Recruiting & HR Business Partner

Who We Are

First Fed is a local community bank on an exciting growth trajectory with 15 locations, including 11 full‑service branches in Western Washington. Recognized by the Puget Sound Business Journal as a Best Workplace and a Top Corporate Philanthropist, First Fed has earned awards such as Best Bank in The Best of the Northwest, Best Banker (Readers’ Choice) by Cascadia Daily News, and Best Bank on the Olympic Peninsula by the Peninsula Daily News. Forbes named us a Best‑In‑State bank.

For over 100 years we have served customers and communities throughout the Pacific Northwest. In the past eight years we have donated over $9 million to non‑profit organizations and our team has volunteered more than 25 000 hours, supported by three paid volunteer days per year. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds – our diversity makes us stronger.

Our Values

• Optimism: Positive, decisive, and persistent, believing the future will be better than the past.
• Initiative: Self‑starters who find innovative solutions, act courageously, and pursue entrepreneurial passion.
• Respect: Inclusion of diverse backgrounds and perspectives; commitment to honoring and serving others.
• Growth: Continuous learning and adaptation, driven by grit and determination.
• Ownership: Accountability and responsibility for actions and decisions.

Position Purpose

This blended role focuses partially on sourcing talent and partially on HR Business Partner responsibilities. The ideal candidate is comfortable sourcing new employees, coaching managers, leading employee‑relations matters, and driving initiatives that improve organizational effectiveness through talent‑management work.

Essential Functions

Recruiting

• Lead full‑cycle sourcing activities for key or hard‑to‑fill positions.
• Partner with hiring managers to develop recruitment strategies, workforce plans, and sourcing approaches.
• Conduct intake meetings to understand position requirements, competencies, and business needs.
• Oversee and assist with job postings, screening criteria, and interview guides.
• Source candidates through multiple channels, including job boards, networking, employee referrals, social media, and community partnerships.
• Screen applicants, conduct interviews, and coordinate hiring‑team participation.
• Draft and extend offers in partnership with HR and hiring leaders.
• Support pre‑employment processes and onboarding coordination.
• Develop and maintain talent pipelines for critical and hard‑to‑fill positions.
• Track recruiting metrics (time‑to‑fill, quality of hire, source effectiveness, candidate experience).
• Promote the organization as an employer of choice and support employment‑branding initiatives.

HR Business Partner Support

• Serve as a trusted HR advisor to assigned business units and leaders.
• Provide guidance on HR policies, procedures, and employment practices.
• Coach managers on employee performance, accountability, engagement, and development.
• Assist with employee‑relations matters by conducting fact‑finding, documenting concerns, and recommending solutions.
• Support change‑management initiatives and organizational communications.
• Promote consistent application of policies while maintaining regulatory compliance.

Talent Management Support

• Support succession planning, talent assessment, and performance‑management processes (goal setting, development, calibration).
• Address organizational capability gaps, support manager development, career pathing, and partner on hiring and mobility strategies.
• Facilitate activities that promote employee engagement.

Data, Reporting & Compliance

• Maintain accurate recruiting, employee‑relations, and talent‑management records.
• Generate and analyze recruiting and workforce reports as needed.
• Utilize data to identify trends and make recommendations impacting hiring and engagement.

Qualifications & Requirements

• High School Diploma required; Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or commensurate experience preferred.
• HR certification preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of progressively responsible experience in recruiting and HR Business Partnership.
• Experience advising leaders on employee relations, performance, talent management, and HR best practices.
• Demonstrated success in sourcing hard‑to‑fill roles preferred.
• Financial‑services or regulated‑industry experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of employment laws and HR best practices.
• Ability to build trusted relationships with leaders, employees, and candidates.
• Excellent interviewing, assessment, and talent‑evaluation skills.
• Strong verbal, written, and presentation communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving capabilities.
• Experience with HRIS, applicant‑tracking systems, and reporting tools.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Commitment to providing exceptional service to employees, candidates, and leaders.
• Sound judgment in evaluating information, considering risks, and making thoughtful decisions that support organizational goals and values.

Physical Requirements

The work requires the ability to operate office machines and equipment (personal computers, printers, copiers, telephones), communicate clearly with customers and coworkers in person and by phone, and sit/stand for extended periods.

Pay Range

The pay range for this position is $80,200 – $122,444.61. The typical hiring range is $80,200 – $90,915.12. The incentive plan is the Partnership Incentive plan, paid quarterly with a 5 % target payout. Pay may vary depending on candidate location.

Benefits

Employees are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance; paid time off; retirement plans (401(k) with company match and Employee Stock Ownership Plan); gym‑membership reimbursement; discounts on banking products; and more. Additional details are available at our careers page.