Senior Human Resources Analyst

City of Santa Barbara, CA•Santa Barbara, CA

47d

About The Position

The City of Santa Barbara's Human Resources Department is seeking an experienced, collaborative, and service-oriented Senior Human Resources Analyst to join our dynamic team. This advanced professional position performs complex, highly responsible, and confidential analytical work across all areas of human resources management, including recruitment and selection, classification and compensation, labor and employee relations, disciplinary investigations, policy development, performance management, and organizational initiatives. The Senior Human Resources Analyst serves as a strategic partner and subject-matter expert to City departments, providing guidance, data-driven recommendations, and proactive solutions that support the City's mission, values, and workforce goals. While the Human Resources Department supports all functional areas of HR, the ideal candidate will bring strong expertise and demonstrated experience in classification and compensation, including job analysis, salary administration, and organizational alignment. Candidates with broad human resources experience in other technical areas such as employee relations, investigations, or labor relations are also encouraged to apply, as assignments may vary based on departmental needs. The ideal candidate is a seasoned HR professional who exercises sound judgment, demonstrates exceptional analytical ability, and builds trusted relationships at all levels of the organization. They thrive in a fast-paced, service-oriented environment and bring a strong commitment to fairness, transparency, and continuous improvement in public sector human resources administration. This is a unique opportunity to join a small, high-impact HR team that values professionalism, collaboration, and innovation. The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping HR programs, mentoring staff, and supporting organizational excellence.

Requirements

Extensive knowledge and experience in public sector classification and compensation, including job evaluation methodologies, salary survey design, and pay structure development.
Proven ability to analyze, interpret, and communicate complex data and translate findings into practical, defensible recommendations.
A deep understanding of how compensation strategy aligns with organizational goals, recruitment, retention, and labor market conditions.
Familiarity with public sector collective bargaining and its impact on classification and compensation administration.
Excellent writing and presentation skills, with the ability to clearly communicate findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Broad knowledge of other human resources functions and the ability to contribute across multiple program areas as needed.
A proactive, solution-oriented mindset and a commitment to supporting the City's workforce through integrity, professionalism, and service excellence.
Modern principles and practices of human resource management and administration.
Contract review, analysis and administration.
Financial projecting and forecasting techniques.
Current trends in public administration and literature in the field.
Current and pending legislation which might impact human resources.
Methods and techniques of recruitment, selection and interviewing.
Principles for job evaluation and analysis.
Research and analysis methods and techniques.
Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment.
Pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations.
Perform a variety of professional, technical and analytical human resources functions.
Supervise, organize, and review the work of lower level staff.
Select, supervise, train and evaluate staff.
Plan, coordinate and organize major studies or projects.
Participate in developing operational reports and recommendations.
Prepare and present reports orally before policy and decision-making bodies.
Read, interpret and implement complex legislation and regulations.
Design and conduct research projects.
Develop and implement policy decisions and accomplish intended results.
Resolve conflicts effectively.
Interpret and apply City policies, procedures, rules and regulations.
Effectively administer assigned programmatic responsibilities.
Gather, organize and analyze statistical data.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities
Five (5) or more years of progressively responsible professional human resources experience.
A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, preferably with major course work in human resource management, public administration, business administration, or a related field.

Nice To Haves

Experience in municipal or other public sector human resources environments is highly desirable.
Supervisory or lead experience is also desirable.
A Human Resources Management Certificate, a SPHR Certificate from SHRM, and/or a CP Certificate from IPMA-HR is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Lead classification and compensation studies, including job analyses, desk audits, salary surveys, and recommendations for reclassifications, range adjustments, or organizational restructuring.
Serve as the department's subject matter expert on job design, pay equity, internal alignment, and compensation strategy.
Develop and maintain Citywide salary schedules and classification specifications; ensure consistency, transparency, and compliance with applicable laws, MOUs, and policies.
Partner with department managers to assess organizational needs, advise on staffing structures, and recommend sustainable workforce solutions.
Prepare detailed analytical reports and presentations for HR leadership, the City Administrator's Office, and City Council as required.
Support other functional areas such as employee relations, labor relations, recruitment, and policy administration as needed.
Interpret and apply federal, state, and local employment laws, City policies, and collective bargaining agreements.
Represent Human Resources on cross-departmental committees, classification-related labor negotiation teams, and special projects that advance organizational effectiveness.

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