The City of Suffolk
Invites you to apply for
Director of Human Resources
ABOUT SUFFOLK Suffolk was founded by English colonists in 1742 as a port town on the Nansemond River in the Virginia Colony. Originally known as Constant’s Warehouse, for John Constant, Suffolk was renamed after Royal Governor William Gooch’s home of Suffolk, a county in East Anglia, England. Before European contact, indigenous American tribes lived in the region for thousands of years. At the time of English settlement, the Nansemond Indians lived along the river. In the early colonial years, the English cultivated tobacco as a commodity crop, but later turned to mixed farming. It became the county seat of Nansemond County in 1750.
As Suffolk continues to grow and script its ongoing history, now is the time to begin your journey in a City poised for growth in the years to come!
Suffolk became an incorporated town in 1808. In 1910, it incorporated as a city and separated from Nansemond County. However, it remained the seat of Nansemond County until 1972, when its former county became the independent city of Nansemond. In 1974, the independent cities of Suffolk and Nansemond merged under Suffolk’s name and charter. Today, Suffolk is experiencing a considerable period of growth in both industry and population. Boasting rural charm with big city industry, Suffolk is located in the heart of Hampton Roads offering easy access to major transportation routes, beaches, and other area attractions. Named one of “America’s 100 Best Small Cities” by CNN Money Magazine, Suffolk is the largest city in Virginia with over 430 square miles of land with countless hiking trails, boating waterways, and gorgeous golf courses to keep anyone busy and active. The City of Suffolk achieved the highly acclaimed and much-lauded AAA rating following upgrades by Standard & Poor and Fitch on the City’s outstanding general obligation bonds (GO) and long term rating. The basis for the ratings upgrades were attributed in part to Suffolk’s strong management and financial policies and the consistent ability to maintain balanced budgets as well as a robust economy. The City hosts several major events every year that instill a deep sense of community that makes it unique among larger metropolitan areas. With one of the lowest crime rates in the Hampton Roads region and a 100% accreditation of its public schools, Suffolk is the ideal place to raise a family. Suffolk’s location is also perfect for vacation planning. With Williamsburg only 60 miles away, Washington D.C. 200 miles away, and the Outer Banks a quick 50 miles to the south, there’s always something to do!
The Position The Director of Human Resources is a key member of the City Manager's Executive Leadership Team with responsibility for driving key Human Resources (HR) & Risk Management best practices and initiatives to provide strategic direction and expertise for the full scope of the HR function. Reporting directly to the City Manager, the Director of HR will develop and execute the HR strategy for the City of Suffolk. This role will provide HR advisory and development services with regards to risk management, HRIS systems, benefits, complex policy development and interpretation, leadership, coaching, employee relations, talent acquisition, engagement, culture, compensation, organizational design and change, performance management & learning and development. Incumbent is also responsible for interpreting complex regulations and laws; developing and implementing new City ordinances for program management as necessary; addressing employee complaints or concerns; assisting elected officials in employee matters; and acting as liaison to outside organizations and agencies involved in City employee matters while leading, assessing, mentoring
The Ideal Candidate The City desires a progressive community leader who coaches, develops, influences, and challenges the management team on the execution of business priorities and on people leadership. As a strategic business partner, leads HR operations and implementation of City initiatives aligned with the City’s vision, mission, and values. Strong candidates will be committed to public servants, programs, activities , and solutions in support of diversity and inclusion.
and comprehensive Human Resources program for municipal structure, or similar organization, and extensive experience in developing and implementing strategic plans.
Benefits Excellent salary and benefits. Some benefits include personal leave, health insurance, short term & long term disability, optional life insurance, legal services and many more.
Supplemental Information Reasonable moving expenses will be paid to successful incumbent if not already a resident of the City of Suffolk. Residency of the City of Suffolk is required for this position. Incumbent has up to one year to establish residency .
Application Process If you are eagerly seeking an exciting and challenging work environment in a city that offers opportunities both in and out of the office, applications are submitted through the City of Suffolk’s website at www.suffolkva.us. Application submissions will be treated as confidential. The City of Suffolk is an EOE.
Education & Experience Bachelor's degree in Human Resources Management or related field (Master’s Degree preferred), and 10 years of progressively responsible Human Resources leadership experience in public personnel administration and management including demonstrated experience managing a full