Labor Relations Director
City of Seattle
Posted: February 19, 2026 (1 day ago)
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State of Washington
Employment Security Department
Location
Washington, 98504
Salary
$5,666 - $7,622
per month
Type
Full-Time
More Human Resources jobs →Closes
Base salary range: $147,649 - $221,900
Typical requirements: Executive-level leadership experience. Senior executive qualifications required.
Note: Actual salary includes locality pay (15-40%+ depending on location).
This job involves acting as a senior advisor to managers on various employee issues, such as performance problems, workplace investigations, and ensuring fair treatment, all while following laws and agreements.
It's a temporary role lasting until March 2027, focused on helping create a supportive and compliant work environment in a state agency.
A good fit would be someone experienced in HR who is calm under pressure, good at building relationships, and skilled at solving people-related challenges with fairness and clear communication.

The Employment Security Department (ESD) is seeking two (2) knowledgeable, collaborative, and solutions-focused Human Resource Consultant 3s (HRC3) to provide senior-level HR guidance to assigned divisions.
Note: These are non-permanent positions anticipated to last until March 30, 2027.
The ideal candidate(s) is a steady, trusted advisor who brings clarity to complex personnel issues and communicates with confidence.
You will build strong relationships, navigate sensitive matters with professionalism, and offer sound, legally defensible recommendations.
You are committed to equity, understanding the importance of consistent HR practices, and will thrive in a role where strategic thinking and practical problem-solving go hand in hand.
As a senior HR consultant, you will serve as the primary HR point of contact for assigned divisions, providing expert consultation on the full scope of human resource services.
Your work supports ESD’s mission by helping leaders make informed decisions, ensuring compliance with state and federal requirements, and fostering a fair, inclusive, and productive workplace.
In this role, you will advise managers on complex personnel matters, interpret HR policies and collective bargaining agreements, and guide leaders through performance management, investigations, corrective actions, and workplace concerns.
You will conduct and coordinate investigations, prepare documentation for grievances and disciplinary actions, and collaborate with labor partners and the Labor Relations Office.
You will also support recruitment processes by reviewing job offers, verifying appointment details, and ensuring compliance with HR rules and procedures.
Some of what you will do:
To request a detailed position description, click here.
Option 1: - Six (6) years of professional human resource experience. Equivalent of education and experience.
Option 2: - An associate’s degree with focus on business, human resources, social or organizational behavioral sciences, or related field (AND) Four (4) years of professional human resource experience.
Option 3: - A bachelor's degree with focus on business, human resources, social or organizational behavioral sciences, or related field (AND) Two (2) years of professional human resource experience.
Required equity competencies:
The required experience includes:
Preferred/Desired Qualifications:
Additional Requirement of Employment:
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