Assistant Director, HR

Assistant Director, HR

Salary

$150,439.73 - $207,598.33 Annually

Location

Bellevue City Hall, 450 110th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA

Job Type

Regular

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

26-00245

Department

Human Resources

Division

HR_WrkfrceRelations+Comp

Opening Date

07/17/2026

Closing Date

8/9/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

FLSA

Exempt

Bargaining Unit

NONAFF

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Come Join the City of Bellevue!

Please fill out your application as fully as possible. The City evaluates candidates based on the information provided in the online application only. Do not submit resumes and cover letters. Read the "Hiring Process" section below to learn more.

New hires typically receive between minimum and midpoint, however, we may go slightly higher based on experience, internal equity and market.

Job Summary

The Human Resources Assistant Director collaborates with and supports the Human Resources Director in planning, organizing, directing and implementing a comprehensive, citywide human resources program. Performs senior-level managerial work in a variety of Human Resources disciplines, with a specific focus on labor relations, employee relations, and compensation program oversight. Supervises assigned program staff. Serves as expert consultant and advisor to departmental managers, supervisors, and employees with the ability to independently and collaboratively solve difficult and complex human resources issues. Demonstrates excellent customer service skills across all functions.

Collaborates with stakeholders throughout the organization to design and implement Human Resources programs in support of the City's vision, goals and objectives. May serve as Acting Director in the absence of the Director.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Collaborate with and support the Human Resources Director to provide human resources program leadership and development:

• Assist the Human Resources Director in the day-to-day operations of the city's human resources programs, with specific oversight of the labor relations, employee relations, and classification and compensation teams.
• Provide expert consulting services to City personnel in Human Resources disciplines.
• Continually analyze and evaluate human resource policies, procedures and guidelines to ensure alignment with city goals; collaborate with stakeholders; and develop recommendations for policy and system improvements.
• Monitor state and federal employment legislation and oversee compliance.
• Facilitate and participate in the establishment of strategic short-term and long-range departmental planning.
• Facilitate the development of a strategic departmental budget aligned to organizational goals and recommend allocation of funds within prescribed guidelines.
• Promote collaboration within teams and systems to ensure high-level of participatory decision-making.
• Represent the Human Resources Department at city council, city management meetings, at conferences, and in professional meetings.
• Foster strong partnerships with other Assistant Directors in HR to deliver holistic solutions on behalf of the city
• Perform the duties of the Human Resources Director in their absence.

Manage the city's labor relations, employee relations and position classification and compensation programs:

• Analyze and develop labor relations strategies and present recommendations to City leadership: identify issues and research and evaluate options; ensure economic and non-economic goals are aligned with overall city goals and strategies; oversee the preparation and analysis of market data to assist in determining and supporting strategies; develop costing models and present cost implications of alternatives; oversee development of negotiation materials.
• Act as primary city staff person in all labor relations matters including contract negotiations, dispute resolution, communications; relationship building; and contract interpretation and implementation. Manage the formation and activities of the city management team during contract negotiations. Act as Chief Spokesperson and/or oversee team formation, development and progress.
• Evaluate, develop, and recommend changes to position classification and compensation program goals, strategies, policies and programs; ensure programs are consistent with and support overall organizational goals and promote attraction, retention, and motivation of employees. Monitor trend analysis and best practices.
• Supervise compensation, position classification, and labor relations staff in planning, scheduling, developing and coordinating program activities; ensure best practices implementation, a continuous learning and improvement environment, and ongoing collaboration with stakeholders.
• Develop comprehensive salary and benefit total cost of compensation methodologies and models. Train subordinate staff and other city personnel on methodologies and collection, analysis and communication of total compensation data.
• Provide leadership support to the employee relations team on investigations, disciplinary procedures, and City policy or contract interpretation.
• Oversee contract, policy and system administration and communication.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Manage special projects or other Human Resources functions as assigned:

• Lead or staff internal department or cross-departmental teams representing the perspective of HR.
• Lead staff in researching, evaluating and recommending comprehensive, integrated salary and benefit program strategies to efficiently enhance recruitment, retention and morale.
• Promote teamwork, open communication, and collaboration in all department activities.
• Maintain current knowledge of state, federal, and local employment legislation and lead staff in compliance activities.

Qualifications

Education and Experience Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Human Resource Management, Labor Relations, Law, Public Administration, or other related field. Advanced degree (JD) preferred.
• Seven (7) or more years of progressively responsible related experience in labor relations, compensation and employee relations: interpreting federal, state and local laws related to public employment; managing negotiations and the resolution of complex Human Resources issues in a unionized environment; analyzing jobs and working with classifications and compensation program design, techniques, planning and management.
• Experience in the public sector and as a chief spokesperson in collective bargaining required.
• A minimum of three years related supervisory experience.
• Any equivalent combination of education, experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be considered.

Additional Qualification Criteria

• Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of public human resources management including fair employment practices, labor relations, risk management, benefits administration, compensation and classification.
• Strong customer service skills. Ability to demonstrate principles of collaborative decision-making.
• Advanced knowledge of federal, state, and local legislative, regulatory and judicial requirements applicable to the areas of human resource management.
• Thorough knowledge of strategic planning techniques and principles, policy development and analysis, management techniques and principles, and project management techniques and principles.
• Experience and knowledge with the funding process in a municipal environment as related to budgeting, cost accounting, financial planning, and management.
• Skill in planning, directing, and administering human resources programs and systems.
• Ability to prepare and analyze comprehensive reports; ability to carry out assigned projects to their completion; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, labor unions and the general public; ability to work with and within teams.
• Skill in effective, clear and persuasive oral and written communications to individuals and groups from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to handle multiple competing priorities and complex problems encountered using knowledge acquired through training and experience; skill in researching complex issues and developing recommendations.
• Skill in carrying out complex assignments independently and make decisions based on established law, policies, and procedure.
• Ability to provide leadership, counsel, motivation, and constructive performance reviews to assigned staff.
• Ability to plan and organize the work of others; ability to delegate; ability to manage project/activity deadlines for self and others.

Supplemental Information

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

• The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Work involves walking, talking, hearing, using hands to handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls, and reaching with hands and arms. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
• The employee may be required to push, pull, lift, and/or carry up to 10 pounds.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately quiet.

Flexible/Hybrid Working:

A hybrid work schedule is available for this position after an orientation period working in the office after hire. Remote work for this position is subject to departments operational needs and will be discussed with candidates during the selection process. Full-time remote work is not an available option. Once hired, employees must reside in the State of Washington and within reasonable commuting distance to Bellevue City Hall.

HIRING PROCESS

The City evaluates candidates based on the information provided in the online application only. Do not submit resumes and cover letters. To evaluate all candidates fairly and equitably, the City will make all applicants anonymous when we are screening the applications. We will redact information from our application such as your name, address, and other demographics. To help us, please complete the online application form as fully as possible.

• Answer the Supplemental Questions when requested which can be found on the Questions tab of the Job posting.
• We do not accept resumes and cover letters during the anonymous application screening stage, unless otherwise stated in the job description.
• Applicants advancing to the next stage may be required to provide a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and references.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• All candidates will be required to establish employment authorization and identity at the time of hire. The City is not able to sponsor work visas.
• All positions require the completion of references checks, including at least one prior supervisor.
• Some positions may require completion of a criminal background check prior to start employment
• Some positions may require obtaining a commercial drivers license (CDL), licensures, or additional certifications.

At the City of Bellevue, youll be part of a team committed to providing exceptional customer service, upholding the public interest and advancing the community vision. The six essential and enduring principles that guide our individual actions, our interactions, and our decision making in the City of Bellevue organization is: Exceptional Public Service, Stewardship, Commitment to Employees, Integrity, Innovation, and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. Youll work in an environment that is innovative, collaborative, future focused, and committed to excellence. Bellevue welcomes the world. Our diversity is our strength. We embrace the future while respecting our past. Its what makes the City of Bellevue an exciting place to work, live, and explore.

Have we piqued your interest yet? Come join our team! The City of Bellevue supports workplace diversity. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, genetic information, disability, age, veteran status, or any other protected status. Persons needing assistance with the application process may call the Human Resources Office, at 425-452-6838 or recruiting@bellevuewa.gov. If you are invited to participate in the selection process and need ADA accommodations, please notify HR before you are scheduled for an interview or testing.

The City of Bellevue participates in the E-Verify program. Learn more about the E-Verify program.

https://www.e-verify.gov/sites/default/files/IER_RightToWorkPoster.pdf

https://www.e-verify.gov/sites/default/files/everify/posters/IER_RighttoWorkPosterES.pdf

For any technical difficulties with your application, please contact the NEOGOV support line at 855-524-5627.

Please be sure to check your junk folder for any messages that may be sent to you about this recruitment.

The City of Bellevue offers employees a comprehensive benefits package providing choice, flexibility, and value!

Please Note: Seasonal, part-time, and variable employees are not eligible for the below benefits except for mandatory participation in the retirement plan assigned to the position, which will be the Municipal Employees Benefit Trust (MEBT 2) retirement plan or the Washington State Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) retirement plan and any other benefits as required by law.

The following summary applies to fully benefited positions:

Medical

Employees are offered a choice of medical coverage through the Citys self-insured Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plan or Kaiser Permanente (HMO).

Dental

Employees are offered a choice of two dental carriers with plans that offer regular checkups, x-rays, fillings, and crowns. Orthodontia is available through one of the carriers.

Vision

Employees are offered a choice of vision coverage through an annual exam-only plan or a buy-up plan which includes an annual eye exam and hardware coverage.

Retirement Plans - Employees are offered three retirement plans:

• Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS): Mandatory participation (PERS, LEOFF or PSERS), depending upon eligibility.
• City of Bellevue Municipal Employees Benefit Trust (MEBT): Optional participation in this 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer match contributions that vest on a 3-year schedule.
• Deferred Compensation Program (457 DCP): Optional participation in the supplemental Deferred Compensation Program also administered by DRS that allows tax-deferred savings into a variety of investments options.

Other benefits include:

More detailed information about our employee benefits is available at https://c2mb.ajg.com/cityofbellevue

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Life/Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
• Long Term Disability (LTD)
• Survivor Income
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 11 observed holidays per year plus 2 additional personal holidays, vacation (standard accrual of 12 days a year), and sick leave (accumulated at the rate of one day per month)
• An ORCA Card bus pass
• On-site fitness center, and self service food/coffee options
• Career development and training programs
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)

Paydays - The City of Bellevue pays employees on the 8th and the 23rd of each month (24 pay periods per year).

Please note: The City of Bellevue does not participate in the Social Security Administration (SSA) program and employees do not earn social security credits. The mandatory DRS retirement pension plan provides the required social security replacement plan.

NOTE: This is a brief summary of the benefit programs for the Citys non-represented employees. Every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. Benefits for employees represented by a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) may have different benefits. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a CBA, the CBA prevails. Also, in the event of any incorrect information in this document, applicable laws, policies, rules, CBAs, or official plan documents will prevail.

01

Your responses in this section will be used to review your application and determine your eligibility for this position. The experience listed here MUST match the employment history provided in your application. If your answers do not align, please go back and update your application before submitting, as any discrepancies may result in removal from consideration. Please note, it is not acceptable to use "See Resume" or "See Above". We do not accept resumes as a substitute for a completed application. Do you understand and agree to these requirements?

• I confirm that the information provided here is consistent with my application.
• I do not agree with the statements above.

02

Which statement below best describes the highest level of education you have completed in Human Resource Management, Labor Relations, Law, Public Administration, or a related field?

• High school graduate, diploma or the equivalent (GED)
• Associate degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree or above

03

How many years of progressively responsible experience do you have in labor relations, compensation, and employee relations, including interpreting public employment laws, managing negotiations in a unionized environment, and working with job classification and compensation programs?

• No experience
• Less than 3 years of experience
• 3-5 years of experience
• 5-7 years of experience
• 7-10 years of experience
• More than 10 years of experience

04

What best describes your supervisory or leadership experience?

• No supervisory experience
• Less than 3 years of experience
• 3-5 years of experience
• More than 5 years of experience

05

What best describes your experience serving as the lead or chief spokesperson in collective bargaining?

• No experience
• Participated as part of a bargaining team
• Supported lead negotiators with data or strategy
• Served as chief spokesperson in negotiations

06

What best describes your experience advising senior leaders on HR policy, contract interpretation, or complex HR issues?

• No experience
• Occasional advisory experience
• Regularly provide advisory support
• Serve as primary advisor or subject matter expert

07

What best describes your experience overseeing or administering classification and compensation programs?

• No experience
• Limited experience assisting others
• Independently managed portions of the program
• Led or managed full classification and compensation programs

08

Which best describes your experience with strategic HR planning?

• No experience
• Participated in planning efforts
• Led components of strategic planning
• Directed organization wide HR strategy

09

Which HR disciplines have you led or had significant responsibility for? (Select all that apply)

• Labor relations
• Employee relations
• Classification and compensation
• HR policy development
• Strategic planning
• Budget development or resource allocation
• None of the above

10

Which labor relations activities have you performed? (Select all that apply)

• Developing labor strategies
• Costing proposals or conducting market analyses
• Preparing negotiation materials
• Leading or facilitating management negotiation teams
• Interpreting labor contracts
• Supporting or conducting dispute resolution
• Arbitrating grievances
• Acting as chief spokesperson in negotiations
• None of the above

11

Which employee relations responsibilities have you managed? (Select all that apply)

• Conducting or directing investigations
• Advising management on corrective or disciplinary actions
• Reviewing policy or contract compliance issues
• Managing complex employee concerns or disputes
• Overseeing employee relations staff
• None of the above

12

Which compensation or classification tasks have you completed? (Select all that apply)

• Developing or recommending compensation strategies
• Conducting job analysis
• Overseeing market studies or pay structure updates
• Managing compensation or classification teams
• Training staff on methodology or data analysis
• None of the above

13

In which environments have you provided HR leadership? (Select all that apply)

• Unionized workforce
• Public sector or municipal government
• Multi discipline HR teams
• Cross departmental strategic teams
• High stakes or politically sensitive settings
• None of the above

14

Which communication and leadership activities have you performed? (Select all that apply)

• Presenting to executive leadership teams
• Presenting to city councils, boards, or commissions
• Representing HR in public or community meetings
• Leading internal stakeholder groups
• Drafting executive level reports or recommendations
• None of the above

15

Which compliance related tasks have you handled? (Select all that apply)

• Monitoring state and federal HR legislation
• Ensuring organizational compliance with employment laws
• Developing or updating HR policies and procedures
• Overseeing contract, policy, or system administration
• None of the above

16

The City of Bellevue is a hybrid workplace. This is a Washington State job, and candidates must reside within a reasonable distance of City Hall and be onsite in Bellevue at least 2 day(s) per week.

• Yes, I am interested in hybrid schedule and available to be onsite 2 or more days per week.
• No, I am interested in fully remote position.

Required Question

Employer City of Bellevue

Address PO Box 90012

Bellevue, Washington, 98009

Website http://www.bellevuewa.gov/