Job Posting: Talent Acquisition Branch Chief

Department of Human Resources

JC-530796
-
Talent Acquisition Branch Chief
SUPERVISOR II

$7,872.00 - $9,781.00 per Month
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Final Filing Date: 9/17/2026

Job Description and Duties


Anticipated Interview Dates: We anticipate holding in-person interviews beginning the week of September 28, 2026. We look forward to meeting with you!

Why join CalHR?

The California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) was named a 2026 Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award winner for strengths development, a national recognition of organizations that build cultures helping people do their best work. This honor reflects our department-wide investment in a strengths-based workplace that supports growth, leadership and a stronger employee experience. Join CalHR to work in an environment that prioritizes professional development and public service.

The California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) is the pillar of human resources management for all state employees. Our success is made possible by the hard work of more than 400 CalHR team members who serve as trusted advisors to our strategic partners and the public. If you are interested in providing exceptional human resource services and guidance, CalHR is the place for you. By joining our team, you’ll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while working alongside passionate professionals. Get to know us more here!

CalHR employees are excluded from bargaining and are eligible to receive enhanced benefits, such as CoBen benefit allowance, employer paid life insurance, additional vacation/annual leave, and are not subject to State Disability Insurance payroll withholding.

This is an exciting opportunity to join our diverse team in the following role. If you are interested in joining our team, apply today!

About this Role

Are you a strategic, people-centered human resources leader ready to make an impact across several prominent state organizations?

CalHR’s Human Resources Office is seeking a collaborative and innovative Talent Acquisition Branch Chief to lead critical programs across the employee lifecycle. This position oversees classification and pay, examinations, hiring, executive appointments, recruitment, position control, workforce and succession planning, employee engagement, training and development, and strategic projects.

In addition to supporting CalHR as the state’s human resources control agency, the Branch Chief and their team provide HR services to client agencies, including the State Personnel Board, Government Operations Agency, Lieutenant Governor’s Office, and Office of Data and Innovation.

The ideal candidate is a credible advisor and skilled leader who can navigate complex personnel matters, develop thoughtful recommendations, lead organizational change, strengthen operations, and inspire teams to deliver timely, accurate, and exceptional service. If you are ready to shape talent strategy, develop people, and help build the future of public service, we encourage you to apply.

How to Apply
Information about applying for a state job can be found here: Three Steps to a State Job. If you’re interested in exploring additional job opportunities at CalHR, please reach out to our recruitment team at CalHRTalentEngagement@calhr.ca.gov. We’d love to hear from you!

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Working Conditions

  • Career Development: CalHR provides continuous learning and training opportunities to support personal and professional growth, including two Professional Development Days per fiscal year. 
  • Location: CalHR is centrally located near the Ice Blocks in downtown Sacramento, with many dining and shopping options nearby. 
  • Work-Life Balance: Work-life balance is fostered through measures like telework and adjustable schedules, allowing personal and professional lives to thrive together. 
  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity: A work culture that emphasizes a culture of diversity and inclusivity, offering tangible rewards and recognizing the intrinsic value of varied perspectives and collaboration. 
  • Generous State Benefits: Comprehensive health and dental insurance, long-term disability insurance, 11 paid holidays per year, paid time off, defined benefit retirement program, commute program, employee wellness programs, employee assistance programs, and medical/dependent care reimbursement accounts. 

  • Compensation: The advertised salary reflects gross pay before taxes and payroll deductions. Actual take-home pay will vary based on applicable tax withholdings and employee benefit elections, including retirement plan contributions, health insurance, and other voluntary deductions.

This position may be eligible for a telework opportunity in accordance with departmental policies and operational needs. Employees are currently required to work in-person at least four (4) days per week in alignment with Executive Order N-22-25. Additional in-office days may be required based on operational needs. 


Personal Leave Program: Effective July 1, 2025, state employees are subject to temporary salary reductions ranging from 2% to 4.62% in exchange for Personal Leave Program (PLP) hours. Please note that the salary ranges listed in this Job Control may not reflect these reductions associated with the 2025 Personal Leave Program. Please follow the link for more information regarding the 2025 Personal Leave program: https://hrmanual.calhr.ca.gov/Home/ManualItem/1/2113.

Merit Salary Adjustment (MSA): Every seven (7) - twelve (12) months depending on the position and based on performance, employees may receive a 5% salary increase until they reach the maximum salary of the position.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-530796
Position #(s):
363-100-4801-006
Working Title:
Talent Acquisition Branch Chief
Classification:
SUPERVISOR II
$7,872.00 - $9,781.00
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
Sacramento County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

The California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) oversees a wide range of matters related to employee salaries and benefits, job classifications, civil rights, training, exams, recruitment, and retention. For most employees, many of these matters are determined through the collective bargaining process managed by CalHR.

Our Mission: To serve as the trusted advisor to our strategic partners and the public, providing exceptional human resource services and guidance in developing a diverse and inclusive workforce.

Our Vision: Shaping California’s future of public service excellence with fair and equitable employment opportunities and a diverse, engaged workforce.

Core Values: People Centric, Leadership, Accountability, DEIA, Integrity, and Transparency.

 

Please note, CalHR is not an E-Verified employer.

Department Website: https://www.calhr.ca.gov

Special Requirements

All interested applicants are required to submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ). The SOQ must include the applicant’s name in the upper-right corner and address the question below.

Please include specific examples of your education, training, and/or experience. SOQs should be limited to a maximum of two (2) pages, single-spaced, twelve-point Arial font.

Note: Applicants who do not follow these instructions may be disqualified from the selection process. Cover letters, resumes or other materials will not be accepted in place of the SOQ.

SOQ Question:

Describe a complex human resources or workforce challenge for which you were responsible for developing and presenting a recommendation to executive or senior leadership. Your example should involve multiple competing considerations, such as applicable laws, rules, policies, operational needs, risk, equity, employee experience, or stakeholder expectations.

In your response:

  • Explain the challenge and your specific role.
  • Describe the research, data, and analysis you used.
  • Identify the alternatives you considered and the recommendation you made, including why you selected that approach.
  • Explain how you gained support, addressed concerns or resistance, and led or supported implementation.
  • Describe the outcome, how success was measured, and what you would recommend doing differently in the future.

For helpful guidance on writing an effective SOQ, please see our Work4CA guide.

Application Instructions

Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.

Final Filing Date: 9/17/2026

Who May Apply

Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Individuals who are eligible for a Training and Development assignment may also be considered for this position(s).

Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

How To Apply

Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:

Address for Mailing Application Packages

You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:

Department of Human Resources
Human Resources Office
Attn: Classification & Hiring Unit
1515 S Street, North Building, Suite 500
Sacramento, CA 95811-7258

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

Department of Human Resources
Human Resources Office
Classification & Hiring Unit
1810 16th Street
Sacramento, CA 95811-7258
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

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 www.CalCareers.ca.gov. 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 optional. It may be included, but is not required.
  • Other - If you are using education to meet the Minimum Qualifications of the classification, please include your unofficial transcripts. If you are not using education, please bypass this requirement.
  • Statement of Qualifications - A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required and must be included. Please see the Special Requirements section for instructions.
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.

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:
This position has a Conflict-of-Interest designation and requires disclosure of economic interests (Form 700).

The incumbent is expected to demonstrate professional and ethical conduct that is reflective of CalHR's mission, vision, and core values.CalHR employees are expected to model and support CalHR Core Values.

The desirable qualifications for Supervisor II include:
  • Expert knowledge of human resources laws, rules, regulations, policies, and personnel and human resource management practices. 
  • Experience and knowledge in various human resources disciplines including, but not limited to, classification and pay, examinations, hiring, executive appointments, recruitment, position control, workforce and succession planning, training and employee development, employee recognition and engagement, talent management, policy and procedure development, and special projects.
  • Experience leading or overseeing talent management and workforce programs throughout the employee lifecycle, including recruitment, onboarding, training and development, engagement, recognition, retention, and succession planning. 
  • Experience performing or overseeing human resources services for high-level executives, Career Executive Assignments (CEAs), Exempt appointees, and other sensitive or complex appointments. 
  • Experience overseeing departmentwide training, employee development, mandatory training compliance, or related workforce development programs. 
  • Ability to gain the confidence and support of executive leadership and advise executives on complex and sensitive human resources and workforce matters. 
  • Experience in change management, including identifying opportunities for organizational and operational improvement and successfully leading and implementing change. 
  • Ability to think critically, research and analyze complex information, interpret data, apply applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies, practices, and principles to personnel management and human resources, and develop effective action and implementation plans. 
  • Demonstrated ability to provide leadership and oversight to subordinate supervisors and staff, including the ability to coach, mentor, train, develop, and hold employees accountable for program and operational outcomes. 
  • Ability to establish priorities, effectively manage multiple complex programs and competing demands, delegate work appropriately, and ensure timely and high-quality completion of assignments.
  • Ability to develop staff capability through cross-training, succession planning, knowledge transfer, and other strategies that strengthen operational continuity and organizational resiliency. 
  • Effective communication, business acumen, decision-making, and problem-solving skills. 
  • Customer-service oriented with the ability to remain flexible and adapt to rapid changes in priorities and work assignments while maintaining a high degree of accuracy. 
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to clearly present complex and accurate information, analyses, and recommendations. 
  • Ability to collaborate effectively with executives, managers, supervisors, staff, customers, control agencies, and external stakeholders. 
  • Ability to adapt, remain flexible, maintain a positive attitude, and thrive in an environment that manages multiple priorities simultaneously. 
  • Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive personnel-related work and information. 
  • Ability to create and promote an equitable, inclusive, accessible, engaging, and respectful workplace where diversity is celebrated and valued.

Benefits

CalHR ensures that all state employees, retirees and their dependents have access to competitive, quality and affordable benefits. Please visit our new Benefits website at www.benefits.calhr.ca.gov for more information!

CalHR employees are excluded from bargaining and are eligible to receive enhanced benefits, such as CoBen benefit allowance, employer paid life insurance, additional vacation/annual leave, and are not subject to State Disability Insurance payroll withholding.

Contact Information

The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the application process. The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position.

Department Website: https://www.calhr.ca.gov
Human Resources Contact:
Lisa El Sao
(916) 909-2819
lisa.elsao@calhr.ca.gov
Hiring Unit Contact:
Jennifer Gothier
(916) 909-3846
jennifer.gothier@calhr.ca.gov

Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.

EEO Contact:
RA Coordinators
(916) 322-5315
RACoordinators@calhr.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Additional Application Information

CalHR ensures that all state employees, retirees and their dependents have access to competitive, quality and affordable benefits. Please visit our new Benefits website at www.benefits.calhr.ca.gov for more information!

CalHR employees are excluded from bargaining and are eligible to receive enhanced benefits, such as CoBen benefit allowance, employer paid life insurance, additional vacation/annual leave, and are not subject to State Disability Insurance payroll withholding.

Examination Information

Take the online Supervisor II exam to become list eligible for this position. 

The Limited Examination and Appointment Program (LEAP) is an optional pathway to state civil service for people with disabilities. Visit the CalHR LEAP page for additional information.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.

Application Methods:
Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account)
By Mail
Drop-off
Print Job