Labor Relations Manager
Apply NowCompany: City of Seattle, WA
Location: Seattle, WA 98115
Description:
Salary : $124,758.00 - $187,105.68 Annually
Location : Seattle, WA
Job Type: Civil Service Exempt, Regular, Full-time
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2025-00429
Department: Seattle Department of Human Resources
Opening Date: 04/09/2025
Closing Date: 5/6/2025 4:00 PM Pacific
Language Premium: Yes
Position Description
The mission of the City of Seattle Human Resources Department (SDHR) is to provide strategic and operational human resources services that meet the City's workforce and organizational needs. Our values reflect our best thinking of how we want to act and interact with customers, consumers, partners, and each other: respect, excellence, integrity, equity, adaptability, integration, and accountability.
Within the department, the Labor Relations team works to promote and maintain labor harmony within the City's represented workforce to maintain the efficient and continuous delivery of City services to the public. We have an opportunity for a Labor Relations Manager within the team. In this role, you will provide leadership, mentorship, coaching, and supervision to a team of 8, including 6 Labor Negotiators, a Labor Relations Specialist, and an Administrative Staff Analyst. You will serve as the second in command to the Labor Relations Director and play an important role in managing the relationships with the labor unions, as well as serving as the first point of contact for high-level partners and constituents regarding LR matters of citywide impact.
Job Responsibilities
Your top priorities in this position will be:
Here's more about what you'll be doing:
Qualifications
You will be most successful if you have demonstrated hands-on experience in labor relations, law, human resource investigations, litigation, or interpreting contracts. A commitment to listening, creating space for diverse perspectives, and the pursuit of equitable, inclusive, and just outcomes must be at the center of your professional practice. The ability to communicate at all levels tactfully and effectively will also contribute to your success.
Specifically, you'll be prepared to take on this role if you have a combination of the following:
An ability to:
Experience with:
Skills in:
Additional Information
This civil service exempt position is classified as a Manager 3, Exempt. The full pay range for this discretionary position is $59.75 - $89.61 per hour. The salary for this individual role has been identified as $86.99 hourly. This position is exempt from FLSA and not eligible for overtime.
First interviews for this position are tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, May 14 and/or Thursday, May 15, 2025. Second interviews are tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, May 21, 2025.
We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact Lindsey King at to request accommodation.
The position offers the flexibility of a hybrid work environment. The person in this role will be required to report for offsite meetings in various locations both inside and outside of Seattle. Individual schedules will be agreed on between the employee and their supervisor and are subject to change based on operational needs.
Applicants must successfully pass a background check, which will be conducted in accordance with Seattle's Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17. Applicants will have the opportunity to explain or correct background information and provide verifiable information of good conduct and rehabilitation.
Individuals selected to fill this position may be eligible to receive Language Premium Pay (SMC 4.20.360), which provides a $200.00 monthly stipend to qualified bilingual employees who are properly evaluated and assigned to provide direct communication in-language, interpretation, or translation services to the public on behalf of the City of Seattle.
The recognizes every City employee must play a role in ending institutional and structural racism. Our culture is the result of our behavior, our personal commitments, and the ways we courageously share our perspectives and encourage others to do the same. To cultivate an antiracist culture, we seek employees who will engage in the by working to dismantle racist policies and procedures, unlearn the way things have always been done, and provide equitable processes and services.
The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at:
APPLICATION PROCESS:
Please submit your application at no later than 4:00pm Pacific Time on Tuesday, April 29, 2025To be considered for this position, in addition to completing your application fully, please attach:
This position is open to all applicants who demonstrate alignment with the skills and experience described above. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, medical condition, or pregnancy. The City of Seattle encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences. If you have questions, please contact Lindsey King at .
The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.
More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at:
01
What experience do you have as a chief spokesperson in negotiations?
02
Tell us about your experience with and approach to balancing multiple high-priority tasks with competing timelines.
03
This position requires the ability to influence internal and external stakeholders at all levels. Tell us about a time you had to influence a decision and the decision maker was resistant to your advice. How did you handle the situation?
04
Part of this job is problem-solving within the scope of Policy, parameters provided by electeds, and the law. Can you provide an example of a creative solution that you developed that demonstrates your problem-solving skills?
05
What do you think is the most important element of being an effective manager?
06
What does it mean for you to have a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion? Can you give us an example of how you have demonstrated that commitment either personally or professionally?
07
This position offers the flexibility of a hybrid work schedule. Employees will be expected to work in-office a minimum of two days a week and you will be required to attend meetings at various locations throughout Seattle and King County. Individual schedules will be determined between yourself and your supervisor. Please confirm your understanding and ability to meet the needs of this role.
08
This job advertisement requested you attach a cover letter and resume to your application. Have you attached these documents?
09
Where/how did you hear about this position?
Required Question
Location : Seattle, WA
Job Type: Civil Service Exempt, Regular, Full-time
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2025-00429
Department: Seattle Department of Human Resources
Opening Date: 04/09/2025
Closing Date: 5/6/2025 4:00 PM Pacific
Language Premium: Yes
Position Description
The mission of the City of Seattle Human Resources Department (SDHR) is to provide strategic and operational human resources services that meet the City's workforce and organizational needs. Our values reflect our best thinking of how we want to act and interact with customers, consumers, partners, and each other: respect, excellence, integrity, equity, adaptability, integration, and accountability.
Within the department, the Labor Relations team works to promote and maintain labor harmony within the City's represented workforce to maintain the efficient and continuous delivery of City services to the public. We have an opportunity for a Labor Relations Manager within the team. In this role, you will provide leadership, mentorship, coaching, and supervision to a team of 8, including 6 Labor Negotiators, a Labor Relations Specialist, and an Administrative Staff Analyst. You will serve as the second in command to the Labor Relations Director and play an important role in managing the relationships with the labor unions, as well as serving as the first point of contact for high-level partners and constituents regarding LR matters of citywide impact.
Job Responsibilities
Your top priorities in this position will be:
- Program Management:
- Overseeing the business operations of the Labor Relations program, including bargaining labor agreements, and handling grievances and arbitrations
- Supervising and managing the daily work of highly skilled and knowledgeable Labor Negotiators, a Labor Relations Specialist, and the Administrative Staff Analyst, including conducting performance reviews
- Designing and implementing the LR best practices, succession planning, and process improvement strategies, including developing standard operating procedures and optimized workflow processes
- Providing Technical Expertise:
- Applying your high level of technical expertise in all aspects of Labor Relations
- Participating in the most complex and difficult negotiations for highly visible and precedent-setting issues
- Ensuring that all labor relations decisions are consistent with SHR and the City mission and policies
- Policy and Communication:
- Providing guidance and direction on Labor Policy as it relates to bargaining all labor agreements, MOUs and MOAs, personnel rules, grievance resolutions, unfair labor practices, and arbitrations
- Developing and recommending policies associated with healthcare, compensation, and other employee benefits that are mandatory subjects of bargaining, which impact over 10,000 represented employees
- Representing the City with high-level collaborators and constituents for consultation regarding LR matters of citywide impact
- Attending the Executive Labor Committee, Labor Relations Policy Committee, Human Resources Leadership Team, Coalition of City Union, City Council, Health Care Committee, and other assigned meetings on behalf of the SDHR Director
- In partnership with the LR Director, developing and implementing communication strategies that support the organization's labor relations goals and foster a collaborative work environment
Here's more about what you'll be doing:
- Acting as the chief spokesperson and negotiator for the Joint Crafts Council (JCC) which is comprised of 12 separate unions, the second-largest union affiliation at the City
- Working collaboratively with SDHR leaders and citywide senior executives on the development of the LR policies implementation, identifying and proactively engaging with key collaborators, partners, and subject matter experts
- Assessing or developing LR standard processes for the team and citywide to adapt to changing conditions and improve outcomes
- Designing strategies to improve existing LR processes for maximum clarity, efficiency, and success
- Developing training or info sessions to ensure management and HR partners understand and support labor relations practices to maintain a unified approach
Qualifications
You will be most successful if you have demonstrated hands-on experience in labor relations, law, human resource investigations, litigation, or interpreting contracts. A commitment to listening, creating space for diverse perspectives, and the pursuit of equitable, inclusive, and just outcomes must be at the center of your professional practice. The ability to communicate at all levels tactfully and effectively will also contribute to your success.
Specifically, you'll be prepared to take on this role if you have a combination of the following:
An ability to:
- Evaluate, research, and make sound decisions
- Adapt your communication style based on the audience and situation
- Work under pressure with constantly evolving priorities while still meeting deadlines
- Encouraging a collaborative approach to problem-solving
- Manage and navigate within a dynamic political environment
- Lead with kindness and compassion
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of Washington State Regulations governing labor relations
Experience with:
- Managing a team of highly skilled and knowledgeable professionals
- Acting as a chief spokesperson in contract negotiations, administration, and grievance resolution
- Labor relations
- Working in a public organization
- Facilitating groups with competing interests to a timely resolution
- Successfully deescalating stressful or confrontational meetings while maintaining a positive working relationship
Skills in:
- Achieving amenable solutions for those with competing interests
- Fostering and developing mutually respectful and trusting relationships
- Nurturing a positive, collaborative team environment
- Written, oral, and interpersonal communication
- Mediation
Additional Information
This civil service exempt position is classified as a Manager 3, Exempt. The full pay range for this discretionary position is $59.75 - $89.61 per hour. The salary for this individual role has been identified as $86.99 hourly. This position is exempt from FLSA and not eligible for overtime.
First interviews for this position are tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, May 14 and/or Thursday, May 15, 2025. Second interviews are tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, May 21, 2025.
We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact Lindsey King at to request accommodation.
The position offers the flexibility of a hybrid work environment. The person in this role will be required to report for offsite meetings in various locations both inside and outside of Seattle. Individual schedules will be agreed on between the employee and their supervisor and are subject to change based on operational needs.
Applicants must successfully pass a background check, which will be conducted in accordance with Seattle's Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17. Applicants will have the opportunity to explain or correct background information and provide verifiable information of good conduct and rehabilitation.
Individuals selected to fill this position may be eligible to receive Language Premium Pay (SMC 4.20.360), which provides a $200.00 monthly stipend to qualified bilingual employees who are properly evaluated and assigned to provide direct communication in-language, interpretation, or translation services to the public on behalf of the City of Seattle.
The recognizes every City employee must play a role in ending institutional and structural racism. Our culture is the result of our behavior, our personal commitments, and the ways we courageously share our perspectives and encourage others to do the same. To cultivate an antiracist culture, we seek employees who will engage in the by working to dismantle racist policies and procedures, unlearn the way things have always been done, and provide equitable processes and services.
The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at:
APPLICATION PROCESS:
Please submit your application at no later than 4:00pm Pacific Time on Tuesday, April 29, 2025To be considered for this position, in addition to completing your application fully, please attach:
- A PDF of your current resume which illustrates your related skills, experience, and abilities
- Cover Letter explaining your interest in this opportunity with Seattle Human Resources and capability to perform this body of work
This position is open to all applicants who demonstrate alignment with the skills and experience described above. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, medical condition, or pregnancy. The City of Seattle encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences. If you have questions, please contact Lindsey King at .
The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.
More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at:
01
What experience do you have as a chief spokesperson in negotiations?
02
Tell us about your experience with and approach to balancing multiple high-priority tasks with competing timelines.
03
This position requires the ability to influence internal and external stakeholders at all levels. Tell us about a time you had to influence a decision and the decision maker was resistant to your advice. How did you handle the situation?
04
Part of this job is problem-solving within the scope of Policy, parameters provided by electeds, and the law. Can you provide an example of a creative solution that you developed that demonstrates your problem-solving skills?
05
What do you think is the most important element of being an effective manager?
06
What does it mean for you to have a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion? Can you give us an example of how you have demonstrated that commitment either personally or professionally?
07
This position offers the flexibility of a hybrid work schedule. Employees will be expected to work in-office a minimum of two days a week and you will be required to attend meetings at various locations throughout Seattle and King County. Individual schedules will be determined between yourself and your supervisor. Please confirm your understanding and ability to meet the needs of this role.
08
This job advertisement requested you attach a cover letter and resume to your application. Have you attached these documents?
09
Where/how did you hear about this position?
Required Question