Description

THE OPPORTUNITY 
The City of Napa offers an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned Human Resources executive to step into a highly visible, high-impact leadership role at a pivotal time for the organization. This is not a “maintain the status quo” position – the next Human Resources Director will play a central role in strengthening organizational capability, rebuilding institutional knowledge, and advancing a more modern, strategic approach to workforce development. With a solid foundation in place and strong support from executive leadership, this role presents the chance to shape the future of the City’s workforce, elevate the HR function as a true strategic partner, and make a lasting impact on an organization that serves a vibrant and evolving community. 
 
THE CITY OF NAPA 
Nestled in Northern California’s wine-country region yet just an hour from the Bay Area’s tech-hubs, Napa offers a blend of small-city charm and global relevance. Its population hovers around 78,000–80,000, with a median household income over $100,000 and a median age near 41.  The city is composed of 26 distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character, from historic Victorian homes near downtown to more suburban-style enclaves on the outskirts. Napa is the heart of the region’s world-renowned wine region, which is home to over 475 wineries, as well as a culinary industry boasting several Michelin starred restaurants and farm-to-table venues. 
 
What stands out about Napa is the quality of life. Residents benefit from nearly year-round mild Mediterranean climate, a walkable downtown, and easy access to nature and open space.  The local economy is anchored not just in tourism and hospitality but in a skilled workforce, giving the community stability beyond just being a destination.  That economic diversity means the city is more than just its vineyards - it’s home to healthcare, manufacturing, professional services, and retail alongside wine production. For someone considering relocating, Napa checks a lot of boxes: community scale living with regional access, high educational and income markers, a lifestyle oriented toward both work and play, and the chance to be part of a place that values both its history and its future. In short: it’s a community that’s growing and evolving - not standing still. 
 
THE HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT 
The Human Resources Department for the City of Napa provides comprehensive services to support the City of Napa’s diverse workforce. With a staff of 10 employees, the Human Resources Director is supported by three direct reports – an Assistant Director, a Human Resources Manager, and a Management Analyst. The department is responsible for core human resources functions, plus labor relations, organizational development, and the workers’ compensation aspect of risk management (in coordination with a Risk Manager in the City Manager’s Office). The department works in close coordination with the City’s Civil Service Commission – a five-member body with two members appointed by the City Council, two members elected by classified employees, and one member appointed by the other four members. The department is funded with an FY 26 budget of $3.1 million. 
 
THE POSITION 
The Human Resources Director serves as a key member of the City of Napa’s executive leadership team, providing strategic direction and operational oversight for all human resources functions. Reporting to the Assistant City Manager, this role plays a central part in shaping organizational culture, supporting leadership, and ensuring that the City’s workforce strategies align with operational goals, regulatory requirements, and community expectations. This is a hands-on leadership position responsible for the full scope of human resources services, including labor relations, employee relations, risk management, benefits administration, and organizational development. Key areas of responsibility include leading and managing the Human Resources Department, including strategic planning, service delivery, and staff development; serving as the City’s lead representative in labor relations, including negotiations, and contract administration; overseeing recruitment, classification, and selection processes; developing and managing the department’s budget, contracts, and operational priorities; and administering the City’s workers’ compensation program and employee benefits programs. 
 
The ideal candidate is a confident, well-rounded Human Resources leader who brings strong technical expertise, sound judgment, and interpersonal agility to navigate a wide range of personalities and situations; a steady organizational leader and a trusted advisor; a confident and balanced labor relations leader; and experience managing workplace investigations and disciplinary processes, ideally within a civil service environment. 
 
SALARY & BENEFITS 
The Napa City Council will negotiate a highly competitive salary and executive benefits package with the selected candidate that is considerate of the candidate’s experience and qualifications. The salary range for the position is $194,727 to $233,673 (with an additional 2% increase effective July 1, 2026), depending on qualifications. The City offers an outstanding benefits package which includes retirement benefits provided by CalPERS. In addition to the CalPERS retirement benefit, the City will contribute $322 monthly to a 401(a) retirement plan with an employee match of $300 monthly. 
 
For additional benefit information, interested candidates are encouraged to review the detailed recruitment brochure at www.mosaicpubic.com/careers. 
 
APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS 
Apply Immediately – This recruitment will close once a strong pool of candidates is established. Interested candidates are encouraged to submit a cover letter and résumé online at: 
 
www.mosaicpublic.com/careers 
 
Confidential inquiries are welcomed to: 
 
Greg Nelson | greg@mosaicpublic.com | (916) 581-1426  

Requirements

 
QUALIFICATIONS 
Any combination of education and experience that is likely to provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities for the position is qualifying. The following is a typical way to qualify: 
 
Education: A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major study in personnel administration, public administration, psychology or a closely related field.  
Experience: Five years of progressively responsible professional level human resources administration experience within a civil service or merit system or similar environment that includes at least two years of labor/employee relations experience.