Director of Human Resources

Kern Community College District is seeking a seasoned human resources leader to guide the delivery of HR services at Bakersfield College. This onsite role directs recruitment, classification and compensation, employee relations, HRIS, and training, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and district policies. The position requires strategic oversight across a multi-site district environment and a commitment to fostering a diverse, customer-focused workplace.

Location

Bakersfield College - Panorama Campus, Bakersfield, CA

Salary

Salary range: $155,737.56 - $220,053.10 annually

Job Type

Management - Classified Administrator

Department

Human Resources

Responsibilities

• Direct daily HR services at the College in line with District policies; oversee recruitment and selection, EEO and diversity compliance, ADA compliance, classification and compensation, personnel processing and records, performance management, recognition, training, and HRIS.
• Assist in shaping goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for HR programs in coordination with District HR; recommend and implement procedures.
• Evaluate service delivery methods, adjust staffing levels, and allocate resources to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
• Coordinate workplace investigations and ensure proper documentation and follow-up in collaboration with District HR.
• Engage in workforce planning, staffing analysis, succession planning, and leadership development initiatives.
• Ensure campus compliance with federal and state employment laws, the Education Code, Title 5 regulations, District policies, and collective bargaining agreements.
• Promote standardized HR practices across the District by following established procedures and supporting district-wide HR coordination and system-wide initiatives at the college.
• Assess workloads and internal systems, identify improvement opportunities, and implement changes.
• Plan and supervise HR functions and staff; assign projects, monitor progress, and resolve issues.
• Recruit, train, motivate, and evaluate staff; address performance deficiencies and implement disciplinary actions as needed.
• Help develop the HR annual budget, forecast staffing and material needs, monitor expenditures, and implement adjustments.
• Oversee employee data collection, analysis, reporting, and the administration of HRIS and electronic application systems; maintain data integrity.
• Collaborate with the Vice Chancellor, HR, on labor negotiation proposals for classified and faculty bargaining.
• Advance equal employment opportunity and diversity plans in recruitment, policy administration, and ADA/FMLA compliance.
• Manage HR operations for academic employees, including faculty qualifications, salary placements, tenure reviews, contracts, equivalency, and seniority.
• Participate in job classifications for classified and supervisory roles, including studies and compensation recommendations.
• Administer leaves of absence programs in compliance with laws and district policies; maintain related databases.
• Contribute to participatory governance by advising campus leaders on employee relations, union matters, new employee programs, and contract administration.
• Foster a diverse, results-oriented work culture with strong customer service and quality.
• Build constructive relationships with faculty, staff, students, and community partners.
• Provide staff support to the Vice Chancellor, HR; conduct organizational studies and present findings to inform policy changes and Board items.
• Serve as liaison between the college and District HR to ensure policy alignment and consistent interpretation across the district.
• Represent the college on committees and prepare necessary reports for various audiences.
• Stay current with HR trends and incorporate appropriate developments into practices.
• Respond to complex inquiries and complaints with professional problem-solving and discretion.
• Perform related duties as required.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with major coursework in human resources management, personnel administration, business or public administration, industrial relations, or a related field.
• A master’s degree is highly desirable.
• Five years of progressive professional HR experience, including at least two years in a supervisory or lead role, with hands-on work in recruitment, classification and compensation, employee/labor relations, compliance, or HRIS.
• Demonstrated sensitivity to diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, ethnic, and disability backgrounds among students and staff.
• Experience in a California community college or public sector, unionized environment.
• Proven ability to advise executive leadership on complex employee and labor relations matters.
• Experience interpreting and applying Education Code, Title 5, and collective bargaining agreements.
• Experience leading or supporting workplace investigations and disciplinary processes.
• Background in organizational development, workforce planning, or change management initiatives.
• Experience working in a multi-site or decentralized organization.

Technologies

• HRIS
• Electronic application and database systems

Knowledge & Abilities

• Knowledge of the operations and scope of a comprehensive HR program and the principles of HR management including recruitment, classification and compensation, employee/labor relations, and development.
• Familiarity with Title VII, Title IX, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA); negotiation and collective bargaining in the public sector.
• Understanding of recruitment, equal employment opportunity, and HRIS operations.
• Experience in program development, administration, and budget preparation and management.
• Strong supervisory, training, and performance evaluation skills.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws and regulations related to public personnel management, including the California Education Code.
• Leadership, team building, motivation, and conflict resolution abilities.
• Ability to investigate complaints, propose solutions, and participate in contract administration and bargaining.
• Proficiency in interpreting federal and state laws and regulations relevant to HR and education personnel matters.
• Ability to oversee and coordinate work of staff, including selection, training, and evaluation.
• Effective communication, presentation, and reporting skills for diverse audiences.
• Capacity to establish and maintain collaborative relationships with college personnel and community partners.
• Sensitivity to diverse backgrounds and the ability to communicate clearly in writing and verbally.