Director of People Operations

Director Of People Operations

Mayor Katie Wilson's election was powered by thousands of people from every corner of Seattle who came together around a shared vision that it's time for something new — something more hopeful, more just, and more equitable. A vision that we can tackle big challenges and carry out ambitious projects. That we can take on the affordability crisis, bring people inside, and make our city a great place to live, work, and raise a family. As a coalition builder, she understands that we're in this together. No matter what neighborhood you live in, where you grew up, or how much money you make, you have a right to be here and to live a dignified life. She regularly reminds Seattleites every day that "This is your City."

To achieve this new kind of participatory and inclusive governance, Mayor Wilson seeks a Director of People Operations who will serve as a leader and a lead communicator to City employees. In this role, you will partner closely with the Seattle Human Resources (SHR) and SHR's labor relations team on strategies to cultivate a thriving city workforce and ensure strong Mayoral partnership in the City's labor relations work. You will work together to ensure the Mayor's Office and Mayor's Cabinet attracts, retains, and supports a high-functioning mission-driven team dedicated to serving the people of Seattle.

You will oversee hiring processes, staffing strategies, personnel actions, labor-related coordination, and internal training and development efforts for the Mayor's Office and Cabinet Members, in coordination with SHR. You will work collaboratively with senior leaders to identify staffing needs, manage complex HR workflows, and ensure consistent application of City policies and best practices. You will represent the Mayor's Office in critical internal labor-related forums and provide direct leadership to key operational and administrative staff, including managing the Business Operations Manager. You will play a central role in building an effective, equitable, engaged, and well-supported team culture across the Mayor's Office and City Leadership.

Your top three priorities in this role will be:

1. People Operations within the Mayor's Office: Serve as a Senior Advisor for the Mayor, advising on workforce planning, organizational development, personnel issues, and HR strategy. Act as the main point of contact for hiring processes for the Mayor's Office and the Cabinet, including recruitment planning, candidate outreach, coordinating searches, onboarding, and ensuring consistent application of City hiring policies and practices. Coordinate with senior leaders and SHR to design, implement, and maintain a comprehensive training and professional development strategy for Mayor's Office staff. Negotiate and manage MOUs, contracts, ethics-related documents and personnel agreements that support staffing and operational needs within the Mayor's Office. Provide leadership, coaching, and support to the Business Operations Manager, who oversees the office-wide budget, invoicing, procurement, facilities, and other business systems in the office. Develop and maintain clear, accessible HR processes, documentation, workflows, and communication channels that equitably support staff productivity, clarity, and engagement. Partner with senior leaders to address personnel matters, support conflict resolution, and promote consistent, equitable application of policies and workplace expectations. Ensure the Mayor's Office maintains compliance with City policies, labor agreements, and legal obligations related to personnel, workplace safety, and employment practices. Ensure the Mayor's Office is actively building an equitable workplace through hiring process, HR policy, and practice.
2. Collaborating with SHR and Labor Relations on behalf of Mayor Wilson: Act as the primary liaison between the Mayor's Office and Seattle Human Resources (SHR), ensuring seamless coordination on hiring, personnel processes, HR compliance, and day-to-day HR operations. Serve as the Mayor's Office liaison to SHR's Labor Relations team, including coordination of, and participation as a voting member of the Executive Labor Committee and participation in the Labor Relations Policy Committee, which sets parameters for bargaining with City Unions, ensuring the office's interests and obligations are clearly communicated and upheld.
3. Building a connection between the Mayor's Office and City employees in partnership with SHR: Partner with the communications team to build a strong program for Mayor's Office communication to City Employees. Work closely with the SHR Director to bring a cohesive voice to the City from the Mayor's Office, communicating clearly and often with City employees about ongoing and upcoming events and priorities. Act as the Mayor's lens for employee impact with every major decision. Lead or support special projects, workforce initiatives, policy updates, or organizational improvements as assigned by the Mayor or Chief of Staff.

In addition to the ability to perform the tasks described above, you'll be most prepared to successfully take on this role with a combination of the following:

• Experience: Human Resources and people operations experience, particularly in a public sector setting. Labor relations and the context of public sector contracts and bargaining. Organizational leadership. Managing a budget, particularly in a municipal finance setting. Strong understanding of HR policies, labor agreements, workforce planning, and organizational development practices. Negotiating contracts, MOUs, or staffing agreements within large or unionized environments.
• Skills: Project Management, particularly working with multiple teams or departments. Written and verbal communication skills, both internally and externally facing. Relationship building. Problem-solving. Working independently, anticipating organizational needs. Managing multiple time-sensitive tasks in a dynamic environment.
• Vision: Operations-focused. Servant leadership. Commitment to equitable, inclusive, and community-centered workplace practices aligned with Seattle's Race and Social Justice Initiative (RSJI).
• Abilities: Collaborating effectively with senior leaders. Managing complex personnel issues. Supporting a high-performing team culture. Navigating sensitive issues with discretion and sound judgment. Maintaining alignment with Mayor's Office goals and key priorities. Resolving conflicts and incorporating lessons learned going forward. Completing tasks and making decisions at a high level.

This position is classified as an Executive 2. It is exempt from FLSA (not eligible for overtime), as well as exempt from the Civil Service system. The full pay range for this position is $66.88 - $110.35 per hour. The salary range for this individual position has been identified as $95.79 - $100.58 per hour.

The first round of interviews for this position are tentatively scheduled for the week of August 24, 2026. Second round interviews are tentatively scheduled for the week of August 31, 2026.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact Lindsey King at View email address on click.appcast.io to request accommodation.

This is an in-person position. Employees will be expected to be in-office five days a week. Individual schedules will be based on agreement between the employee and their supervisor.

Applicants must successfully pass a background check, which will be conducted in accordance with Seattle's Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17. Applicants will have the opportunity to explain or correct background information and provide verifiable information of good conduct and rehabilitation.

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 at: Please select an option under the "Most Employee Benefits" heading.

At the City of Seattle, public service is more than a job; it's a chance to shape the future and make a meaningful difference in the lives of everyone who works, lives, or plays in our city. With 12,000 employees across 40+ departments and 1,100 job titles, we are united by a common purpose: to create a Seattle that is vibrant and welcoming for all. Whatever your role, you'll help power a forward-looking city that leads by example — inclusive, innovative, equitable, and community-focused – while joining a diverse team committed to solving challenges and making a lasting impact together. Join us in building a Seattle where everyone thrives!

Please note: This job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all duties or responsibilities required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Application Process: Please submit your application at no later than 4:00pm Pacific Time on Tuesday, August 11, 2026. To be considered for this position, in addition to completing your application fully, please:

• Provide thoughtful and accurate responses to all supplemental questions
• Attach a PDF of your current resume which illustrates your related skills, experience, and abilities

We encourage you to review the City of Seattle's Application and Interviewing Tips Guide, which may be used as a resource as you prepare