Director of Human Resources

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Business or Public Administration with emphasis on Human Resources or related discipline.
• Experience: Eight years progressively responsible professional-level experience in a public sector agency involving labor and employee relations, training and development, compensation, employee benefits, and risk management. Work experience must include at least three years in a supervisory capacity.
• Or: In place of the above requirements, the incumbent may possess any combination of relevant education and experience which would demonstrate the individual’s knowledge, skill, and ability to proficiently perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above.
• Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional (SHRM-CP), Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI), Professional Human Resources (PHR) Certification, or Senior Human Resources (SPHR) certification is preferred.
• Public sector human resources, especially in a unionized civil service environment, experience is a plus.

• Valid Washington State Driver’s License and ability to remain insurable under the City’s insurance to operate a motor vehicle.

Job Summary
The Human Resources (HR) Director directs the strategy and operations of the Human Resources Department including managing all functional areas of Human Resources and Risk Management including recruitment and selection, employee and labor relations, employee benefits and retirement programs, classification and compensation, workforce training and development, workers’ compensation and safety programs, and Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS). The Director is responsible for developing, implementing, administering, and overseeing employee policies and regulations. Serves as an active member of the City’s Executive Management Team under the direction of the City Manager.

Essential Functions: Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

General Management

• Directs all functions and services provided by the Human Resources Department and provides general supervision, leadership and guidance to staff. Creates a positive work environment emphasizing teamwork, creative problem-solving and collaboration. Hires, trains, supervises, evaluates, and coaches staff. If necessary, corrects deficiencies and improves performance of HR staff.
• Directs, oversees, and actively participates in the development of the Department’s work plan; assign work activities, projects, and programs; monitor workflow; review and evaluate work products, methods, and procedures.
• Prepares, presents, administers, and oversees the budget for the Department.
• Assesses and plans for Department technology needs including system upgrades, implementation of new technology tools and maintenance of Department databases and records management.
• Administers, operates, and maintains the City’s Human Resources Information System (HRIS) and oversees the maintenance and retention of HR records and the response to public records requests.
• Provides staff support to the Salary Commission, Civil Service Commission, and Disability Board.

Human Resources Administration

• Develops and administers citywide policies and procedures related to employee recruitment and selection; ensures such recruitment and selection are conducted according to Civil Service requirements, administrative policy, and bargaining unit contracts where applicable. Ensures that practices and policies support the City’s adopted diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging goals.
• Oversees the administration of a self-insured health insurance plans and retirement plans. Stays abreast of legal requirements and industry standards and trends related to employee benefits and retirement systems. Procures benefit products in coordination with the Department of Finance and Administration. Oversees management of vendor contracts and communication to employees about benefits.
• Develops and oversees the administration of the classification and compensation systems, conducts periodic salary surveys for all represented and unrepresented employees to ensure that compensation attracts, retains, and motivates staff.
• Ensures compliance with federal and state labor and employment regulations and the Kirkland Municipal Code. Develops, interprets, and implements citywide policies and procedures to ensure consistent and compliant administration of all human resources programs and policies and bargaining unit contracts in coordination with the City Manager’s Office and the City Attorney’s Office.
• Administers the City’s performance evaluation system. Reviews and approves proposed modifications to citywide evaluation systems and specialized systems proposed by departments.
• Ensures that Department staff provide appropriate advice to directors, division managers, supervisors, and employees in interpretation and application of human resources policies, laws, and contracts. Provides technical expertise on HR management related issues.
• Provides oversight of the HR Manager who has the primary focus of managing the operations of the Department.
• Attends and participates in professional groups and organizations; remains apprised of trends, developments and legal opinions related to the field of HR.

Labor and Employee Relations

• Oversees all labor relations activities including oversight of the Labor and Employee Relations Manager, all matters going to the Public Employee Relations Commission, and ongoing collaboration with the Department of Finance and Administration.
• Reviews and approves all contract settlement options and recommendations to be presented to the City Manager.
• Advises and assists employees and management in a variety of HR matters including the interpretation and application of policies, bargaining contracts and MOUs, and the process for employee grievances.
• Convenes and supports the City Manager’s Labor Relations Leadership Team.
• Oversees Department technical assistance on all disciplinary proceedings, grievance procedures and employee separation agreements. Provides internal mediation services and/or refers issues to external mediation.

Risk Management

• Develops and oversees a comprehensive risk management program to minimize loss and liability to the city in coordination with departments.
• Oversees risk management activities including workplace safety, monitoring employee disability claims, and processing of general claims against the City.
• Coordinates with the City’s insurance provider regarding annual reviews, developing pre-defense strategies, and conducting all mandatory training.
• Oversees procurement of insurance products in coordination with the Department of Finance and Administration and the City Attorney’s Office.
• Serves as the City’s American with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator and is responsible for the intake and resolution of requests.

Organizational Communication and Leadership

• Fosters a positive and supportive work environment; promotes diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging in the workplace, contributing to an environment of respectful living and working in a multicultural society.
• Serves as a strategic partner to help departments achieve their vision, mission, and goals.
• Provides leadership in developing human resources solutions and implementing innovative, creative strategies in the areas of recruitment, retention, succession planning, benefits, and workers’ safety and compensation.
• Models, supports, and promotes the City’s organizational values.
• Provides ongoing communication to staff about citywide initiatives, policies, training, and programs.

Peripheral Duties:
(List of duties and responsibilities which may be assigned to the incumbent, but these duties and responsibilities may be altered or modified during ADA accommodations.)

• Participates and performs functions as assigned in the City’s emergency response plan in the event of an emergency.
• Attends City Council meetings or other board and commission meetings to present professional recommendations and advice on complex policy or operating issues.
• Responsible for developing measurable implementation strategies that achieve the City’s initiatives in the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Roadmap.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of principles and practices of effective management including supervision, motivation, problem-solving, decision-making, leadership, and communications.
• Experience in human resources management including labor and employee relations, classification and compensation, employee benefits, training and development, recruitment and retention, HRIS, and safety and risk.
• Ability to accurately assess the impacts of federal and state employment regulations on City operations and collective bargaining agreements and to communicate and implement changes.
• Ability to attract, retain, lead, and motivate a competent and professional staff to provide a high level of customer service.
• Ability to coordinate large, complex policy initiatives involving all City departments.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, City management staff and with a variety of internal and external customers.
• Advanced public relations, negotiation, and labor relations skills.
• Knowledge of risk management principles including employee safety, workplace safety regulations, and public sector insurance needs and sources.
• Proficiency in the use of automated systems including word processing, spreadsheets, and human resources information systems.
• Ability to develop and deliver presentations to staff, management, and elected officials.
• Knowledge of current trends, principles, and practices in the field of public sector human resources.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information.
• Skill in researching complex issues, analyzing situations, and recommending an effective course of action.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure with frequent interruptions.
• Principles and practices of governmental budgeting and accounting.
• Familiarity with public sector personnel law (e.g., FMLA, FLSA, ADA, EEOC, etc.)