HR Manager

Job Description and Duties

Passionate about supporting employees through key moments in their careers? Motivated to lead a team that delivers accurate, timely, and service-focused HR support? Skilled at navigating evolving regulations, leveraging technology, and driving continuous improvement? Then this is the ideal opportunity for you.

HR Connect in Sacramento is seeking an HR Manager for the Leave Management Unit at the Staff Services Manager I level. This position oversees operations responsible for administering all aspects of the leave, return-to-work, and payroll-impacting transactions for State Fund employees. The role emphasizes collaboration across HR functional areas—including Benefits, Disability/RTW, Payroll Operations, and HRIS—to ensure a seamless employee experience.

The incumbent will serve as an organizational resource, providing technical expertise, guidance to staff and leadership, and oversight of work processes aligned with current state and federal requirements. The position is based in Sacramento and may require occasional travel to other State Fund locations under the 2026 business travel guidelines.

This is a 12-month limited term position which may be extended, cancelled, or made permanent at any time.

If becoming permanent, the selected candidate must be eligible for a permanent appointment at the time of the LT appointment or at the time of the conversion.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Special Requirements

Effective July 1, 2025, the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025) which reduces an employee’s monthly salary in exchange for leave credits. Employees appointed to this classification will have their monthly salary reduced and will accrue hours of PLP 2025 on the first day of each pay period in accordance with the applicable The salary range(s) included on this job posting do not reflect the reduction in pay.

To be considered, you must provide a fully completed STD 678 application, resume, and statement of qualifications. Alternative documents submitted in lieu of required Application, Resume, or Statement of Qualifications will not be accepted. Completed STD 678 must include duties performed, start and end dates, and hours worked per week for each position held.

Artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT, website searches, and third-party reviewers can be helpful in researching responses to the SOQ; however, by submitting your application for this position, you understand and acknowledge the SOQ you submit is your own work, in your own words, and accurately reflects your knowledge, skills, abilities, and experiences. Submitting an SOQ that is not your own may be cause for disqualification from the hiring process.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

The ideal candidate should possess the following qualifications and skills:

• Knowledge of State Controller’s Office (SCO) systems, HRIS platforms, and automated leave-management tools
• Knowledge of current federal and state employment laws, regulations, and policies governing leave, payroll, and personnel transactions
• Knowledge of general management and personnel management principles and practices
• Ability to communicate professionally and effectively in both verbal and written formats
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and make data informed decisions
• Ability to set priorities, meet deadlines, and achieve objectives in a dynamic environment
• Ability to research, analyze, evaluate information, and implement effective solutions
• Ability to interpret and apply laws, rules, and regulations objectively and consistently
• Ability to develop, coordinate, and deliver training and presentations to diverse audiences
• Strong organizational, planning, and time management skills
• Demonstrated leadership abilities in coaching, supervising, and developing staff
• Commitment to confidentiality, ethical decision making, and employee centered service
• Familiarity with project management principles and continuous improvement methodologies

Benefits

State Fund employees are eligible for a number of benefits. Our benefit package includes:

Health Benefits Program (CalPERS)

Retirement (CalPERS)

Employer Health and Consolidated Benefits Contributions

Dental, Vision

401(k) and 457 Deferred Compensation Plans

Employee Assistance Program

Group Legal Services Insurance

Holidays, Vacation/Sick/Other Paid Leave

Flex Elect Reimbursement Program

Wellness and Recognition

Alternate Work Schedules

Transit Pass Program

Tuition Reimbursement

Dependent Scholarship Program

Leadership Training

Mentoring Program

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Background Investigation

Prior to employment with State Compensation Insurance Fund, a background investigation (BI) will be initiated.

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is required and must be included.
• Statement of Qualifications -

  Answer the following SOQ questions, using 11 point Arial, no more than two pages, name and JC number in the upper left corner, one inch margins. Include the question with each response.

  
  1. Tell me how you have developed trust and between you and a direct report, colleague or customer.

  • Who was it?

  • What was the situation?

  • Why was building this trust important?

  • What was the outcome?

  
  2. Describe a project or idea that was implemented or carried out successfully primarily because of your efforts. How did others recognize your contributions?

  
  3. Explain an instance when you used your leadership skills to solve a problem.