9/8/2025 11:55 PM Pacific
Date Posted 8/15/2025 Contact Human Resources(949) 582-4850 Number of Openings 1 Salary Pay Range
$210,660.00 - $296,460.00 Annually Add'l Salary Info $210,660.00 - $296,460.00 Annually Length of Work Year see in job descripton Employment Type Full Time Job Description / Essential Elements: Print
Executive Director, Human Resources and Employee/Employer Relations
Salary: $210,660.00 - $296,460.00 Annually
Location: District Services - Mission Viejo, CA
Job Type: DS - Management (Full-Time)
Job Number: 202400587
Office, Division, or School: DS - Human Resources
Opening Date: 08/14/2025
Supplemental Information
Initial Screening Date: September 8, 2025
Range 23 of the District Management Team Salary Schedule
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday (8:00 AM - 5:00 PM) (evening and weekends as needed)
Hours per Week: 40
Months per Year 12
Application Instructions:
• Complete all sections and fields on the application and attach all required documents – incomplete applications may not be considered.
• Include all relevant education, training, and/or experience on the application.
• Do not include any personally identifiable, confidential, or otherwise unrequested information that does not pertain to job related factors (e.g., social security number, date of birth, pictures, etc.) on your application or attached documents.
• For job postings with a close date, all applications received by 11:59 PM (Pacific Time) on the job posting close date, will receive consideration.
• For job postings with an initial screening date, all applications received by 11:59 PM (Pacific Time) on the job posting initial screening date, will receive priority consideration; however, typically the job posting will remain open, and continue to accept applications, until the position is filled.
• For job postings requiring professional references, include at least three (3) professional references from the following categories:
1. Current department chair(s) (for faculty) or supervisor(s);
2. Previous department chair(s) (for faculty) or supervisor(s) (from within the past five (5) years);
3. Master’s thesis or Doctoral Dissertation advisor or supervisor (for faculty);
4. Colleague(s) or co-worker(s) who can address professional competency and skills relevant to the position; and/or
5. Other professional references.
Please note, professional references are typically contacted when a candidate is selected for, or as a finalist for, a position.
Description
Specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the position. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION
To plan, develop, administer, organize, coordinate, implement, direct and evaluate the District-wide human resources programs, services, operations and activities for management, academic, confidential, and classified personnel, including recruitment, testing, selection, hiring, employment, wage and salary administration and collective bargaining; work directly with managers, supervisors, employees, and representative groups to maintain positive employee/employer relations and resolve disputes; provide District-wide consultation and technical direction in human resources programs, employee and union contract management and investigation, and resolution of unlawful discrimination and harassment complaints; ensure that programs are operating within the appropriate human resources parameters and remain in compliance with District, local, State and/or federal requirements and guidelines, including Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO), Fair Employee and Housing Act (FEHA), and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA); ensure timely and accurate submission of required human resources reports and documents; and provide complex staff assistance to the Vice Chancellor of Human Resources.
To foster a culture of collaboration, mutual respect, innovation, and continuous improvement throughout the District; lead by example; actively participate in and support District-wide participatory governance components and activities and other collaborative processes; encourage professional excellence among the staff and promote an organizational culture of customer service, innovation, and quality services.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general direction from the Vice Chancellor of Human Resources.
Exercises functional and technical supervision over professional, technical, clerical and other personnel as assigned.
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES
The following duties and responsibilities are typical for this position. Incumbents may not perform all the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.
• In a participatory governance setting, plan, develop, administer, organize, coordinate, implement and direct a variety of core functions in human resources programs, services, operations and activities, such as recruitment and selection, employment, classification, compensation, certification, collective bargaining, employee and union contract management, investigation and resolution of discrimination and harassment complaints, and staff training and development to ensure the viability and legality of human resources policies, programs, improvement of human resources services, and maintain established practices and standards.
• Assist the Vice Chancellor of Human Resources in developing and administering the District’s EEO, Equity and Inclusion, and ADA/FEHA programs, services, policies and procedures in compliance with District, State and federal regulations; and assist in the formulation and development of other human resources programs, goals and objectives, and new or revised policies and procedures; develop and maintain diverse recruitment pools; work in conjunction with District administrators, managers, and supervisors to facilitate resolutions related to ADA/FEHA compliance and provide oversight and direction to the District’s Interactive Process.
• Facilitate efforts in the District’s organizational planning, especially in the area of human resources and staff planning, development of organizational structures, and work processes and procedures that facilitate attainment of established program goals and objectives; develop, implement and maintain appropriate methods and procedures to optimize efficient and effective delivery of services related to assigned functions; monitor and evaluate operations and activities and take corrective actions as necessary.
• Answer questions and provide technical expertise, information and assistance to the Vice Chancellor of Human Resources, other District managers, administrators and employees, students, and the public regarding assigned human resources and employee/employer relations functions and other matters, such as insurance programs and employee benefits; work closely with various human resources department personnel; coordinate efforts with risk management, employee benefits, and payroll departments; and work closely with the colleges and departments to meet their service requirements and needs.
• Serve as an active member and primary technical human resources support to the Vice Chancellor of Human Resources of District negotiating teams for collective bargaining as assigned; serve as liaison and work cooperatively with bargaining unit representatives for both classified and academic staff; ensure the adherence to applicable provisions of collective bargaining agreements.
• Assist with legal issues relating to labor relations and employee relations; prepare or propose District case positions/responses regarding PERB, discipline or grievance issues; interact directly with attorneys and law firms; receive and respond to complaints and grievances from employees and students regarding discrimination, sexual harassment, employment contract violations and other issues; conduct and oversee research, investigations and grievance sessions to determine resolutions in accordance with District policies, practices and procedures and applicable collective bargaining agreements; and recommend appropriate corrective action and counsel employees as appropriate.
• Interpret, apply and explain laws, rules, regulations, policies and practices related to human resources administration, equal employment opportunities and collective bargaining; counsel District administrators, managers, supervisory personnel and others on the relevance of federal and State human resources laws affecting assigned functional areas; counsel administrators, managers, and supervisors on matters concerning job performance issues and complaints.
• Ensure that position vacancies are filled in a timely manner; direct the recruitment, testing and selection of applicants for employment and provide leadership, consultation, training, and advice; participate in recommending candidates for employment; direct the processing, completion and recording of all human resources transactions; direct the preparation, distribution and completion of administrative and academic contracts; ensure that all personnel records related to assigned functions are maintained according to established procedures; respond, on behalf of the District, to complaints or inquiries by job applicants; investigate and research background of complaints, serve as the first line of defense in resolving employment hiring issues; oversee fingerprint procedures and submission to the Department of Justice (DOJ), ensuring compliance with DOJ fingerprinting rules and procedures.
• Ensure the annual performance evaluation of all District employees and that eligible employees receive appropriate salary step increases, cost of living adjustments or other salary schedule changes; coordinate, work with and assist supervisors in improving below standard work performance of assigned employees, evaluating and documenting progressive discipline issues and recommending employee terminations as necessary.
• Direct the timely coordination of employee recognition programs, such as “Outstanding Classified Employee of the Year.”
• Communicate with other human resources personnel, District and college administrators and support personnel, representatives of State and federal agencies, educational institutions, social service organizations, counselors and others to coordinate programs and activities; maintain liaison with the Employee Assistance Program.
• Review, recommend and implement new, revised or updated District policies, administrative regulations and procedures, ensuring legal compliance; interpret, apply and explain District policies, procedures and State and federal legal requirements to conduct the District’s human resources programs.
• Represent the District as needed regarding assigned areas of human resources; chair or serve on committees, task forces and other work groups; provide technical expertise concerning assigned areas of human resources and employee/employer relations.
• Review and certify the accuracy of data concerning personnel and employee/employer relations program participation; oversee the development and enhancement of human resource information systems; conduct research and direct the timely and accurate compilation, preparation and submittal of a variety of statistical and narrative reports, annual reports, proposals, recommendations, special studies, correspondence and other materials, as required or requested by the Board of Trustees, District administrators, the State or federal government or other agencies.
• Manage and coordinate the collection and analysis of employment, salary, and assignment information for personnel reporting purposes; direct the timely preparation and submission of related Board agenda action items for administrative, academic, classified and temporary personnel for Board approval; prepare reports on a wide range of human resources subjects for Board presentation and consideration; ensure the timely preparation and distribution of other up-to-date human resources information, such as recruitment flyers and web pages.
• Ensure the timely preparation and distribution of required information to targeted employees, such as an accurate accounting of accumulated vacation time for each District administrator and classified employee and Sabbatical Leave application memorandum to eligible faculty.
• Train, guide, supervise, support and evaluate the performance of assigned personnel; delegate and review assignments and projects; evaluate work products and results; establish and monitor timelines and prioritize work; interview, select and recommend hiring of employees; recommend transfers, reassignment, termination and disciplinary action; motivate staff and resolve conflicts within the group; provide a climate that encourages staff development in formulation of job objectives and provides for staff participation to achieve goals and objectives for assigned services.
• Manage the District’s job classification and compensation system; conduct and oversee wage and benefit surveys; evaluate and monitor District pay policies to ensure pay equity and compliance with contractual agreements and legal requirements.
• Supervise programs and support services in human resources which link expenditures of District-controlled funds and District-approved activities with accomplishment of District-wide goals and objectives; prepare, administer, recommend, and monitor annual budgets for areas of assignment; prepare recommendations and justifications regarding budget requests for staff, equipment, materials and supplies; authorize expenditures according to District policies and applicable regulations.
• Maintain current knowledge of changes, concepts, methods, requirements, regulations and policies for assigned programs, including computer programs and software enhancements.
• Develop and provide written and oral reports, presentations, and trainings to employees and/or the public at various gatherings; conduct workshops to provide specialized information regarding the human resources programs and services of the District; ensure the development and dissemination of information related to new or revised automated systems, requirements or regulations affecting human resources operations and services; identify, communicate and make recommendations regarding trends in human resources.
• Represent the District in court, at hearings and on related administrative, personnel, and other committee and commissions, as appropriate.
• Perform other duties as assigned that support the overall objective of the position and the District's mission and philosophy.
• Report to work on a regular and consistent basis, as scheduled, to assigned job.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE GUIDELINES
Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Education:
A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in human resources management, business or public administration or a closely related field, including or supplemented by training in employee/employer relations. A Juris Doctorate (JD), Doctor of Education (EdD), master’s degree with emphasis in business or public administration, psychology, industrial organization psychology, or industrial relations is preferred.
Experience:
At least five years of increasingly responsible experience in employee/employer relations and human resources managing human resources operations and activities, including recruitment and selection, employment, wage and salary administration, collective bargaining, contract administration, grievances, and investigation and resolution of discrimination and harassment complaints, in a public education setting, including at least three years in a supervisory capacity or at least five years providing direction to managerial/administrative personnel on employee relations matters.
Commitment to equity and diversity. All applicants must have demonstrated sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, faculty and staff. The applicant must be able to demonstrate how these factors relate to the need for equity-minded practices within an educational environment.
LICENSES, CERTIFICATES, AND/OR OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
• Valid California driver's license.
KNOWLEDGE OF:
• Budget preparation and control.
• Computer systems and software applications related to human resources and employee/employer relations programs.
• Conflict resolution methodologies.
• District policies and procedures related to human resources management.
• Effective labor relations with a focus on informal and formal dispute resolution strategies.
• Human resources information systems functions and operations.
• Interpersonal skills including tact, patience, diplomacy, and emotional intelligence.
• Methods of developing selection devices, grading test items, and assuring job relevance.
• Modern office practices, procedures, methods, and equipment.
• Negotiation techniques and public sector collective bargaining processes.
• Oral and written communication skills, including business report writing.
• Position management and organizational design.
• Principles of organization, management, supervision, employee and organizational development, leadership, team building, motivation, conflict resolution, and training
• Principles, trends, practices, procedures, methods and techniques of human resources management in the public sector involving recruitment and selection, employment, wage and salary administration, diversity and EEO, collective bargaining, contract administration, staff training and development, and investigation and resolution of discrimination and harassment complaints.
• Progressive discipline procedures and documentation.
• Public employment programs, including recruitment, selection, classification, performance appraisal, self-funded employee benefits, equal employment opportunities, worker’s compensation and records management.
• State and federal laws, codes and regulations related to public human resources management and collective bargaining, including the California
• Education Code, American with Disabilities Act, and the California Government Code.
• Technical aspects of human resources management.
ABILITY TO:
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.
• Apply collaborative work strategies and gain the cooperation of employees at all levels of the organization.
• Assist in developing and administering policies and procedures for human resources.
• Assure the preparation, maintenance and retention of personnel files and data.
• Collect, compile and analyze data.
• Communicate clearly, concisely and effectively, both orally and in writing, with diverse constituencies within and outside of the District.
• Conduct effective internal investigations.
• Develop, monitor, and administer assigned budget.
• Encourage professional excellence among the staff and promote an organizational culture of customer service, innovation, and quality services.
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Exercise initiative and work independently with minimum direction.
• Interpret, apply and explain applicable District policies and procedures.
• Interpret, apply and explain applicable local, State and federal laws and regulations.
• Make effective public presentations to a variety of audiences on human resources related topics.
• Negotiate collective bargaining agreements.
• Operate computer and applications software, including database management, spreadsheet, word processing and software related to human resources.
• Operate modern office equipment such as computer, printer, calculator, copier and facsimile machine.
• Participate in developing automated human resources information systems.
• Plan and organize work.
• Plan, develop, organize, coordinate, direct and evaluate assigned human resources functions, programs, services, operations and activities.
• Prepare and present comprehensive oral and written reports and recommendations.
• Prepare complex and comprehensive human resources summaries, reports and analyses.
• Provide leadership in a variety of human resources areas including recruitment, selection, equal employment opportunities, compensation and benefits,
• collective bargaining, grievance and disciplinary procedures, performance appraisal and records management.
• Recruit administrative, academic, and classified personnel.
• Relate effectively to people of varied academic, cultural and socioeconomic background using tact, diplomacy and courtesy.
• Select, train, lead, direct, supervise and evaluate the performance of assigned personnel.
• Train, lead, guide and direct managers and supervisors to effectively address and resolve employee concerns.
• Understand and effectively and collaboratively work in a complicated multi-college environment, as well as within a system of community college districts.
• Work cooperatively with Information Technology personnel to develop sound information and reporting systems and procedures related to human resources.
WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.
Work Environment:
Standard office setting. Typically, duties are performed in an office environment while sitting at a desk or computer workstation. Incumbents are subject to contact with others, frequent interruptions, noise from talking or office equipment and demanding legal timelines. At least minimal environmental controls to assure health and comfort.
Physical Demands:
Incumbents regularly sit for long periods, walk short distances on a regular basis, travel to various locations to attend meetings and conduct work, use hands and fingers to operate an electronic keyboard or other office machines, reach with hands and arms, stoop or kneel or crouch to file, speak clearly and distinctly to answer telephones and to provide information; see to read fine print and operate computer; hear and understand voices over telephone and in person; and lift, carry, and/or move objects weighing up to 10 pounds.
Notice to all Candidates for Employment:
The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, Public Law 99-603, requires that employers obtain documentation from every new employee which authorizes that individual to accept employment in this country. The South Orange County Community College District (SOCCCD) will not sponsor any visa applications.
Employees must reside in California while employed with the SOCCCD.
California Public Employees Retirement System and California State Teachers Retirement System:
A California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) retiree may not accept employment until after the first 180 days of retirement. Anyone retired from CalPERS accepting permanent employment with the SOCCCD will be required to reinstate as an active CalPERS member. Please contact CalPERS for additional information regarding your retirement status.
Any active vested member of California State Teachers Retirement System (CalSTRS), who accepts employment with the SOCCCD to perform service that requires membership in CalPERS, is eligible to elect to continue retirement system coverage under CalSTRS
Disability Accommodations:
If you require special accommodations in the application and/or evaluation process, please notify Human Resources at least two (2) business days prior to the job posting close or initial screening date, by either calling (949) 582-4850 or sending an e-mail to hrinfodesk@socccd.edu.
Attendance Requirement:
All SOCCCD employees are required to report to work on a regular and consistent basis, as scheduled, to assigned job.
Campus Crime and Safety Awareness:
Information regarding campus crime and safety awareness can be found at www.ivc.edu or www.saddleback.edu. Paper copies are available in the Human Resources office upon request.
Non-Discrimination Notice:
The SOCCCD provides access to its services, classes, and programs without regard to national origin, immigration status, religion, age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, race, ethnicity, color, medical condition, military and veteran status, genetic information, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, or because they are perceived to have one or more of the foregoing characteristics, or based on association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.
California Fair Chance Act:
The SOCCCD will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if the SOCCCD is concerned about a conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Equal Employment Opportunity:
The SOCCCD is looking for equity and inclusion-minded applicants who represent the full diversity of California and who demonstrate a sensitivity to the understanding of diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds present within our community.
The SOCCCD is committed to ensuring that all students have the opportunity to succeed in their classes and as such, to eliminating institutional barriers that disproportionately impact students of color. Irvine Valley College and Saddleback College are deeply committed to fostering an inclusive environment where students, staff, and faculty from diverse backgrounds can thrive academically and professionally.
Irvine Valley College (IVC) serves approximately 21,584 students, reflecting a rich diversity: 41% Asian, 2% Black/African-American, 21% Hispanic/Latino, 8% Southwest Asian and North African, 5% two or more races, and 21% White in Fall 2024.
Similarly, Saddleback College (SC) serves around 25,789 students, with demographics showing 12% Asian, 2% Black/African-American, 29% Hispanic/Latino, 5% two or more races, and 47% White in Fall 2024.
These numbers underscore the importance of our commitment to eliminating equity gaps across all student demographics through implementing dynamic, student-centered practices and policies. To support the academic and career success of our diverse student body, we seek a candidate who will actively contribute to our mission of inclusivity and support. The ideal candidate's values will align with SOCCCD’s goals for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO).
THE SOCCCD IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Requirements / Qualifications
For more information on Requirements/Qualifications, please contact the employer.
Comments and Other InformationFor more information on Comments and Other Information, please contact the employer.
CalPERS Links Not all postings qualify for CalPERS. Informational Only. CalPERS Retirement Benefits ADD TO WISHLIST VIEW JOB WISHLIST APPLY (Current Employees ONLY) APPLY QUICK APPLY