Job Posting: Head of Talent and People Services

Office of Data and Innovation

JC-503004
-
Head of Talent and People Services
MANAGER I

$8,715.00 - $9,899.00 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: 1/20/2026

Job Description and Duties

The Office of Data & Innovation (ODI) is seeking a Head of People and Talent Services. You will serve as a member of the Operations management team and play a significant role in the decision making that affects the ODI workforce. You will lead the development of priorities, policies, and practices pertaining to recruitment and hiring, classification and pay determination, transactions,  strategic planning, workforce development, succession planning, performance management, return to work and organizational change management.

What you'll do:

  • Oversee the strategy and processes for attracting, developing, and retaining top talent.
  • Provide comprehensive leadership in the development, performance, and overall employee experience of ODI staff with regards to personnel matters.
  • Support ODI employees throughout their employment journey.
  • Ensure ODI is in compliance with laws, rules, policies, and procedures as they relate to personnel matters.
  • Serve as a trusted advisor to leadership, managers, and employees on a wide range of HR matters.
  • Develop and implement initiatives to increase equality, diversity, and promote a culture of inclusion within the workplace.

If you are a dynamic leader ready to make a significant impact on our organization and the State of California, we encourage you to apply and help us build a workplace where everyone can thrive.

The employee’s workstation is located in Sacramento, CA. Travel may be required as needed to attend meetings, conferences, and/or training classes. This position provides telework opportunities in accordance with agency telework policies.

 

Need help understanding the hiring process or have questions about ODI? We'd love to talk to you! Before applying, read through our civil service application guide, or contact us at odi-talent-team@innovation.ca.gov. Please include the position title in the subject line.

 

ODI encourages people with disabilities to apply for jobs with us. The Limited Examination and Appointment Program (LEAP) can help people with disabilities get jobs with the State of California. It is an alternative to the regular civil service exam for a job. You explain your knowledge, skills, and abilities through on-the-job testing. Using LEAP is optional. Learn more about LEAP and find available exams on CalHR's LEAP page.

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

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-503004
Position #(s):
418-100-4969-001
Working Title:
Head of Talent and People Services
Classification:
MANAGER I
$8,715.00 - $9,899.00
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 Office of Data and Innovation helps deliver better services to the people of California through technology and design. In close partnership with our colleagues in other state departments, we reimagine and deliver more equitable and effective programs and products. We listen to Californians who use a program now or may do so tomorrow and hear about what they need. We build tools and products, create and enhance digital services, conduct research, identify data solutions and offer training. We are a cross-discipline staff with blended backgrounds in design, engineering, product, operations, data, research, policy and strategy. If you can imagine joining this growing, and inclusive team, please apply!

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at ODI

Diversity, equity, and inclusion help us deliver better government services to Californians. Fostering diversity inspires better ideas and more innovative thinking. Feeling included nurtures a shared sense of community. This drives us to take collective action on challenging problems. Prioritizing equity ensures we build solutions for people whose needs are often overlooked. We acknowledge our history and present of implicit and structural injustice, bias, and discrimination. We see, hear, and accept each other and the lived experiences we bring to our work. We support each other in learning and developing so we can help all Californians thrive. We understand this work is never done. That’s why we commit to constant improvement.

Please note, CalHR provides contracted Human Resources services for Office of Data and Innovation and is not an E-Verified employer.
Department Website: https://innovation.ca.gov/

Special Requirements

All interested applicants are required to submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ). Please provide direct responses to each of the numbered items listed below. Applicants must number and include the full text of the SOQ items in their response. 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.

1. Describe your experience overseeing talent strategies and processes that attract, develop, and retain staff. Include how you support employees throughout their employment journey and enhance the overall employee experience.

2. Explain how you ensure compliance with HR laws, rules, policies, and procedures, and provide an example of how you served as a trusted advisor to leadership or employees on complex HR matters.

3. Describe your experience managing HR operations in the California civil service system, including classification determination, pay, transactions, leave/benefits, return-to-work, and compliance with CalHR, SPB, and SCO rules.

Note:Applicants who do not follow these instructions may be disqualified from the selection process. Cover letters and resumes do not take the place of the SOQ.

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: 1/20/2026

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:

Office of Data and Innovation
CalHR
Attn: Classification & Hiring
1515 S Street
North Building, Suite 500
Sacramento, CA 95811

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

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

Office of Data and Innovation
CalHR
Classification & Hiring
1810 16th Street
Sacramento, CA 95811
08:00 AM - 04:00 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 required and must be included.
  • 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:
  • You care deeply about candidate and employee needs and want to provide exceptional customer service to build bridges to meet them
  • Proficiency in managing HR operations and programs
  • Strong background in talent acquisition, workforce strategy, classification and pay, performance management, transactions, exams, position control, and return-to-work benefits
  • In-depth knowledge of the California civil service merit system
  • In-depth knowledge of interpreting and applying laws, rules, policies,and procedures as they relate to classification allocation, payroll, personnel, leave, and benefit transactions
  • In-depth knowledge of California labor laws, regulations, and policies (CalHR, SPB, SCO)
  • Proven experience in developing and implementing comprehensive HR strategies
  • Experience in HR consultation, policy development, and compliance auditing
  • Expertise in fostering a culture of equality, diversity, and inclusion
  • Experience utilizing Google Suite, BreezyHR, Tempo Timekeeping, ECOS, HRNet, Personnel Information Management System (PIMS), California Leave Accounting System (CLAS), Management Information Retrieval System (MIRS), Lucid, and Airtable
  • Capable of providing training and mentorship to ensure compliance and skill development within the HR team

Benefits

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

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://innovation.ca.gov/
Human Resources Contact:
Lisa El Sao
(916) 909-2819
lisa.elsao@calhr.ca.gov
Hiring Unit Contact:
Lawrence Troxler III
(916) 398-5858
lawrence.troxler@innovation.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) 322-6997
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

Using the online application system as specified in the announcement is the preferred method for applying for civil service job opportunities; however, applicants may instead apply by way of U.S. mail, parcel delivery or courier service, or in person, as set forth in this announcement.

  • Electronic Submission: Application and any required applicable documents may be submitted electronically through CalCareers account. The application packages must be received electronically by 11:59 p.m. on the final filing date as stated on the job vacancy announcement. 
  • U.S Postal Service Mail: Application and any applicable required documents may be submitted by mail. The envelope must be postmarked before or on the final filing date as stated on the job vacancy announcement. 
Do not include confidential information such as social security numbers, date of birth, marital status, equal employment opportunity data, examination scores, and LEAP information.

Per CCR 249.3 we may fill additional positions from this recruitment.

Examination Information

Take the online Manager I exam to become list eligible for this position.

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