Deputy Director - Operations Director II (DHR)

Baltimore City • Baltimore, MD

4d

About The Position

The Baltimore City Department of Human Resources (DHR) is seeking a highly experienced, innovative, and results-driven executive to serve as Deputy Director. Reporting directly to the Director of Human Resources, this at-will position serves as the Department’s second-in-command and provides executive leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight across agency-wide administrative and cross-functional operations. The Deputy Director is a key member of the Department’s Senior Executive Leadership Team and is responsible for advancing components of the Department’s Strategic Plan; coordinating, assigning, and tracking executive-level work priorities; and ensuring the timely and effective execution of departmental initiatives. The Deputy Director will be required to participate in negotiating and administering labor contracts after agreement is reached. This role exercises significant independent judgment and discretion in a complex public-sector environment and requires strong business acumen, political awareness, and the ability to lead through influence and collaboration. The Deputy Director represents the Department in high-level internal and external engagements, including presentations to boards, City Council, community stakeholders, and staff, and serves as a principal liaison between the Director, City leadership, and external partners. Success in this role requires demonstrated alignment with the City of Baltimore’s and DHR’s mission, values, and strategic vision, as well as the ability to lead diverse teams, manage competing priorities, and navigate a fast-paced, highly visible operating environment.

Requirements

• Knowledge of the principles, practices, and procedures of public and business administration, including organizational management, policy development, and governmental operations.
• Knowledge of budgeting, fiscal oversight, and administrative controls within a public-sector environment.
• Ability to provide executive leadership and strategic direction in a complex organization, including managing large, diverse teams through subordinate managerial staff.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and political awareness when addressing sensitive, high-impact, or confidential matters.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess complex issues, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective solutions.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, including preparing and presenting clear, concise recommendations, reports, and executive-level briefings.
• Ability to research, analyze, and prepare complex narrative, operational, and statistical reports.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to foster relationships and maintain effective working relationships with City, State, and Federal officials; community organizations; business partners; and internal stakeholders.
• Ability to plan, organize, assign, and direct the work of others; supervise and evaluate staff; and support professional growth and performance management.
• Ability to interpret and apply laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures, including the development and implementation of program and operational standards.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with tact, professionalism, and integrity.
• Demonstrated commitment to public service, customer service excellence, and continuous organizational improvement.
• Serves as an effective facilitator and consensus builder with multiple stakeholders with diverse views and needs.
• A Master’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Human Resources, Management, Law, or a related field from an accredited college or university is required.
• At least 12 years of progressively responsible management experience, at least six (6) of which are key management role(s) in a large, complex, and diverse enterprise.
• Equivalencies – An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in accordance with City policy.
• This position is subject to Article I, Section 7-10 of the Baltimore City Code, which mandates that the incumbent both reside and be a registered voter of Baltimore City at the time of appointment or sign a declaration of intent to become a City resident and registered voter within 6 months of the effective date of their appointment.
• Failure to comply with the declaration of intent will result in immediate termination.
• You will also be required to complete a Financial Disclosure pursuant to Sections 7-7, 7-8, and 7-9 of the City Ethics Law.
• The initial financial disclosure must be submitted within 30 days of hire.
• This position will also require the candidate to complete an Affidavit for Political Appointees and Public Officials.
• Eligible candidates under final consideration for appointment to positions identified as positions of trust will be required to complete authorization for a Criminal Background Check and/or a Fingerprint screening must be successfully completed.
• All persons, including current City employees, selected for this position must complete a mandatory six-month probation.

Nice To Haves

• Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) or Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Providing executive leadership and oversight of agency-wide administrative and operational functions.
• Aligning HR Programs with organizational goals and strategies with a strong stakeholder service focus.
• Participation in collective bargaining negotiations.
• Directing and implementing operational and work-process improvements to ensure efficiency, accountability, and timely completion of departmental priorities.
• Deputy Director will serve as a strategic advisor to the Director by supporting executive decision-making, implementing strategic initiatives, and advancing components of the Department’s Strategic Plan.
• Providing fiscal oversight to ensure responsible stewardship of resources and compliance with approved budgets while maintaining high-quality service delivery.
• Leading and supporting the development of a high-performing, engaged workforce by supervising, coaching, and evaluating senior management staff; assigning and monitoring work; and supporting leadership development.
• Advancing department-wide initiatives related to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, employee engagement, and organizational effectiveness in collaboration with departmental leadership.
• Reviewing revised policies, and implementing departmental policies, procedures, and operational standards in accordance with City and DHR requirements.
• Coordinating and managing the operations of the Director’s Office to ensure effective communication and responsiveness to the Mayor’s Office, City Council, State Legislature, and the public.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with internal divisions, City agencies, elected officials, community organizations, and external partners.
• Representing the Department at meetings, hearings, conferences, and community events, and contributing to executive briefings, reports, and presentations.
• Ensuring compliance with applicable Federal, State, City, and OSHA laws, regulations, and policies.
• Supporting agency operations during citywide emergencies and continuity-of-operations activities.
• Maintaining professional knowledge through participation in relevant training, conferences, and professional organizations.
• Performing other related duties, as assigned.

Benefits

• The city offers medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, optional life, AD&D, and FSA plans.
• This office also supplies wellness programs, support groups, and workshops.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees