Human Resources Strategic Planning & Research Analysis Consultant

Job Title: Human Resources Strategic Planning & Research Analysis Consultant
Job Type:
Contract / On-Call Consulting
Work Arrangement:
As Needed / On-Call
Location:
Newport News, Virginia
Client:
City of Newport News, VA
Engagement:
As-Needed HR Consulting Services
Job Summary
We are seeking an experienced
Human Resources Strategic Planning & Research Analysis Consultant to provide professional HR consulting, strategic planning, workforce research, organizational effectiveness, recruitment, and workforce development support on an as-needed, on-call basis
.

The consultant will work with organizational and HR stakeholders to analyze workforce needs, conduct research, develop practical recommendations, support strategic HR initiatives, and provide data-driven solutions that improve workforce effectiveness and organizational performance. The ideal candidate will have strong experience in
HR strategy, workforce planning, HR research and analytics, organizational development, recruitment, talent management, and consulting
.

Key Responsibilities
Provide HR strategic planning and advisory services on an on-call basis. Assess organizational and workforce needs and develop practical HR strategies. Conduct quantitative and qualitative research related to workforce and HR issues. Analyze workforce data, HR metrics, trends, and organizational information. Develop reports, presentations, findings, recommendations, and strategic action plans. Support workforce planning, talent management, recruitment, retention, and workforce development initiatives.

Conduct research and benchmarking involving HR practices, compensation, workforce trends, organizational structures, and related topics as assigned. Evaluate existing HR processes, programs, policies, and practices and recommend improvements. Support organizational effectiveness and organizational development initiatives. Assist with identifying workforce gaps, emerging HR challenges, and opportunities for improvement. Develop methodologies, analytical frameworks, surveys, assessments, and research instruments when required.

Gather information through stakeholder interviews, surveys, focus groups, document reviews, and data analysis. Translate complex research and workforce data into clear, actionable recommendations. Prepare executive-level briefings and presentations for HR and organizational leadership. Provide subject-matter expertise across assigned HR consulting categories. Maintain confidentiality of sensitive employee, workforce, and organizational information. Coordinate with City representatives and relevant stakeholders to define requirements, timelines, deliverables, and priorities.

Respond to individual consulting assignments and deliver services within agreed schedules. Document findings, methodologies, recommendations, and implementation considerations. Perform other related HR consulting and research activities as assigned. Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in
Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Development, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Public Administration, or a related field
. Demonstrated professional experience providing HR consulting, strategic planning, workforce analysis, research, or organizational development services.

Strong understanding of HR functions, workforce management, recruitment, talent management, and organizational effectiveness. Experience conducting research, analyzing information, identifying trends, and developing recommendations. Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to develop professional reports, presentations, and executive-level materials. Ability to work independently and manage multiple consulting assignments. Strong stakeholder engagement and facilitation skills.

Ability to handle confidential and sensitive HR information appropriately.

Preferred Qualifications
Master's degree in HR, Business Administration, Organizational Development, Public Administration, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, or related field.
SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, SPHR, PHR, or comparable HR certification.
Experience supporting public-sector, municipal, government, or similarly complex organizations
.
Experience with workforce analytics and HR data visualization.
Experience developing HR strategic plans and workforce development strategies.
Experience conducting organizational assessments and process improvement studies.
Experience with HR benchmarking and labor/workforce research.
Experience facilitating executive or stakeholder workshops.

Required Skills
Core Skills:
Human Resources Consulting
HR Strategic Planning
Workforce Planning
HR Research & Analysis
Workforce Analytics
Organizational Development
Organizational Effectiveness
Talent Management
Recruitment & Staffing
Workforce Development
HR Program Evaluation
Process Improvement
Strategic Analysis
Data Analysis
Research Methodology
Report Writing
Executive Presentations
Stakeholder Engagement
Facilitation
Project Management
Technical/Analytical Skills:
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Word
HRIS / HR technology
Workforce analytics and reporting tools
Data collection and analysis
Survey and assessment tools
Dashboard/report development
Key Competencies
Strategic Thinking
Analytical Reasoning
Research & Data Interpretation
Business/HR Acumen
Communication
Consulting
Stakeholder Management
Problem Solving
Attention to Detail
Confidentiality
Project Management
Presentation Skills
Adaptability
Typical Deliverables
Depending on the City's assignment, deliverables may include:
HR strategic plans
Workforce assessments
Workforce research and benchmarking reports
HR data analysis
Organizational assessments
Workforce development recommendations
Recruitment and retention analysis
HR program/process evaluations
Research findings and executive summaries
Strategic recommendations and implementation roadmaps
Presentations and executive briefings
Surveys, assessment instruments, and analytical frameworks
Other HR consulting reports and work products requested by the City
Engagement Expectations
This is an on-call, as-needed consulting engagement
.

Assignments may vary in scope and duration based on the City's HR and organizational requirements. The consultant must be capable of quickly understanding individual assignments, coordinating with City stakeholders, conducting the required research or analysis, and delivering professional work products within established deadlines. Ideal Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate is an experienced
HR strategist and consultant who combines strong HR subject-matter expertise with research, analytical, strategic planning, and communication capabilities.

The candidate should be comfortable working independently, engaging senior stakeholders, analyzing complex workforce information, and converting findings into practical recommendations and actionable HR strategies.