Organizational Development Manager

Port of San Diego
San Diego, CA

This specific job posting is for a Manager of Organizational Development within the Human Resources Department. The Organizational Development (OD) Manager is responsible for driving organizational effectiveness and leading initiatives that enhance employee development. This role involves designing, implementing, and managing initiatives that foster leadership development, continuous organizational performance improvement, employee engagement, and organizational change. In addition, the OD Manager will oversee training and development programs and ensure effective internal communications that support organizational growth and transformation.

Responsibilities include: Building, designing and delivering OD strategies, initiatives, processes, programs and action plans such as Managerial Development, Key Talent, Performance Management, Culture Building, Feedback Process, and Employee Engagement, Identifies needs and build programs accordingly, such as: leadership training, supervisory training, team building and change management. Oversees the development of career growth programs, mentorship and development opportunities for all levels of employees, works collaboratively with HR managers, depts managers and external providers on the creation of development programs and content. Sets OD goals and KPIs and measures effectiveness. Makes recommendations for best practices to ensure that organizational development initiatives are appropriately integrated and aligned with strategic and business goals. Assess' organizational training needs and design comprehensive learning and development programs to address skills gaps and enhance employee performance. Develops and delivers training programs, workshops, and seminars in areas such as leadership, communication, team building, and employee engagement.

Evaluates the effectiveness of training programs through surveys, assessments, and performance metrics, and make adjustments as necessary. Partners with department heads and subject matter experts to create customized training solutions that meet specific business needs. Oversees the development of e-learning platforms and blended learning strategies to ensure accessible and effective training delivery. Oversees an OD staff of five and facilitates open communication across teams to promote collaboration, transparency, and a positive work environment.

The Ideal OD Manager will have a strong HR and OD background, and the ability to think analytically and strategically, demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, demonstrate presentation and project management skills.

Hiring Range Negotiable Between: $146,226 - $171,600 DOQ/DOE*


DEFINITION

Under general direction, plans, organizes, coordinates, and manages the day-to-day operations and services in assigned areas of functional responsibility within the Human Resources Department, including recruitment and selection, onboarding, performance management, employee and labor relations, benefits, retirement, leaves of absence, classification, compensation, and professional and organizational development; oversees, supervises, reviews, and participates in the work of staff performing professional, technical, and analytical duties in support of the Port’s Human Resources programs implementation and administration; participates in the development of policies and strategies for assigned operations; manages the effective use of department resources to improve organizational productivity and customer service; provides complex and responsible support to the Director of Human Resources in areas of expertise; and performs related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general direction from the Director of Human Resources. Exercises direct supervision over professional, technical, and/or administrative support staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is a management classification responsible for managing, overseeing, and participating in day-to-day operations, programs, and activities of the Human Resources Department. The incumbent is responsible for developing and implementing policies and procedures for the assigned areas of functional responsibility within the department, including short- and long-term planning, participating in budget administration and reporting, and coordination of key programs/projects with other Port departments, divisions, and external agencies. Positions apply advanced management principles and strategic thinking to decisions that impact the organization as a whole and the public being served. Positions generally serve as advisors and contributors to executive management on policies, procedures, and major Port initiatives.

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.

  • Plans, manages, oversees, and participates in the daily functions, operations, and activities of assigned areas of functional responsibility within the Human Resources Department, including recruitment and selection, onboarding and orientation, performance management, 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.
  • Participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for the Department; continuously monitors the efficiency and effectiveness of assigned programs, service delivery methods, and procedures; assesses and monitors workload, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities and makes recommendations for improvement.
  • Participates in the selection of, trains, motivates, and evaluates assigned personnel; works with employees to correct deficiencies; recommends and implements discipline and termination procedures.
  • Manages performance management programs and acts as liaison with the Department of Human Resources; coordinates advocacy operations and activities; ensures preparation and presentation of cases involving department disciplinary actions and discrimination charges.
  • Oversees and maintains the Port’s benefit plans and administration; conducts benefits renewal process and carries out open enrollment; works with third-party vendor and internal IT staff to keep benefit systems updated; assists and advises employees with benefit questions and concerns.
  • Manages employee leave programs in accordance with laws, policies, rules, and agreements; oversees the interactive discussion process and ensures compliance with disability leave laws; provides technical assistance on leave programs, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and other laws; collaborates with Risk Management and Safety on workers’ compensation and return-to-work issues.
  • Ensures proper classification of departmental positions; initiates classification studies and provides results for approval; administers a centralized examining program; collaborates with other departments, public employment services, schools, and other agencies in recruitment and selection matters.
  • Manages the maintenance of employee records and position control; oversees and verifies processing of departmental personnel transactions; analyzes employee turnover and separation statistics; administers a program of exit interviews; confers with other departments on payroll, salary, and other personnel programs and policies.
  • Evaluates human resources information systems and application enhancements; provides guidance to end users and translates user expectations into technical specifications; consults with other staff on business process changes and potential impacts.
  • 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.
  • Serves as a liaison for assigned functions with other Port departments, divisions, and outside agencies; provides staff support to commissions, committees, and task forces as necessary.
  • Prepares and presents staff and agenda reports and other necessary correspondence related to assigned activities and services; presents reports to various commissions, committees, and boards.
  • Monitors changes in regulations and technology that may affect operations; implements policy and procedural changes after approval.
  • Receives, investigates, and responds to difficult and sensitive problems and complaints in a professional manner; identifies and reports findings and takes necessary corrective action.
  • Directs the establishment and maintenance of working and official department files.
  • Conducts a variety of organizational and operational studies and investigations; recommends modifications to assigned programs, policies, and procedures, as appropriate.
  • Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in assigned human resources areas; participates in professional development activities related to human resources management; researches emerging products and enhancements and their applicability to Port needs.
  • Participates in the development, administration, and oversight of Department budget; determines funding needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; ensures compliance with budgeted funding.
  • Develops and manages requests for proposals for professional and/or contracted services; prepares scope of work and any technical specifications; evaluates proposals and recommends award; negotiates contracts; administers contracts to ensure compliance with Port specifications and service quality.
  • Performs assigned disaster service worker responsibilities, as directed.
  • Ensures staff compliance with Port and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
  • Performs related duties as assigned.
Knowledge of:
  • Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting, program development, implementation, evaluation, and management.
  • Principles and practices of budget development and administration.
  • Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review and evaluation, and the training of staff in work procedures.
  • Principles and practices of leadership.
  • Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
  • Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned areas of responsibility.
  • 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 contract administration and management.
  • Techniques for effectively representing the Port in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, educational, regulatory, and legislative organizations.
  • Principles and practices of organizational improvement and culture change.
  • 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.
  • Mathematical and statistical principles.
  • Methods and techniques of preparing technical and administrative reports, and general business correspondence.
  • 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:
  • Plan, organize, oversee, and manage the staff and operations of the assigned areas of the Human Resources Department.
  • Develop and implement goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards.
  • Prepare and administer large and complex budgets; allocate limited resources in a cost-effective manner.
  • Provide administrative, management, and professional leadership for the Department.
  • Select and supervise staff, provide training and development opportunities, ensure work is performed effectively, and evaluate performance in an objective and positive manner.
  • Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations.
  • Apply creativity and flexibility in problem solving to complex and/or sensitive issues and problems.
  • Use sound judgment and make appropriate decisions in stressful situations and analyze and adapt to new situations quickly.
  • Present to groups and individuals and provide coaching and mentoring.
  • Maintain highly confidential and sensitive information.
  • Research, analyze and make effective recommendations on complex issues, proposals, and management practices, procedures and problems.
  • Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.
  • Analyze, interpret, summarize, and present technical information and data in an effective manner.
  • Conduct complex research projects, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare effective technical staff reports.
  • Effectively represent the department and the Port in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups, and various businesses, professional, and regulatory organizations, and in meetings with individuals.
  • Direct the establishment and maintenance of a variety of filing, record-keeping, and tracking systems.
  • Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
  • Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
  • Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
  • Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within legal policy and procedural guidelines.
  • Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education:

  • Equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in human resources, public or business administration, psychology, or a related field.?
Experience:

  • Eight (8) years of increasingly responsible experience in the development and implementation of human resources programs related to areas of assignment, including three (3) years of experience in a supervisory capacity.

Hiring Range Negotiable Between: $146,226 - $171,600 DOQ/DOE*

The application review process will include screening to ensure applications are complete and meet all minimum qualifications. In addition to the application, the applicant is required to complete the Supplemental Questions to further evaluate their education, training, and experience relative to the required knowledge, skills and abilities for the position. Applicants must submit answers that are as complete as possible.

Only qualified applicants who pass the minimum qualifications review, will be invited to the assessment process which may be administered by a written examination, panel interview, or any combination of qualifications appraisal determined by the Department of Human Resources to be appropriate. The Department of Human Resources will make reasonable accommodation in the examination process for disabled applicants. If you have an accommodation request, please indicate such on your application.

Depending upon the number of applicants meeting the minimum qualifications, applicants may be scheduled for one or more of the assessments listed below. Passing score is 70% out of 100% on each assessment section.

THE APPRAISAL PANEL (100%) IS TENTATIVELY SCHEDULED FOR TUESDAY, JUNE 16, 2026.

To move forward in the application process, you must complete an online application through our websitehttps://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/portofsdPlease attach a copy of your unofficial transcripts (indicating when degree was awarded) to your application or your application may be considered incomplete. Resumes may be uploaded but cannot be used in place of a completed application.

Placement on Eligible List:

The Department of Human Resources may limit the number of qualified applicants eligible to participate in the assessment process. Candidates who are successful in all phases of the assessment process will be placed on an eligible list. The eligible list established by this recruitment will be active for a minimum of ninety (90) days or up to one (1) year, unless otherwise determined by the Director pursuant to Rule 8, Section 4.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

The District firmly believes in, and is committed to, the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and nondiscrimination. It is the policy of the District to recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job classifications without regard to age (40 and above), ancestry, color, disability (mental or physical), gender (including identity, appearance, or behavior, whether or not that identity, appearance, or behavior is different from that traditionally associated with the person's sex at birth), marital status, medical condition, military status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, or veteran status.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and visit various Port sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 10 pounds.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing divisional policies and procedures.* Depends on Qualification (DOQ)/ Depends on Experience (DOE)
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