Executive Director of Human Resources (Ord. Title: Executive 4, Exempt)

About the Department:

The Seattle Police Department is comprised of approximately 1,600 dedicated law enforcement professionals all committedto creatingandfosteringaworkenvironmentthatiscollaborative,innovative,andleadingtheway inlaw enforcement principles and practices. Ours is a culture that encourages top performers to adhere to a standard of excellence in the identification of and resolution to complex challenges. At SPD we acknowledge and honor the fundamental value and dignity of all individuals and pledge ourselves to creating and maintaining an environment that respects diverse traditions, heritages, andexperiences.

Position Description:

The Seattle Police Department (SPD) is pleased to announce an opportunity for the position of Executive Director of Human Resources (Ord. Title: Executive 4, Exempt). 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.

Position Duties and Responsibilities:

The Executive Director of Human Resources oversees areas such as 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.

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. 

Required 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.
• Experience with numerous timekeeping software systems such as UKG, Workday, Kronos,  or something similar.

The successful candidate will also possess the following qualifications and skills.

• Champion of workforce equity and diversity.
• Ability to communicate effectively with union representatives, other departments and agencies, employees at all levels, and management regarding sensitive or controversial issues.
• 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.
• Problem-solving, conflict resolution, and decision-making skills are critical for this often-complex role.
• Strong collaboration and partnership-building skills.
• Open, honest, and accessible management style.
• 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 National Fire Protection Association codes and standards.
• A graduate degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Human Resources, or another discipline related to human resources management is desired.
• Certification as a Professional Human Resource Management (PHR) or Senior Professional Human Resource Management (SPHR) by the Human Resource Certificate Institute 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 Information:

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: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits.

The full salary range for this position is $93.16 - $153.70 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 (for additional information, please visit Personnel Rule 3.2 - Accountability Pay for Executives Pay Program). This is a Civil Service position and FLSA exempt (not eligible for overtime).

How to Apply:

• Apply online at http://www.seattle.gov/jobs. Please refer to: Job# 2026-00832
• A cover letter and resume, that provide additional information on why your skills and experience make you qualified for this job are required.
• Review and complete all supplemental questions.
• Incomplete applications will not be considered.

If you have any questions, please contact Dene Warren Sakamoto at [email protected].