Labor Relations Manager (WMS Band 2), Human Resources Division, Attorney General's Office

Apply Now

Company: State of Washington

Location: Tumwater, WA 98511

Description:

Salary : $91,107.00 - $126,528.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Tumwater, WA
Job Type: Exempt
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2025-02151
Department: Attorney General's Office
Division: Human Resources
Opening Date: 03/21/2025
Closing Date: 4/10/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

Description
Persons requiring reasonable accommodation in the application process or requiring information in an alternative format may contact the recruitment team at . Those with a hearing impairment in need of accommodation are encouraged to contact the Washington Relay Service at 1-800-676-3777 or www.washingtonrelay.com
Position & Salary

The Attorney General's Office is recruiting for a full time Labor Relations Manager (WMS Band 2) in the Human Resources Division. This position is located in Olympia, Washington, and is not union-represented.

Salary range: $91,107 - $126,528 annually

The base pay offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the preferred candidate's job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

About the Human Resources Division

The Human Resource Office (HRO) supports the mission of the AGO by providing a dynamic range of human resources-related programs and services to managers, employees, and candidates for employment. HRO is a caring team comprised of 26 employees who perform consulting, recruitment, training, HR operations, and internal communications support for the agency. We promote a diverse and inclusive workplace that values belonging and respects and serves our employees. Engaging, developing, and retaining a qualified and highly competent workforce is our primary mission. Can you see yourself as part of our team?

About the Labor Relations Manager Position & Essential Functions

In this management-level position you will work closely and independently with senior leadership to develop labor engagement strategies. You will be the primary point of contact and liaison with labor unions and other key business partners and have the opportunity to represent the AGO as part of the management bargaining team during the statewide collective bargaining. This position will also serve as a key leader in helping supervisors and leaders develop competencies to successfully lead in organized working environments.

The Labor Relations Manager serves as the AGO's expert on labor relations. As part of this role, your responsibilities will include:
  • Serving as the primary representative on behalf of AGO leadership with the exclusive bargaining representative.
  • Assisting in the research, preparation, negotiation, and administration of the collective bargaining agreements covering state employees.
  • Consulting with managers, senior agency leaders, HR colleagues, and the Office of Financial Management-State Human Resources on labor relations issues.
  • Fostering a positive relationship with employees and labor organizations representing AGO positions.
  • Collaborating with the HR team to develop and deliver labor relations training programs for supervisors and managers as necessary to ensure understanding of obligations under state law and collective bargaining agreements.
  • Receiving and coordinating employee grievances filed under the CBAs, as well as unfair labor practices filed with the Public Employee Relations Commission or superior court. Assist and support the AGO and counsel through the arbitration process.
  • Responding to union information requests.
  • Identifying areas of opportunity and developing strategies to advance the AGO's commitment to in areas that include human resources and labor relations.

Required Education & Experience

A minimum of six years of labor relations experience. A bachelor's degree may substitute for two years of experience.

Examples of labor relations experience may include:
  • Demonstrated ability to research, analyze, interpret, and apply case law, arbitration, and decisions from the Washington Public Relations Commission or similar organizations.
  • Demonstrated ability to train, educate, and advise leaders and supervisors on collective bargaining agreements, employer policies, state employment and labor statutes, regulations, guidelines, and related processes.

Preferred/Desired Education & Experience
  • Bachelor's degree in HR, labor relations, political science, organizational development, business, social or behavioral science, or related field.
  • Professional Certification in training or HR certifications, such as CLRP, SPHR, or PHR.
  • Washington State Experience: Senior-level management experience, including responsibilities for legislative activities, budgeting, and/or HR management.


Skills & Abilities

The most competitive applicants will possess the following experience and mindsets:
  • Adaptability. Ensuring that the AGO adjusts to changing business needs and is genuinely responsive to the perspectives of our employees and labor unions. You will be called on to be open to different ideas and quickly pivot to a different approach than first anticipated.
  • Analysis & Problem Solving. Examining data to grasp issues, draw conclusions, and find solutions.
  • Communication Skills. Conveying clear, timely, persuasive messages using appropriate language for the knowledge and understanding of the audience or reader.
  • Conflict Resolution. Initiating resolution to interpersonal and organizational conflict.
  • Negotiation. Reaching sustainable agreements that satisfy identified interests.
  • Relationship Building & Influence. Building constructive working relationships through mutual respect. Patiently solicit and consider ideas of others and actively support the good ideas of others.
  • Valuing Others. Working effectively with individuals of diverse cultures, interpersonal styles, abilities, motivations, and backgrounds.
  • Kindness. The work of this position will require navigating challenging conversations. To succeed, you will be called on to keep a kind and generous view of others, even during challenging times.
  • Inclusivity. As a leading office representative, you must take steps to ensure the AGO's position on issues takes a variety of perspectives into account. This will require the successful candidate to work intentionally to consider perspectives that historically may not have been provided the opportunity to be heard.


Ideal Candidate Profile

Our ideal candidate is a thoughtful, collaborative colleague with experience in public labor relations and exemplary communication skills. They will be able to lead our organization in cultivating and maintaining solid and productive relationships with labor organizations representing many of our employees.

Typical successful backgrounds for this position include:
  • Labor Relations professionals
  • Human Resources professionals
  • Labor workforce experience
  • Labor attorneys
  • Union experience
  • Mediation experience

About the Washington State Office of the Attorney General
Join an agency whose work impacts the lives of every resident of Washington State.

The Attorney General's Office (AGO) touches the lives of every resident in this state. We serve more than 230 state agencies, boards, commissions, colleges and universities, as well as the Legislature and the Governor. The Office is comprised of nearly 700 attorneys and 800 professional staff, all working together to deliver the highest quality professional legal services to Washington state officials, agencies, and entities. This includes:
  • Economic justice and consumer protections (safeguarding consumers, protecting youth, seniors, and other vulnerable populations)
  • Social justice and civil rights (addressing discrimination, environmental protection, and veteran and military resources)
  • Criminal justice and public safety (investigative and prosecutorial support, financial crimes)
  • And !

Our agency also has national reach, representing the State of Washington before the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals and trial courts in all cases that involve the state's interest. If you want to make a difference, we may be the perfect fit for you! Learn more about the AGO
Commitment to Diversity

Diversity is critical to the success of the mission of the AGO. This means recognizing, respecting, and appreciating all cultures and backgrounds-- and fostering the inclusion of differences between people. Appreciating, valuing and implementing principles of diversity permits AGO employees to achieve their fullest potential in an inclusive, respectful environment. One recent measure of the AGO's commitment to diversity can be found in its nomination for Rainbow Alliance and Inclusion Network's "Outstanding Agency Award" in 2019. Our commitment to employee wellness is reflected in earning the 2024 Zo8 Washington Wellness Award.
Excellent Benefits

Washington State offers one of the most competitive in the nation, including Medical/Dental/Vision for employees & dependent(s); Vacation, Sick, and Other Leave; 11 Paid Holidays per year; Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) plans; and Life Insurance. Beyond these traditional benefits, we offer Dependent Care Assistance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Tuition Waiver, Deferred Compensation, Employee Recognition Leave, and more. With the goal of employee health and wellness, we also offer flexible schedules and telework options for most positions, a Wellness Program, the Employee Assistance Program, and numerous affinity groups to foster community and connection.
Application Instructions

In addition to completing the online application, applicants must attach the following documents to their profile in order to be considered for this position:
  • A letter of interest, describing your specific qualifications for the position;
  • A current resume detailing experience and education.

Read the Following Information Completely:
  • Carefully review your application for accuracy, spelling and grammar before submitting.
  • You may not reapply to this posting for 30 days.
  • The initial screening of applications will be solely based on the contents and completeness of the "work experience" and "education" sections of your application in , completeness of the application material submitted, and responses to the supplemental questionnaire.
  • A resume will not substitute for completing the "work experience" section of the application.
  • All information may be verified and documentation may be required.

Equal Employment Opportunity & Accommodations Requests

Honoring diversity, equity and inclusion means that as an agency, and as individuals, we are committed to ensuring that all employees and volunteers enjoy a respectful, safe and supportive working environment. Only by fostering the inclusion of people from all backgrounds, cultures and attributes, can AGO employees and volunteers achieve their fullest potential and best advance the goals and mission of the AGO.

The AGO is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation/gender identity, age, disability, honorably discharged veteran or military status, retaliation or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability. Persons requiring reasonable accommodation in the application process or requiring information in an alternative format may contact the recruitment team atThose with a hearing impairment in need of accommodation are encouraged to contact the Washington Relay Service at 1-800-676-3777 or

For questions regarding this recruitment or assistance with the application process, please contact Megan Davis at 360-709-6013 or If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 12-31-2022
01

(1000all) Your preferred name:
02

(1000all) Your pronoun(s):
03

1000allClassified: Have you participated, whether as an attorney, paralegal, legal assistant, or in any other capacity, in the representation of any party in a matter where the party's interest was materially adverse to that of the State, its agencies, or its officers or employees? If yes, please identify all such matters, including the parties to the matter, the court and cause number of the matter, and your role in the matter. If no, please enter N/A. If you require additional space, please attach additional sheets and indicate your attachment here.
04

1000allClassified: Have you participated as a judge, arbitrator, mediator, adjudicative officer, or as a law clerk to such a person, in a matter in which the State or any of its agencies, officers, or employees were a party? If yes, please identify all such matters, including the parties to the matter, the court and cause number of the matter, and your role in the matter. If no, please enter N/A. If you require additional space, please attach additional sheets and indicate your attachment here.
05

1000allClassified: Is there any other matter, person, entity, or personal interest that might present a conflict of interest or otherwise limit your ability to perform work for the Attorney General's Office or represent a state agency, officer, or employee? If yes, please identify such matters, persons, entities, or personal interests with sufficient detail to allow the Attorney General's Office to understand the nature of the potential conflict of interest. You are not required to disclose any pending or contemplated complaint or dispute for which the law allows you to remain anonymous; however, you are responsible for not accepting assignments that would violate conflict of interest or confidentiality provisions of the Rules of Professional Conduct or other laws with regard to such matters. If no, please enter N/A. If you require additional space, please attach additional sheets and indicate your attachment here.
06

1000allClassified. Where did you hear about our job opening?
Required Question

Similar Jobs