Executive Director of Human Resources (Ord. Title: Executive 3, Exempt)

The Seattle Police Department is comprised of approximately 1,600 dedicated law enforcement professionals committed to creating and fostering a collaborative, innovative work environment. SPD leads in law enforcement principles and practices, valuing diversity and respecting the traditions, heritages, and experiences of all individuals.

About the role

The Executive Director of Human Resources is a key management position reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer. This role develops, implements, and communicates human resources strategies aligned with department goals, emphasizing equity and inclusion in support of the City’s Race and Social Justice Initiative. The Director manages a division budget of approximately $26.8 million and oversees 46 personnel in designing and administering all human resources initiatives and systems.

Responsibilities

• Oversee Payroll, Labor Relations, Employment Services, Retention, Recruitment and Hiring, Leadership Development, Performance Management, Personnel Records, Job Classification and Compensation, Workers’ Compensation, Disability Management, Occupational Wellness, and Equal Opportunity and Workplace Investigations.
• Handle employee and labor relations, serve on the management team, negotiate labor contracts, ensure compliance with memoranda of agreement, and resolve labor grievances.
• Provide guidance on employee relations issues and workplace concerns, ensuring fair and consistent application of disciplinary policies and procedures.
• Support the payroll team to ensure accurate handling of employees’ records, time, and leave.
• Offer strategic advice and policies as part of the department’s Leadership Team.
• Develop and implement HR work plans that eliminate barriers to recruiting, hiring, developing, and retaining uniformed members who reflect the diversity of Seattle’s communities.
• Cultivate trauma-informed leadership across all bureaus and precincts.
• Represent the Seattle Police Department in City meetings, City Council, and Citywide work groups.
• Collaborate with Seattle’s Department of Human Resources on program and policy matters.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration, human resources, or a related discipline; or a combination of education, training, and experience providing equivalent background.
• Eight or more years of progressively responsible human resources management in an organization of comparable scope and size.
• Experience working with represented employees and/or labor relations groups.
• At least five years of experience supervising or leading a human resources function or team.
• Must pass a Seattle Police Department background investigation.
• Must have a valid Driver’s license.
• Must perform work on-site.

Qualifications

• Champion of workforce equity and diversity.
• Demonstrated ability to provide effective leadership in programs, methods, and procedures to ensure employee well-being, improve work effectiveness, control costs, ensure ethical practices, and meet policy and operational needs.
• Open, honest, and accessible management style.
• Strong problem-solving, conflict resolution, and decision-making skills.
• Strong collaboration and partnership-building skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with union representatives, other departments and agencies, employees at all levels, and management regarding sensitive or controversial issues.
• Understanding of labor law and employment standards.
• Experience in internal investigations and principles of Equal Employment Opportunity.
• Experience working with public safety or paramilitary organizations.
• Experience leading labor contract negotiations.
• Completion of ongoing diversity, equity, and inclusion training is expected.
• Familiarity with relevant Revised Code of Washington laws, Washington Administrative Code regulations, and Federal Labor Laws.
• Graduate degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Human Resources, or a related discipline is desired.

Benefits

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.

Pay

The full salary range for this position is $78.96 - $130.31 per hour.

Schedule

This is a full-time (1.0 FTE) regular position with full benefits and is FLSA exempt (not eligible for overtime).