Title: Vice President of Human Resources

Location: San Diego, California

Salary Range: $154,026.16 – $233,348.96 annually - Final salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience

Client: San Diego Housing Commission (SDHC)

 

About SDHC

The San Diego Housing Commission (SDHC) is an award-winning public housing agency in the City of San Diego that provides innovative housing assistance programs for households with low income or experiencing homelessness. The San Diego City Council, in its role as the Housing Authority of the City of San Diego, oversees SDHC.

SDHC assists more than 17,000 households with low income annually and is a leader in collaborative efforts to address homelessness, including the Community Action Plan on Homelessness for the City of San Diego and SDHC’s homelessness initiative, HOUSING FIRST – SAN DIEGO. Since November 2014, this initiative has created more than 11,000 housing solutions for individuals experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness.

In addition, SDHC plays a key role in creating and preserving affordable housing, with more than 23,000 affordable rental units currently in service in the City of San Diego through its participation.

About the Department

The Human Resources Department provides overall policy direction and administrative support related to the management of employees across all Commission departments.

The department’s mission is to serve as a strategic partner by delivering Human Resources programs that attract, develop, retain, and engage a skilled and diverse workforce.

About the Position

The San Diego Housing Commission seeks a Vice President of Human Resources to provide strategic leadership and coordination of the Commission’s Human Resources functions. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, this executive-level leader will join the Commission’s leadership team and help advance HR strategies, programs, policies, and services that support the organization’s goals.

The Vice President of Human Resources will support an organization of approximately 350 employees and lead a Human Resources team that includes two Program Managers, one Analyst, one HR Technician, and two Benefits team members.

This executive will oversee all activities of the Human Resources Department, including recruitment and selection, training and organizational development, classification and compensation, benefits administration, labor relations, employee relations, compliance, and HR data management. This is an exciting opportunity for a seasoned HR leader to oversee a full-service HR function in a complex, mission-driven public agency environment.

The Vice President will participate in labor contract negotiations, administer employee labor contracts, advise on grievances and disciplinary matters, and support the investigation and resolution of complaints. This leader will also monitor changes in employment laws, regulations, and technology, recommending and implementing policy and procedural changes as needed.

The successful candidate will serve as a key liaison with other Commission departments, outside agencies, committees, and task forces, and may present to the Housing Authority, Housing Commission, and other boards and commissions. This position calls for a thoughtful, credible, and hands-on HR executive who can provide sound leadership, build strong relationships, and support the Commission’s workforce and mission.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight of all Human Resources programs, services, and operations
• Serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership on workforce strategy, organizational structure, and employee-related matters
• Lead labor relations efforts, including collective bargaining, contract negotiations, and ongoing employee relations matters
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations
• Oversee classification and compensation programs to maintain internal equity and market competitiveness
• Direct benefits administration and evaluate opportunities for program enhancements and cost efficiencies
• Lead organizational development initiatives, including training, leadership development, and workforce planning
• Evaluate and improve HR policies, processes, and systems to enhance operational effectiveness
• Partner cross-functionally, including with Finance, to support payroll strategy and overall organizational alignment
• Build, lead, and develop a high-performing HR team
• Serve as a visible leader across the organization and represent HR in executive, Commission, committee, and stakeholder settings.

Ideal Candidate

The San Diego Housing Commission seeks a strategic and experienced Human Resources executive to lead a comprehensive HR function while serving as a trusted advisor to executive leadership. This individual will bring a strong foundation in labor relations, compliance, and organizational leadership, along with the ability to operate effectively in a complex, highly visible, and mission-driven public agency environment.

The ideal candidate will be a strategic and hands-on leader, capable of balancing long-term workforce planning with day-to-day operational oversight. This role requires an individual who can quickly build credibility, foster strong relationships across the organization, and guide the HR function in support of the Commission’s goals, workforce needs, and organizational priorities.

This leader will play a key role in elevating the Human Resources function as a core strategic partner, ensuring alignment across departments and strengthening HR’s presence within the executive team.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university in business, or a related field; and
• Ten (10) years of progressively responsible Human Resources leadership or management experience; and
• At least five (5) years in a management capacity
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver’s License by time of appointment
• Possession of a Human Resources certification from an accredited college or university program

Desirable Qualifications

• Advanced degree (Master’s or Juris Doctor), preferably with coursework in employment or labor law
• Significant experience in labor relations, including collective bargaining and employee relations
• Strong knowledge of California employment law and federal labor regulations
• Experience in public sector, quasi-public, or other highly regulated environments
• Experience leading organizational change or workforce transitions
• Demonstrated ability to operate as both a strategic and hands-on leader
• Experience working in a unionized environment
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills across diverse stakeholder groups

Compensation and Benefits

The San Diego Housing Commission offers a competitive executive compensation package, including a comprehensive benefits program designed to support employees’ health, financial well-being, and work-life balance.

Benefits Include:

• 9/80 compressed work schedule (office closed every other Friday)
• 15 paid holidays, including three floating holidays
• Employer-paid pension contribution of 14% of base salary
• 457 tax-deferred savings plan
• Social Security exempt status
• Tuition reimbursement up to $5,000 annually
• Medical coverage options (Sharp PPO/HMO and Kaiser Permanente HMO)
• Dental and vision coverage
• Flexible spending account (FSA)
• Health and wellness programs
• Employee rewards and recognition program
• Executive auto allowance

For additional details, please visit:
https://www.sdhc.org/sdhc-employee-benefits/

 

How to Apply

Candidates are encouraged to express interest early in the process. This recruitment is considered open until filled. For first consideration, please submit your application by May 20, 2026.

Selection Process

Applications will be screened for relevant qualifying experience. Additional screening mechanisms may be implemented to determine candidates’ qualifications. Only those applicants who most closely meet the needs of the Commission will be invited to participate in the selection process. Applicants meeting the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement in the selection process

For immediate and confidential consideration, interested candidates may contact Amanda Kreller, Director, Executive Search at AKreller@berkeleysearch.com