Salary : $167,415.00 - $249,180.00 Annually
Location : Port of San Diego, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: FY 25/26 #00127
Department: Administration Branch
Division: Human Resources
Opening Date: 07/09/2026
Closing Date: 7/23/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

DEFINITION

Under general direction, provides administrative and management assistance to the Director of Human Resources in planning, directing, and reviewing functions and activities of the Human Resources Department, including organizational development programs that are aligned with the business goals and overall District business strategies including but not limited to organizational design, recruiting, selection, onboarding, orientation, performance management, coaching, workforce planning, and personnel development; formulates departmental policies, goals, and directives; provides highly responsible and complex professional assistance in areas of expertise; acts as the Director of Human Resources in his/her absence; and performs related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general direction from the Director of Human Resources. Exercises direct supervision over professional and technical staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This is a deputy department director classification that oversees, directs, and participates in all administrative activities of the Human Resources Department, including short- and long-term planning as well as development and administration of departmental policies, procedures, and services. This class assists the Director of Human Resources in a variety of administrative, coordinative, analytical, and liaison capacities. Successful performance of the work requires knowledge of public policy, Port functions and activities, including the role of the Board of Port Commissioners, and the ability to develop, oversee, and implement projects and programs in a variety of areas. Responsibilities include coordinating the activities of the department with those of other departments and outside agencies and managing and overseeing the complex and varied functions of the department. The incumbent is accountable for accomplishing departmental planning and operational goals and objectives, and for furthering goals and objectives within general policy guidelines. This class is distinguished from the Director of Human Resources in that the latter is a department director responsible for all Port Human Resources department functions. The incumbent may act for the Director of Human Resources in his/her absence.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Provides administrative and management assistance to the Director of Human Resources in planning, directing, and reviewing functions and activities of the Human Resources Department including organizational design, recruiting, selection, onboarding, orientation, performance management, coaching, workforce planning, and personnel development; acts as the Director of Human Resources in his/her absence.

• Develops, directs, and coordinates the implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards for the Department; continuously monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; assesses and monitors the distribution of work, support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities for improvement; directs the implementation of change.

• Manages and participates in the development and administration of the department's budget; directs the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, and supplies; directs the monitoring of and approves expenditures; directs and implements budgetary adjustments, as necessary.

• Selects, trains, motivates, and directs Department personnel; evaluates and reviews work for acceptability and conformance with department standards, including program and project priorities and performance evaluations; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline and termination procedures; responds to staff questions and concerns; provides leadership and support to assigned staff; oversees staff training; promotes a positive environment for employee relations.

• Guides departments through the workforce planning process, reviewing workforce data, forecasting and predicting upcoming changes, and assisting them in planning for, and adapting to those changes.

• Manages and oversees new projects, process changes, and system impartments; researches needed updates and process gaps, meets with stakeholders, conducts needs analysis, designs and prepares training materials and communication plans; oversees implementation of new and updates systems and processes.

• Monitors and implements legal, regulatory, technology, and societal changes and court decisions that may affect the work of the department; determines equipment acquisition, training programs, and procedural changes to ensure retention of qualified staff and the provision of services to the community in an effective, efficient, and economical manner.

• Oversees the development of consultant requests for proposals for professional services and the advertising and bid processes; evaluates proposals and recommends project award; coordinates with legal counsel to determine Port needs and requirements for contractual services; negotiates contracts and agreements and administers same after award.

• Represents the department to other Port departments, elected officials, and outside agencies; explains and interprets departmental programs, policies, and activities; negotiates and resolves significant and controversial issues.

• Plans, organizes, supervises, and participates in staff development programs; develops and manages a comprehensive staff development and training program; determines training needs and recommends programs to management; advises administration in formulating training plans; prepares and secures training materials; analyzes and evaluates the effectiveness of trainers and training; confirms outside speaking engagements and serves on training related committees.

• Conducts various departmental organizational and operational studies and investigations; recommends modifications to programs, policies, and procedures as appropriate.

• Participates in and makes presentations to the Board of Commissioners and a wide variety of committees, boards, and commissions; attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of Human Resources.

• Directs the maintenance of working and official departmental files; prepares, reviews, and presents staff reports, various management and information updates, and reports on special projects as assigned by the Director of Human Resources.

• Provides expertise, guidance, and assistance to staff, senior management, other Port personnel, and external customers; understands, enforces, interprets, and explains complex regulations, laws, and guidelines; responds to public inquiries and complaints and assists with resolutions and alternative recommendations; serves as a spokesperson for the Department at community events, meetings, and other public relations activities.

• Performs assigned disaster service worker responsibilities, as directed.

• Ensures staff observe and comply with all Port and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.

• Performs related duties as assigned.

Qualifications
Knowledge of:

• Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting, program development, implementation, and evaluation, and supervision of staff, either directly or through subordinate levels of supervision.

• Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment review and evaluation, discipline, and the training of staff in work procedures.

• Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.

• Principles, practices, and procedures of public administration in a municipal setting.

• Functions, authority, and responsibilities of the Board of Port Commissioners.

• Organization and management practices as applied to the development, analysis, and evaluation of programs, policies, and operational needs of the assigned area of responsibility.

• Principles and practices of leadership.

• Principles and practices of strategic plan development.

• Principles and practices of budget administration.

• Principles and practices of contract management.

• Principles and practices of purchasing and maintenance of public records.

• Principles and practices of sound business communications.

• General principles of risk management related to the functions of the assigned area.

• Principles and best practices of business, interpersonal, public information communication techniques, and interview methods.

• Principles and practice of project management techniques.

• Trends in human resources management, programs, administration and organizational development programs.

• Principles, practices, and techniques of human resources administration, recruitment and selection, onboarding and orientation, performance management, labor relations, job analysis, classification, and salary administration, staff development and training, human resources information systems, employee relations, professional and organizational development and learning, and leaves of absence, health, insurance, and retirement benefits administration.

• Principles and practices of public administration, organization, and management.

• Principles and practices of research, data collection and analysis, and developing sound recommendations.

• Methods and techniques of developing technical and administrative reports, and business correspondence.

• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned areas of responsibility.

• Port and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.

• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and Port staff.

• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to:

• Develop and implement goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards.

• Provide administrative and professional leadership for the Department.

• Prepare and administer large and complex budgets; allocate limited resources in a cost-effective manner.

• Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations.

• Plan, organize, direct, and coordinate the work of management, supervisory, professional, and technical personnel; delegate authority and responsibility.

• Select and supervise staff, provide training and development opportunities, ensure work is performed effectively, and evaluate performance objectively and positively.?

• Maintain highly confidential and sensitive information.?

• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.

• Analyze and make sound recommendations on complex management and administrative issues.

• Present to groups and individuals and provide coaching and mentoring.

• Effectively represent the Port and the department in meetings with governmental agencies, contra