empowered to do their best work in service of Oregonians.

In this executive-level role, you will provide strategic vision, leadership, and operational oversight for all Human Resources functions within the Department. You will serve as a key member of the agency's leadership team, guiding both long- and short-term human capital strategies that directly support the agency's mission and goals.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing high-level oversight of workplace relationships, employee engagement, and HR policies that support organizational effectiveness.
• Leading, planning, directing, and evaluating all phases of Human Resources and Payroll/Benefit administration.
• Serving as a strategic advisor to agency leadership and managers on performance management, employee relations, and organizational development, with an emphasis on collaboration, problem-solving, and early resolution.
• Developing and implementing HR policies, procedures, and initiatives that align with state requirements and agency priorities.
• Acting as an HR generalist with responsibility for labor relations, employee relations, recruitment, classification, policy development, and compliance.
• Partnering closely with DAS-CHRO, Labor Relations, and the Department of Justice on complex and sensitive matters.
• Advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion principles across HR practices and workplace culture.
• Identifying innovative and practical solutions to workforce challenges that balance employee needs with organizational goals.
• Supporting managers statewide, including in remote work environments, to ensure consistent and effective people management practices.

Benefits

The State of Oregon offers a comprehensive and affordable benefits package designed to support your health, financial well-being, and work-life balance, including:

• Excellent medical, vision, and dental coverage
• Paid holidays, personal business leave, vacation, and sick leave
• Optional benefits such as basic life insurance, short- and long-term disability
• Deferred compensation savings program
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and childcare expenses

This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while enjoying the stability and benefits of public service.

Compensation

Note:

Effective Feb. 1, 2026, the compensation plan for this position will be increased to reflect a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) of 2.5%. The salary listed in this posting does not reflect the COLA.

Minimum qualifications

• Candidates must meet one of the following:
• Six years of supervision, management or progressively related experience
• OR Three years related experience and a bachelor's degree in a related field

Ideal candidate attributes

• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain productive relationships with managers, employees, labor groups, etc.
• Strong communication skills to communicate clearly, professionally, and effectively, verbally and in writing, with a diverse group of partners. Including delivering consultations, training, or written guidance that resolves inquiries or issues.
• Experience analyzing HR data and HRIS reports to identify trends, support decisions, and recommend process or operational improvements.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and successfully manage competing priorities.

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every one of the desired attributes listed. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a non-traditional background. We would encourage you to apply, even if you don't meet every one of our attributes listed.

If you are unsure whether you meet the qualifications…