Executive Director

Executive Director Of Human ResourcesThe Seattle Police Department (SPD) is the largest municipal law enforcement agency in the state of Washington, with an annual budget of over $488 million. The Department consists of more than 1,100 uniformed members and approximately 500 professional employees. Employees are represented by multiple bargaining units.The Executive Director of Human Resources is a key management position reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer. This position plays a vital role in developing, implementing and communicating human resources strategies that align with the goals of the department, with an emphasis on equity and inclusion in alignment with the City's Race and Social Justice Initiative. With a division budget of approximately $26.8 million, the Director manages the work of 46 personnel to design, implement, and administer all human resources initiatives and systems.Job ResponsibilitiesThe Executive Director of Human Resources oversees areas such as 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.The Director handles employee and labor relations, serving on the management team, negotiating labor contracts, ensuring compliance with memoranda of agreement, and resolving labor grievances. They also provide guidance on employee relations issues and workplace concerns, ensuring fair and consistent application of disciplinary policies and procedures. Additionally, they support the department's payroll team and ensure employees' records, time, and leave are accurately handled.As part of the department's Leadership Team, the Director offers strategic advice and policies and oversees the development and implementation of HR work plans that eliminate barriers to recruiting, hiring, developing, and retaining uniformed members who reflect the diversity of Seattle's communities; and that cultivate trauma-informed leadership across all bureaus and precincts. They represent the Seattle Police Department in City meetings, the City Council, and Citywide work groups. This position also closely collaborates with Seattle's Department of Human Resources on various program and policy matters.QualificationsRequired Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in public administration, business administration, human resources, or another discipline related to human resources management or a combination of education, training, and experience which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work described above.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 with labor relations groups.At least five years of experience supervising or leading a human resources function or team.The successful candidate will also possess the following qualifications and skills: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.Problem-solving, conflict resolution, and decision-making skills are critical for this often-complex role.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.An understanding of labor law and employment standards.Experience in internal investigations and the 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 in this position.Familiarity with relevant Revised Code of Washington laws, Washington Administrative Code regulations and Federal Labor Laws.A graduate degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Human Resources, or another discipline related to human resources management is desired.Position requirements:Must pass a Seattle Police Department background investigation.Must have a valid Driver's license.Must perform work on-site.Additional InformationThe 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.The full salary range for this position is $78.96 - $130.31 per hour. This is a full-time (1.0 FTE) regular position with full benefits, is FLSA exempt (not eligible for overtime), and falls under the discretionary pay band. This is a Civil Service position and FLSA exempt (not eligible for overtime).To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume online at and refer to Job# 2026-01141. Incomplete applications will not be considered.If you have any questions, please contact Dene Warren Sakamoto at View email address on click.appcast.io.