JOB INFORMATION

Are you passionate about developing and managing programs that foster a positive and supportive workplace culture, improve retention, and increase overall employee satisfaction? The Employee Engagement & Experience Program Coordinator plays a key role in driving employee satisfaction and retention initiatives across the City of San Diego. This position will collaborate extensively with leadership and staff across the organization, ensuring that employees are engaged, motivated, and equipped with the skills they need to succeed. This position will not have any immediate supervisory responsibilities but may at a future time. This position is hybrid, with primary reporting location at 1200 Third Ave, San Diego, CA 92101.

There's no such thing as a "perfect" candidate. The City is looking for exceptional people who want to make a positive impact through their work, will serve their community proudly, and be excited to come to work every day. Education and experience studies have shown that people are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they can perform every task listed in the job description. The City may consider an equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications and we encourage you to apply if you are interested.

Key Areas of Responsibility:

• Detect and Mitigate Risks: Successfully identify trends, gaps, and challenges; execute solution-focused strategies and programs to mitigate risks.
• Project Management: Independently develop and implement large-scale, organization-wide projects delivered on time that improve employee experience, retention, and overall workplace culture. Lead the execution of employee recognition programs and Citywide events.
• Analyze and Interpret Data: Gather and analyze workforce data and employee feedback through surveys, focus groups, and interviews, integrating insights into actionable strategies for leadership to enhance engagement. Exercise strong analytical skills to develop persuasive narratives and recommendations; demonstrated ability to define and measure success of programs. Monitor industry trends and best practices to continuously improve engagement strategies.
• Communicate Effectively: Produce high-quality written communications that concisely analyze problems and recommend solutions; deliver oral presentations to organization leadership; develop effective internal communication strategies to keep employees informed and engaged.
• Collaborate: Build constructive relationships with critical stakeholders to share information and influence change. Engage with managers to effectively motivate their teams. Partner with leadership and cross-functional teams to integrate engagement initiatives into business processes.
• Problem Solve: Work independently with minimal supervision and persevere over internal and external barriers to drive resolutions.
• Work at Scale: Launch and manage sustainable mechanisms for the entire organization.

What Success Will Look Like:
The successful candidate will be a dynamic and resourceful leader with strong verbal and written communication skills, capable of engaging effectively with HR colleagues, senior management, and staff across the organization. They will be highly skilled in building relationships and creating an inclusive environment where employees feel valued and empowered. They will excel in developing and implementing initiatives that enhance employee satisfaction, engagement and retention while fostering a positive workplace culture. With a focus on collaboration and innovation, they will work closely with leaders and teams across the organization to ensure that employee feedback is integrated into actionable strategies. The successful candidate will also possess a strong commitment to data-driven decision making, ensuring continuous improvement in engagement and learning programs. Through their leadership, they will help drive the City’s reputation as an employer of choice, both internally and externally.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Organizational Development or Studies, Public or Business Administration, or a related field, and
• Five (5) years of professional experience developing and implementing employee engagement strategies and applying organizational development best practices

Desirable Qualifications :
The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:

• A Master’s degree in a related field.
• Professional certification such as Project Management Professional (PMP), IPMA-CP/SCP, SPHR/PHR, and/or completion of an Organizational Development Certification Program (ODCP).
• Experience with an employee sentiment platform (preferably Medallia)
• Experience with a learning management system (preferably Success Factors)
• Experience in a unionized environment.

Benefits:
The City offers a robust benefits package that includes:

• Defined retirement plan, including pension reciprocity, dependent on an employee’s eligibility status (new hire, rehire, etc.).
• A wide variety of cafeteria-style health and wellness plans or in-lieu cash waiver.
• 11 paid City holidays per calendar year and 1 floating holiday per fiscal year.
• Approximately 176 hours of paid annual leave for an employee’s first 15 years of service, and approximately 216 hours for 16+ years of service.
• Up to 24 hours of paid discretionary leave per fiscal year.
• Up to 320 hours of paid Parental Leave per childbirth or placement of a child.
• Up to 40 hours of paid Bereavement Leave per fiscal year.
• Tuition reimbursement up to $2,000 per fiscal year, and complimentary Linked In Learning professional development opportunities.
• Free transit pass (including MTS Trolley, MTS Bus, and all Rapid and Rapid Express bus services).
• Access to premier City golf courses at a discounted rate.
• Reduced-rate fitness center memberships.
• City-paid life insurance.

For additional details, please review the Benefits Summary for Unclassified Employees (Download PDF reader)(Download PDF reader) or contact the Benefits Division of the Risk Management Department at (619) 236-5924.

The Department:
The mission of the Human Resources Department is to position the City as the regional employer of choice through best-in-class recruitment, retention, and employee relations practices. The Department is comprised of the following programs: Employee Relations, Labor Relations, People and Organization Development, Disability Management, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Talent Acquisition, Citywide Volunteer, Internship and Work Readiness, COVID Response and Recovery, People Analytics, and Veteran and Employee Engagement. Under the guidance of the Human Resources Director and Deputy Directors, these programs provide a broad range of support and development activities for our employee workforce. For more information, please visit the Human Resources website at sandiego.gov/humanresources.

The City:
With more than 1.4 million residents, the City of San Diego is the eighth largest city in the United States and the second largest in California. The City of San Diego’s strong economy, diverse population, great educational institutions, unsurpassed quality of life, and world-renowned location make it the ideal place to work, live, and play. With its great weather, miles of sandy beaches, and major attractions, San Diego has something to offer for everyone.

The City’s Mission, as stated in the Strategic Plan is “Every day we serve our communities to make San Diego not just a fine city, but a great City.” The City’s Vision is "Opportunity in every neighborhood, excellent service for every San Diegan".

As one of the region’s largest employers, the City of San Diego employs nearly 13,000 highly dedicated employees and has a combined Fiscal Year 2025 operating and capital budget of approximately $5.65 billion. Additional information about the City of San Diego can be found on the City’s website.

Pre-Employment Requirements and Screening Process:
Employment offers are conditional, pending the results of all screening processes applicable to the position. All the processes required by the City of San Diego must be successfully completed before employment begins. Please refer to the City’s pre-employment requirements and screening process webpage for additional information. Nothing in this job posting constitutes or should be construed as part of an express or implied contract for employment with the City of San Diego.

Application Instructions: Kindly adhere to the instructions provided in the "Selection/Application Process" section below, we regret to inform you that online applications will not be considered.

Selection/Application Process:
To be considered for this position, you must submit the following items to the Human Resources Department at: Human Resources@sandiego.gov
1) Resume;
2) Letter of Interest, highlighting your relevant work experience and qualifications for this position; and
3) List of three professional references.

NOTE(S):

• Attachments must be submitted in either PDF or Word Document format.
• Reference Recruitment Number U2531 in the Subject Line.
• Candidates are encouraged to apply promptly as interviews and selection may begin upon receipt of resumes from qualified individuals.

Following the closing date, resumes will be screened according to the qualifications outlined above and the most qualified candidates will be invited to interview. If you have any questions, please email the City’s Human Resources Department at Human Resources@sandiego.gov.

The City of San Diego has an active Equal Opportunity/ADA Program for employment and vigorously supports diversity in the workplace.