Department Administrator, Senior - People and Culture Division

The Human Resources Department is seeking an experienced, strategic Senior Department Administrator to lead our People and Culture Division. In this key leadership role, you will partner closely with the HR senior management team and report directly to the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO). The ideal candidate brings depth in multiple HR disciplines, a strong record of leading teams and initiatives, and the ability to build alignment across a complex, evolving organization. This is an opportunity to continue to shape the future of our People and Culture Division, strengthen countywide HR services, and help cultivate a workplace where employees feel valued, supported, and included.

This position is hybrid and work will be performed on-site at least two to three days per week at 625 South 4th Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55487 and other locations throughout Hennepin County, some of which have limited access to public transportation. Work hours will be Monday through Friday, with typical hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. While this position is designated as hybrid the selected candidate must reside in or relocate to Minnesota or Wisconsin to work onsite as required. 

New Employee Orientation (NEO) and New Employee Academy (NEA) for all new benefit-earning employees is in-person in downtown Minneapolis. Details about NEO and NEA will be provided upon hire.

• Oversee and provide direction to HR teams, including Talent Acquisition, Learning and Development, Change Management, Strategic Initiatives, Employee Career Center, Workplace Inclusion, and Communications; oversee the development and coordination of programs and supporting administrative systems in accordance with county and Human Resources goals and priorities. 
• Demonstrate core leadership responsibilities by setting performance expectations, evaluating employee results, and ensuring accountability; oversee daily work assignments, provide coaching and development opportunities, participate in hiring decisions, and manage budgets responsibly while serving as a steward of county resources.
• Lead efforts to promote workplace inclusion and foster a positive culture of belonging, ensuring diversity, equity, and inclusion practices are embedded throughout HR processes.
• Oversee and support the development of change management strategies to support organizational transformation, employee engagement, and adaptation to new business needs.
• Collaborate with HR senior management to develop and implement HR strategies that enhance departmental performance, foster a positive workplace culture, and ensure compliance with state and federal laws, policies, and contracts.
• Participate in the planning, evaluation, and measurement of services to develop data-informed, person-centered recommendations for program and policy changes and effectively communicate recommendations.
• Ensure effective workforce planning to HR teams by developing high-performing and accountable staff while supporting and empowering managers to deliver consistent and equitable people-management services that are aligned with county and Human Resources department goals.
• Serve as a member of the HR leadership team and represent HR on countywide committees and projects, as needed.
• Maintain a strong on-site presence to facilitate collaboration, enhance communication, drive process improvement, and provide effective leadership across all teams.
• Ensure responsibility for financial resources and employee resources for the success of the department and organization and prepare and justify budget proposals.
• Other duties as assigned.

• One of the following:
  • Ten years or more of program administration experience in government or an organization closely related to government.
  • Bachelor's degree or higher in business administration, political science, or other field appropriate to the position and six years or more of program administration experience in government or an organization closely related to government.

• Seven or more years of progressive human resources experience, including significant practitioner experience in multiple HR disciplines such as talent acquisition, learning and development, change management, and diversity/inclusion.
• Five or more years in a senior HR leadership role, managing teams and leading strategic initiatives.
• Demonstrated experience in bridging senior leadership with frontline HR teams, especially in environments with new leaders.

• Experience:
  • Managing HR team(s) in a public sector environment.
  • Building and operationalizing strategic plans to ensure alignment with department and county goals and initiatives.
  • Communicating complex or sensitive information clearly to internal and external stakeholders across all levels.
  • Facilitating cross-functional collaboration to align teams around shared priorities and values.
  • Developing budgets, monitoring fiscal performance, and allocating resources effectively.
  • Using data and research to inform recommendations, evaluate program effectiveness, and guide policy changes.
  • Leading through change and driving transformation initiatives with clarity and purpose.
• Ability to:
  • Inspire trust, build strong relationships, and champion a people-centered, inclusive culture.
  • Demonstrate critical thinking and analytical skills. 
  • Balance strategic vision with operational execution across multiple HR functions.
  • Plan long-term organizational transformation while managing day-to-day complexities.
  • Coach leaders at all levels and foster an environment where teams feel empowered and accountable.
  • Design equitable workforce systems that support a diverse employee population.
  • Apply systems thinking to understand how decisions affect interconnected departments and services.
• Knowledge of:
  • HR disciplines, including talent acquisition, learning and development, change management, workforce planning, HR communications, and workplace inclusion.
  • Public-sector governance, organizational development, and policy-making.
  • State and federal employment laws, labor relations, and compliance requirements.

This position is performed primarily in a standard office setting with or without reasonable accommodation, including:

• Spending extended periods sitting at a desk using a computer, keyboard, and mouse.
• Standing, walking, or moving between meeting rooms and shared office areas.
• Lifting or carrying office materials, typically up to 10–20 pounds.
• Repetitive motions associated with typing, writing, and operating office equipment.
• Navigating typical office conditions, including shared spaces, moderate noise levels, and regular foot traffic.
• Using standard office equipment such as computers, scanners, printers, copiers, and monitors.

The Human Resources department at Hennepin County drives organizational success by attracting and retaining top talent through equitable, innovative, and outcome-focused HR practices. The department delivers strategic and operational excellence by developing value-added policies and programs, fostering a respectful and collaborative workplace, and providing proactive, customer-focused solutions that support employee growth and meet the evolving needs of the organization and its residents.