Human Resources Director

Salary : $160,104.00 - $202,752.00 Annually
Location : 33325 8th Ave S, Federal Way
Job Type: Regular Full-Time
Job Number: 2500380
Department: Human Resources
Opening Date: 04/16/2025
Closing Date: Continuous

Basic Function
*First review of applications will be on April 30th*

To plan, direct, manage and oversee the activities and operations of the Human Resources Department including organizational development, training, compensation, benefits, employee relations, labor relations, recruitment, employment law compliance, leave administration, workers' compensation, unemployment, safety, EEO and ADA compliance, records retention, and policy development and administration; to coordinate assigned activities with other departments and outside agencies; and to provide highly responsible and complex support to the Mayor and City Administrator. As a member of the City's Management Team, the position is expected to demonstrate and foster excellent communication skills and to actively and effectively engage in strategic planning and organizational development.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Develops and implements Department goals, objectives, policies and priorities; manages staff and oversees all Department programs and services; plans, directs, and coordinates the Department and staffs work plans; assigns projects and areas of responsibility; reviews and evaluates the work of Department staff; coaches and develops Department staff on HR best practices.

Researches and prepares data, recommendations and presentations for labor contract negotiations; serves as Chief Spokesperson in contract negotiations; serves as City representative in mediation and arbitration cases; writes and administers labor contracts; participates in grievance procedures and grievance arbitration; conducts dispute resolution whenever possible.

Develops recommendations to the Mayor, City Administrator and City Council on salary schedules, COLA adjustments, benefits, and other compensation issues; conducts market salary surveys for compensation evaluation and prepares reports on findings and recommendations; develops and executes market survey implementation plans.

Maintains and establishes personnel policies and procedures; assists employees, supervisors, and managers in understanding the application of these policies; advises and consults the Mayor, department directors, managers, supervisors, and employees regarding interpretation and application of collective bargaining agreements and personnel policies and procedures.

Prepares Department budget; monitors and controls department expenditures in accordance with City budget and policies.

Creates and delivers staff reports, agenda items, and public presentations to public officials.

Participate in Management Team; share information regarding HR activities and updates or changes to employment law; coordinate with other departments on City-wide projects; work collaboratively on strategic goals, budget development and other major initiatives.

Coordinates and administers the City's self-insured medical plan; works with broker/actuary on rate projections, review, approve/deny recommended changes to plans, executes required documents for plan renewal, stop loss insurance and COBRA administration; coordinates annual open enrollment and required reporting, and distribution of annual notices.

Conducts personnel investigations to include claims of harassment, discrimination and/or retaliation

Directs and manages Citywide training and development initiatives to include topics such as harassment and discrimination prevention, drug and alcohol awareness, belonging and inclusivity, leadership development, physical and mental health first aid, etc; develops and delivers personnel training to staff.

Monitors the Unemployment Compensation and Worker's Compensation programs.

Supports new employee orientations and on-boarding; conducts exit interviews.

Directs and manages employee requests for accommodation; conduct ADA inquiries; make recommendations to Directors, Managers and Supervisors.

Provide oversight and guidance to Civil Service, employee safety and wellness committees; Federal Way Retirement System Board; and staff the Independent Salary Commission of appointed citizens.

Maintains regular, reliable and punctual attendance. Performs other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience
Education and Experience:

Any combination of education or experience equivalent to a bachelor's degree in business or public administration, human resources management, labor relations or organization development or a related field, and seven (7) years progressively responsible experience administering human resources programs and services, including two (2) years of supervisory or managerial responsibilities. Progressively responsible experience in benefits administration, classification and compensation, labor relations/negotiations, and public sector experience are desirable.

NOTE: This position will be required to be fingerprinted and complete the CJIS (Criminal Justice Information Services) Security Certification Test to be allowed to view sensitive information and have unescorted access while at the Police Department (per Washington State Patrol ACCESS unit).

Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• City human resources policies and procedures.
• Labor negotiations in Public Sector; including interest arbitration eligible bargaining groups.
• Principles and practices of public human resources administration including recruitment and selection, classification and compensation, job analysis, benefits administration, labor relations, training and development, performance management, HRIS, and relevant local, state and federal regulations.
• Municipal government organization, rules, regulations and procedures.
• Process and procedure for cost/benefit evaluation and analysis of various human resources programs.
• Qualifications and characteristics of a wide variety of occupations.
• Research techniques and source and availability of information.
• Program budgeting, financial management and short- and long-range strategic planning concepts and principles.
• Principles and practices of supervision.
• Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.
• Technical skills to operate office equipment and proficiency in Microsoft software and applications.
• Technical record keeping techniques and requirements.
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
• Familiarity with various software programs and employer portal websites such as EDEN; NAVIA (FSA), HRA VEBA, MEBT, Kaiser Permanente, MissionSquare, Department of Retirement Systems (DRS), etc.
• Award and Employee Survey Systems.

Ability to:

• Interpret policies and procedures, laws, regulations and analyze complex problems, and adopt an effective course of action.
• Interpret administrative directives and use initiative and professional judgment in applying directives to the work at hand.
• Plan, implement and evaluate services and programs.
• Compile reports, correspondence, studies, analysis and other management information.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with City staff and customers.
• Gain the cooperation of others in sensitive, emotional or hostile situations.
• Supervise and evaluate work performance; provide direction and feedback to employees.
• Create and design innovative human resources programs and systems which anticipate and respond to organizational issues.
• Effectively and persuasively communicate, both verbally and in writing, and promote the plans and programs of the Human Resources Department and City administration to managers and employees.
• Analyze and develop creative and innovative solutions to technically complex human relations problems.
• Maintain confidentiality of critical records and information; exercise discretion in sensitive situations.
• Conduct investigations and report findings.
• Meet schedules and timelines.
• Work independently with little direction.
• Physically perform the essential functions of the job.
• Demonstrated ability to positively and effectively interact with diverse individuals to accomplish a common goal.

Environmental Conditions/Physical Effort:
Work is performed primarily in an office environment. Typically, sedentary work, and employee may be exposed to noise from basic office equipment operation. Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push or otherwise move objects. Some travel to a variety of locations to perform work and/or attend evening and/or weekend meetings may be required.
The City of Federal Way offers a complete benefits package to regular status full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.

Regular status part-time employees, receive benefits on a pro-rated basis.

To learn more details, visit our benefits page.