Description

The City of Bend is accepting applications for one (1) regular, full-time Human Resources Director in the City of Bend's central HR Department. This is a salaried, exempt (overtime ineligible), non-represented position. The City may use this job posting to create an eligibility list for future hiring purposes. Please review the entire job posting, including the application requirements at the end.

The City of Bend Human Resources Director provides strategic leadership and oversight of all HR programs, policies, and services for the City. The HR Director will promote a high-performance, customer-focused, and inclusive culture; build trust and partnerships; and provide executive level advice to City leaders.

This position aligns people strategies with the City’s goals that are informed by organizational values and community priorities reflected in Council Goals. This position develops and implements strategies to attract, retain, and engage a high-performing, diverse workforce, while ensuring compliance with applicable laws, collective bargaining agreements, and City policies.

The HR Director reports to the Assistant City Manager/Chief Innovation Officer and serves as a trusted advisor to executive leadership, department heads, and elected officials on workforce planning, employee/labor relations, and organizational development. The HR Director has a broad range of strategic, analytical, administrative, and project management duties. The position plans, organizes, manages and provides administrative direction and oversight for all functions and activities of the City's HR programs and services with the support of 10.5 full time employees in Central Human Resources. The City’s Human Resources function is comprised of a Central HR Department and decentralized Departmental Human Resources units.

Classification Framework: Executive Officer II 

What You'll Do
The following duties are a sample of major duties performed in this role and is not intended to be an exhaustive list.

• Develops and leads the implementation of City-wide HR strategies, structures and processes that are consistent with the City's goals and ensures that the appropriate resources and structures are in place to deliver effective results.
• Builds positive relationships with key stakeholders through communication, transparency, and shared problem-solving. Demonstrates insight into the varied programs and services of the City and applies occupational-specific knowledge to advance the City’s goals, in partnership with the departments.
• Works collaboratively with the City Manager, the City Council, department Directors, senior leaders, and labor representatives to build partnerships, assess and address organizational needs, and meet shared objectives.
• Instills value-based decision making, public stewardship, and cultivates a climate of accountability within the department and across the organization.
• Demonstrates a high level of emotional intelligence.
• Manages complexity, is a sophisticated systems thinker, and balances strategic mindset with hands-on operational oversight.
• Champions a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility and recommends ways to embed these principles into City systems and processes.
• Communicates effectively, both orally and in writing, while demonstrating professionalism and diplomacy in challenging situations.
• Maintains awareness of HR industry best practices and incorporates them into City operations.
• Directs the development and administration of budgets, policies, projects and programs of the department to effectively and efficiently deliver high quality services to the City.
• Ensures department and City operations conform to local, state, and federal government regulations, and applicable HR related rules and policies.
• Leads the development, documentation, and communication of consistent and transparent human resources processes across the organization. Oversees key functions such as Citywide HR administration and policy, labor relations, classification and compensation, leave, and benefits.
• Proactively monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of the human resource service delivery model and identifies opportunities for improvement using HR best practices and developed key performance indicators.
• Provides a team environment where employees feel valued and can make meaningful contributions.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will have a successful career as a leader with executive level experience in HR administration; labor and employee relations; classification & compensation, talent acquisition & retention, information systems & processes, leaves, and benefits. The HR Director will be a strong communicator, collaborator, and problem-solver. They will have demonstrated experience with process improvement.

The HR Director will be flexible with strong management skills and a customer-centered focus. The HR Director will be a hands-on, forward-facing leader that will drive culture change that encompasses diversity and inclusion and enables all employees to perform at their best.

Candidates who meet the listed minimum qualifications, including an equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered for an interview. Please ensure your application includes information about your education, relevant paid and unpaid work experience, and applicable licenses and certifications. Avoid referencing your resume in the job duties section of the application.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree; AND
• At least nine (9) years' progressively responsible human resources experience and at least seven (7) years of people management experience; OR
• An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job.

Desired (but not required) Attributes:

• Five (5) years of public sector experience with organizations of similar focus and composition;
• Experience as a HR Director or similar role;
• Extensive experience with organized labor (collective bargaining, contract and grievance administration);
• Professional certification (SHRM-SCP or equivalent).

What to Know Before Applying

Application Deadline: Applications received by Friday, November 14, 2025, 12:00 PM (noon) Pacific Time will be included in an initial review and consideration for interview; however, the position will remain open until filled.

Application Requirements: To be considered for an interview, applicants must complete an online application including the following attachments (failure to include required attachments may result in disqualification):

• Cover Letter
• Resume

The Community: Bend is nestled on the Eastern side of the Cascade Mountain Range, where little of the precipitation that is so often associated with Oregon actually makes it across the mountains. Bend receives an average of less than 12 inches of precipitation per year and enjoys lots of sunny, blue skies which is one reason our city is ranked among the most desirable places to live by national magazines. Bend offers many amenities for a city of its size. In addition to the sunny climate, people continue to move to the region for its year-round outdoor recreational activities, well established retail, top-rated restaurants, award winning parks system and thriving sense of community. With over 2.5 million acres of public land and open space, the area offers something for everyone. Opportunities abound for a variety of activities such as golf, bike riding, hiking, skiing, boating, camping and fishing.

City Government: The City of Bend operates under a Council-Manager form of government. The City Council consists of a mayor and six councilors serving staggered four year terms.  Appointed by the City Council, the City Manager administers the City's day-to-day operations. With a population of approximately 104,089 residents. Bend serves as the center of business activity for Central Oregon with a greater population of approximately 208,616. City departments include Police, Fire, Public Works, Community Development, and Central Services. The City of Bend currently has approximately 830 full time employees and a 2025- 2027 biennial budget of $1.48 billion. For more information on the City of Bend, please visit: www.bendoregon.gov

Veterans’ Preference: Applicants seeking Veterans’ Preference as a qualified veteran or disabled veteran must attach appropriate documentation to their application. For more information click here.

Equity Statement: The City of Bend remains committed to building a workforce that advances diversity and inclusion within our community and all we do. We recognize that not everyone starts from the same place, and that gender, race, ability, sexual orientation, and other identities face different barriers. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are dedicated to creating an inclusive, safe, and respectful workplace where employees can thrive without these barriers. A more extended version of the City of Bend’s Organizational Equity Statement is available upon request.

Benefits: The City of Bend offers an excellent competitive benefits package for Employees and Dependents for health and dental coverage, retirement benefits, and a robust paid leave program. Details are available on the benefits tab of the job posting.

Starting Compensation: Starting compensation is determined based on a pay equity analysis considering the candidate’s education, applicable work experience, and internal equity. Please include all relevant information on your application.