City of Austin - JOB DESCRIPTION

Assistant Director, Austin Water Employee Leadership & Development

Under nominal direction of the Director of Austin Water (AW), this position is responsible for the engagement experience of AW employees, driving employee and leadership best practices and initiatives, and providing strategic direction and expertise for the full scope of the employee leadership and development (ELD) function.

1. Develops and implements programs and plans that align with the overall mission and strategy of the organization that will service the full range of AW’s ELD needs and foster a culture of success, accountability, transparency, and collaboration.
2. Acts as a strategic partner to the AW executive team and provides problem-solving on critical issues.
3. Optimizes the ELD function and refines key processes and activities to align with strategic goals.
4. Provides guidance on special projects, ELD analytics and reporting, talent reviews, training, change management, organizational design, safety, and diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.
5. Manages resource allocation and maintains a competitive approach to recruiting and assimilating talent. Advises on programs and processes to enhance talent attraction, retention, development, and risk management.
6. Develops comprehensive approaches to employee development, retention, and onboarding utilizing compensation and benefits plans, career paths, employee development, and learning opportunities.
7. Leads the ELD team in supporting Performance Management, Talent Acquisition, Learning and Development, Engagement, Recognition, Safety and Compliance.
8. Ensures compliance and mitigates organizational risks.
9. Counsels, coaches, and guides management and staff in addressing concerns and complaints to assure fair and equitable treatment while ensuring compliance with labor regulations and practices.
10. Coaches and mentors staff and develops leadership capable of addressing the challenges of a dynamic organization.
11. Mediates employee relations and performance issues and counsels executives on appropriate performance management methods.

Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for dismissal.

• Knowledge of personnel administration, and laws and regulations pertaining to personnel matters.
• Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws and ordinances governing occupational safety.
• Knowledge of fiscal planning and budget preparation.
• Knowledge of Local, State, and Federal water and wastewater utility regulations.
• Knowledge of City practices, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge of technical aspects of operations and maintenance.
• Knowledge of supervisory and managerial techniques and principles.
• Skill in oral and written communications.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
• Skill in negotiations and conflict resolution.
• Skill in analyzing complex data from various sources, synthesizing collected information, and developing sound decisions/recommendations.
• Skill in developing, reviewing, monitoring, and evaluating contracts for services and/or materials.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and programs simultaneously within approved budgets.
• Ability to quickly recognize and analyze irregular events.
• Ability to establish and maintain excellent communication and working relationships with City personnel and the public.
• Ability to organize, analyze, interpret, and evaluate problems and provide practical, cost-effective solutions.

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in a field related to Human Resources Management,
• Organizational Development, or Business, plus six (6) years of progressively responsible management experience in a related field, including at least three (3) years of experience with a water and wastewater utility.
• Graduation with a Master’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in a related field may substitute for up to two (2) years of the required experience.