Job Description

This job posting expires at 11:59PM on September 30, 2026. No applications can be submitted after 11:59PM on September 30, 2026.

Job Title: Assistant Human Resources Director

Department: Human Resources

External Hiring Range: $93,858.54 - $146,780.27

Compensation Grade: 3011

Posted Internally and Externally

Buncombe County offers in-office, hybrid, and remote positions. Employees in positions that are approved for remote work must work at a location within a 2-hour drive from the position's assigned Buncombe County facility.

Buncombe County is seeking a strategic, forward-thinking Assistant Human Resources Director for our Human Resources Department, responsible for driving effective human resource programs and initiatives under the general supervision of the Human Resources Director and in compliance with state and federal regulations.

This role oversees up to four (4) divisions within Human Resources and is expected to exemplify strong customer experience, accountability through consistent follow up, and execution with excellence when working with internal and external stakeholders. This position is also expected to uphold and model the County’s core values of Respect, Integrity, Collaboration, Honesty, and Equity in all aspects of its work.

Buncombe County’s Human Resources Department includes 23 FTEs and operates across seven divisions: Administration & Operations, Organizational Development, Recruiting, HRIS, Compensation/Classification & Benefits, Employee Relations, and the Employee & Family Health Clinic.

Key Projects & Oversight for the Assistant Human Resources Director

• Directly oversee up to four (4) HR divisions based on candidate experience and organizational needs.
• Streamline business processes and workflows across multiple HR systems to improve efficiency; review and provide strategic assistance on departmental business goals & KPIs.
• Direct the ongoing evaluation and improvement of HR policies and procedures, while implementing the development and continuous refinement of an employee handbook.
• Champion cross-training and succession planning initiatives within the Human Resources Department.
• Support the implementation and strategic rollout of the countywide classification and compensation study.

Tentatively, initial virtual interviews are to occur in the week of October 5, 2026, with in-person finalists interviews targeted for the week of October 26, 2026. We anticipate the selected candidate to begin employment by the end of November/beginning of December.

The Assistant Human Resources Director will be required to work on-site during the onboarding and acclimation period. After six (6) months of employment, the position will be evaluated for a hybrid work arrangement.

This position must reside or relocate to a residence within a 2-hour drive of respected work location (200 College Street, Asheville NC 28801).

Purpose of the position:

The purpose of this position is to support and assist in managing and overseeing the operations of the Human Resources Department, including direct oversight of assigned divisions which may include benefits & leaves administration, employee relations, information systems, organizational development, recruitment, classification & compensation, wellness & health administration; provides strategic & complex administrative support to the Human Resources Director.

Minimum Education, Training and/or Experience (required at time of hire):

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in human resource management, public administration, business administration or related field and six (6) years of human resources experience, including three (3) years of supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Additional Training and Experience: Experience working in local municipal governments (county, city, town) preferred. Prior Assistant Director/Managerial experience preferred.

License or Certification Required by Statute or Regulation: Candidates holding active SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR, or similar HR certifications are preferred.

Essential Functions of the position:

• Assists the Human Resources Director with the implementation of long-range strategic plans, departmental goals & priorities, policies, procedures, and business practices consistent with the county's strategic plan and provide the highest level of analysis and recommendation.
• Promotes a high-quality customer experience with internal and external stakeholders, models accountability for self and team performance, and consistently executes responsibilities with excellence.
• Directs the activities of assigned divisions in the Human Resources Department; provides leadership and direction to management, professional, and supports staff through direct and indirect supervision to ensure continued development with a focus on the delivery of superior service and adherence to established policies, procedures, and standards.
• Champions continuous improvement, including devising new strategies, training and development opportunities to ensure staff is sufficiently knowledgeable and dynamic regarding protocols and performance expectations; monitors and improves the efficiency, effectiveness, and quality of human resources service delivery.
• Collaborate with the Division Managers and Director in the Human Resources Department to ensure departmental compliance with federal, state, and local laws, regulations, policies, and procedures; monitors, controls, and interprets rules/laws, and develops data systems for effective and accurate support.
• Assists in preparing and managing annual operating and capital budgets; secures and oversees grant and partner funding; helps interpret and enforce contracts and grants; forecasts staffing and supply needs; and makes necessary budget adjustments.
• Establishes and maintains working relationships with both internal and external stakeholders; convenes and participates in recurring and specialized meetings and committees including workshops, interagency task forces, special projects and community groups representing the department and providing for knowledge transfer and exchange.
• Prepares and presents reports to County leadership, Boards/Committees, and community groups; responds to research requests from executives and elected officials; represents Human Resources to internal departments and external agencies; and coordinates activities across departments and partner organizations; serves as primary back up to the Human Resources Director
• Receives, responds to, and resolves confidential and sensitive inquiries; investigate complaints and recommend corrective actions in consultation with the department director and Human Resources as necessary.
• Performs special projects and other related duties within area of responsibility as assigned.

Supervisory/Leadership Responsibilities:

Primary accountability and key controlling impact for departmental projects, processes, services, and results; responsibility for efficient operations, exercising authority for hiring and primary responsibility for budgeting and planning functions. Manages activities of two or more medium to large teams and achieves results through subordinate managers or may be responsible for managing a major entity wide function and achieves results through direct reports.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to program activities and/or business functions; and of the principles and practices of public administration and management.
• Ability to direct and organize program activities and/or business functions; to establish goals and objectives that support the strategic plan; to identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective solutions; to develop and evaluate policies and procedures; to prepare reports; to communicate effectively; and to supervise the work of others.
• Knowledge of computer systems, databases, and spreadsheet use to ensure department efficiency.
• Ability to analyze data, identify trends, and deliver proposals that are clear, engaging, data-based, accurate, and aligned with Buncombe County’s strategic goals.
• Possesses leadership and excellent team management skills. Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, including experience working directly with users and collaborating across internal teams to deliver complex projects.

Buncombe County Government realizes the importance of a diverse professional workforce and the need to foster a responsive and innovative organizational culture, one that fully engages all of our employees, honoring and building on each employee's unique experiences, opinions, and perspective.

It is the policy of Buncombe County to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all persons regardless of race, natural hair or hairstyles, ethnicity, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin or ancestry, marital or familial status, pregnancy, veteran status, religious belief or non-belief, age, or disability or any other legally protected class under federal or NC State law. EEO practices and employment decisions regarding recruitment, hiring, assignment, promotion and compensation shall not be based on any of these protected classes. In addition, the County expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment or discrimination.