The King County Department of Human Resources (DHR) has an immediate need for a seasoned professional to serve as Human Resources Policy Advisor with a strong background in navigating complex employee relations issues. This is a position that serves as a key advisor to the Executive Branch, often on projects and issues that have a profound and enduring impact on how the County does business. 

Successful candidates for this position will be able to clearly demonstrate skill and ability to: 

• Coordinate the development, review, and revision of human resources policies, systems, and strategies.
• Recommend and draft changes to King County Code and other laws and regulations to support changes. 
• Evaluate new legislation for impact on human resources programs.
• Provide advice to human resources professionals on policy, strategic planning, labor/employee relations, and system development needs, which may involve applying or tailoring methods and procedures to a variety of situations.  
• Research complex legal problems and collaborate with the Prosecuting Attorney's Office and the Office of Labor Relations to evaluate the impacts of recommended approaches. 
• Conceptualize, develop, and implement strategies, systems, standards and plans for a wide variety of functions.
• Direct and provide oversight to team(s) engaged in special studies and projects affecting departments or countywide programs, policies, and processes. 
• Testify before legislative committees, hearings, or arbitrations as an expert witness.
• Assist human resources professionals and executive management in addressing sensitive, or controversial employee relations issues. Prepare recommendations for executive management.  

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, public administration, law, or social science with emphasis in management, organizational theory, or a related field; AND
• Five years of increasingly responsible experience in human resources and/or public sector management; OR
• Any combination of education and extensive human resources experience that clearly demonstrates the ability to perform the job duties of the position.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, AND SKILLS:

• Advanced knowledge of human resources management theories, principles, and best practices.
• Significant knowledge of public sector policy and management.  
• Demonstrated experience in a complex labor environment, including an understanding of collective bargaining and contract administration.  
• Skilled in policy analysis and research.  
• Knowledge of relevant federal, state, and local employment and labor laws and regulations.
• Advanced skill in communicating effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Advanced skill in problem-solving, conflict resolution, decision making, and customer service.
• Demonstrated deep commitment to racial equity and social justice and skilled in its application to policy development.        
• Skilled in business and organizational planning, coordination, and execution.
• Skilled in building consensus among individuals with conflicting viewpoints and convincing others to act.
• Skilled in managing complex, highly visible, and politically sensitive issues and projects.
• Skilled in researching, gathering, analyzing, and synthesizing data.
• Ability to effectively engage in and sustain relationships with people from diverse cultures and socio-economic backgrounds.
• Ability to work independently and as a team member.
• Demonstrated good judgement, discretion, and ability to maintain confidentiality at all times.  

THE MOST COMPETITIVE CANDIDATES WILL:

• Be knowledgeable about how local government works, including how to get things done through formal and informal channels.
• Possess a strong grounding in human resources policies and practices.
• Have experience managing complex employee relations issues within a highly organized environment.
• Be able to persevere and adapt as required, while working in a multi-faceted and sometimes ambiguous environment.
• Possess strong negotiation skills and be able to manage diverse and potentially conflicting stakeholder perspectives.

APPLICATION PROCESS & INFORMATION
 This opportunity is open to all qualified applicants.

Application materials will be screened for clarity, completeness, including the online application, cover letter and resume, and responsiveness to the education and experience requirements, in addition to the list of required qualifications, knowledge, and skills. Applications without the following required materials may not be considered for this position:

• King County application
• Resume
• Cover letter detailing your background and what you can bring to this position
• Responses to the supplemental questions

Forbes recently named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.

Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.

Guided by our "True North", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles--we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement

King County Executive Branch employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. If you are the successful candidate for the position you applied for, the County will send you a conditional offer letter.

As a condition of employment, prior to a final offer of employment, you will be required to:

• submit proof of vaccination, or
• have an approved request for medical or religious exemption and an approved accommodation. Philosophical, political, scientific, or sociological objections to vaccination will not be considered for an exemption or accommodation.