What are the responsibilities and job description for the Human Resources Director position at City of Bellingham, WA?

Salary : $169,164.00 - $204,696.00 Annually

Location : City of Bellingham, WA

Job Type : Full Time

Job Number : 25-HR Director

Department : Human Resources

Opening Date : 01 / 17 / 2025

Closing Date : 2 / 21 / 2025 4 : 30 PM Pacific

FLSA : Exempt

Bargaining Unit : Eteam

Nature of Work

Interested candidates should apply online at with a cover letter, resume, and contact information for at least five professional references, by February 21, 2025. For further information, contact MGT Senior Consultant Sarah McKee at [redacted] ext. 120.

This position provides strategic leadership, direction and oversight of Human Resources operations and employees. Develops and implements systems, strategies and policies that support the City's goals, enhance organizational effectiveness, foster a positive work environment and contribute to the City's long-term successes and financial sustainability. Serves as a member of the City's senior leadership team and acts as a key advisor in all human resources related matters. Works closely with the Mayor's Office and other City departments on strategy and policy to ensure that the City's mission and values are incorporated into operational activities and services.

The current full salary range for this position is $14,097 / month - $17,058 / month. Employees receive step increases bi-annually in accordance with the and City policy.

Research has demonstrated that salary negotiation can further inequality due to bias across gender and race. To prevent negotiation bias, the City places new employees within the published salary range based on qualifications and professional experience in accordance with City policy. This is in line with the City's commitment to accessibility, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

At the City of Bellingham, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that helps you thrive in both your career and personal life. Join our team and enjoy peace of mind knowing that you and your loved ones are well cared for. Here's a closer look at the outstanding benefits that come with being part of our team. You can and

20 hours of vacation leave per month, with increased accrual over time
12 paid holidays 1 floating holiday per year
40 hours of sick leave upon hire 8 hours accrued monthly
Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their families
Life insurance and long-term disability coverage
Flexible spending accounts and medical insurance opt-out program
Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Washington State Retirement plan (DRS) for retirement security
Optional 457 deferred compensation savings plan and 401(a) Retirement Savings Plan up to 3% with employer match

Leave accruals are based on 1.0 FTE and require employees to be in paid status at least 120 hours / month.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB :

Leadership : Serves as a member of the City's senior leadership team. Participates in organization wide strategic planning and coordinates the Human Resources Department's activities with other city departments and offices to ensure alignment with the City's critical objectives, vision and values. Promotes Human Resources best practices across the organization to help the City deliver great government by cultivating a strong organizational culture. vision and values.

Human Resources Management : Plans, organizes, directs and evaluates the work of the Human Resources Department to deliver high quality human resources programs and services. Oversees departmental programs and services including labor relations strategy, negotiations, and labor contract administration; employee relations; compensation and classification; benefit, unemployment, and retirement systems; recruitment, workforce planning, and diversity, equity, and inclusion; employee development and training; performance management; occupational safety and workplace health; the Civil Service system; payroll; and Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS).

Strategic Planning : Provides leadership and direction in the development of short and long-range plans; gathers, interprets, and prepares data to inform decision-decision making and track effectiveness of human resources initiatives; develops and presents reports to senior management and City Council. Coordinates Department activities with other departments and agencies as needed.

Human Resources Policy Development : Implements an agile approach to development, implementation and administration of Department and City-wide human resource policies ensuring compliance with federal and State law and regulations while responding to market and employee needs. Facilitates discussions of employee and City interests in meetings and public settings on issues related to human resources policies and practices; develops and leads appropriate forums for collaborative policy development. Provides professional advice to City officials; participates in meetings with councils, boards, commissions, civic groups and the general public. Presents human resources issues and recommendations requiring policy direction to stakeholders and decision-makers.

Personnel Management : Develops and maintains a workforce committed to, and with highly developed competencies in, customer service, results orientation, and teamwork. Directly or through managers, appoints, supervises, provides for training, development, performance evaluation, and ensures accountability of department employees.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion : Leads and champions diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. Develops and implements strategies and programs to foster an inclusive workplace, ensure equitable practices and reduce biases. Collaborates with stakeholders to create a culture of respect and belonging.

Communications : Communicates official plans, policies and procedures to staff and the general public.

Fiscal Management : In partnership with other City staff, ensures that labor costs are effective and sustainable. Assures that assigned areas of responsibility are performed within budget; monitors revenues and expenditures in assigned area to assure sound fiscal control; prepares annual budget requests; assures effective and efficient use of budgeted funds, personnel, materials, facilities, and time.

Professional Involvement : Serves as City's representative to regional human resources groups.

ADDITIONAL WORK PERFORMED :

Other duties as assigned by the Mayor.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT :

Work is performed primarily in an office setting subject to frequent interruptions and includes being stationary for extended periods of time. May be exposed to highly stressful situations and individuals who are irate or hostile; may be subject to long hours due to attendance at City Council and Committee meetings and other responsibilities required at this executive level. Flexibility to work evening and weekend hours and occasional overnight travel to conferences and training sessions required. This is a sedentary position with minimal physical exertion requirements.

Physical ability to perform the essential functions of the job, including :

Frequently operate a computer and other office machinery such as a keyboard, mouse, phone, and fax machine;

Frequently remain stationary for long periods of time;

Frequently travel between worksites;

Frequently communicate accurate information and ideas with others.

Experience and Training

Bachelor's degree in human resources, public administration, business administration or related field. Master's degree preferred.

Five years of progressively responsible experience with at least three years senior management experience in a comprehensive human resources program including supervision.

Significant experience managing collective bargaining and labor relations required.

CLRP, SPHR / SHRM-SCP or PHR / SHRM-CP Certification preferred.

Preferred qualifications include :

Demonstrated experience promoting equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in the workplace.

Proven track record of collaboration and engagement with stakeholders.

Demonstrated creativity and innovation in programs and processes.

Demonstrated ability to foster a positive work environment.

In place of the above requirements, an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to provide the applicant with the knowledge, skill and ability to successfully perform the essential functions of the job will be considered.

Necessary Special Requirements

Employment contingent upon passing a criminal background check.

Selection Process

Interested candidates should apply online at with a cover letter, resume, and contact information for at least five professional references, by February 21, 2025.

The City of Bellingham is committed to compliance with the American Disabilities Act and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Diversity and inclusion are crucial to their success. They seek to recruit the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool and strongly encourage all qualified candidates to apply.

There are many good reasons for working at the City of Bellingham. The work is rewarding and you have an opportunity to serve your community. Another good reason is the great benefits that the City offers its employees. See our for additional information.

This position is unrepresented. Specific benefit information including Holidays, Vacation Accruals, Health, Dental and Vision Plans with cost sharing and Deferred Compensation Match can be found in the

This position is covered by the State of Washington Department of Retirement Systems PERS plan. PERS requires mandatory employee and City contributions. Please visit the for more information on PERS.

Salary : $169,164 - $204,696

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