Salary : $127,212.80 - $182,083.20 Annually
Location : Intercity Transit (AdOps) - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number:Department: ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
Division: HUMAN RESOURCES
Opening Date: 10/30/2026
Closing Date: 11/22/2026 5:00 PM Pacific
DescriptionWe are seeking an exceptional Deputy Director of Human Resources to provide leadership and oversight across the full range of Human Resources operations, with expertise in employee and labor relations. This position oversees multiple functional areas, and is responsible for consistent, equitable, and legally compliant Human Resources practices aligned with agency values, strategic priorities, and workforce needs.
Just as importantly, we are seeking someone who believes that an effective HR organization is more than an administrative function - it is a strategic partner in building the workforce, culture, and capabilities in an organization now and for the future.
A successful Deputy Director of Human Resources at Intercity Transit will:- Bring a collaborative leadership style, extensive HR expertise, sound judgement, and genuine commitment to serving the public with integrity and excellence
- Proven ability to navigate complex employee and labor relations matters, drive continuous improvement in systems and processes, build trusting partnerships, and lead strategic change initiatives.
- Foster a welcoming and inclusive workplace culture that promotes belonging, performance coaching, open communication, accountability, and collaborative problem-solving across the organization.
- Embrace an executive leadership team structure while modeling a healthy work life balance.
Examples of DutiesAs a Deputy Director Human Resources, you will:- Support and coordinate labor relations activities, including negotiation strategy, grievance management, misconduct investigations, and discipline. Provides expert guidance and interpretation of labor agreements to both management and employees. Serves as advisor to managers and supervisors, providing professional labor relations guidance. Act as the Director's designee for department operations, labor and employee relations matters, grievance responses.
- Perform professional level work for human resources programs, serving as an internal Agency consultant. Provides counsel, training, and technical assistance to employees and managers. Helps managers and employees navigate complex and sensitive workplace matters and work toward timely, appropriate resolutions.
- Lead and support initiatives and actively contributes to and implements strategies and programs to foster an inclusive workplace, ensuring equitable practices and bias reduction. Collaborates to create a culture of respect and belonging.
- Maintain and administer agency classification and compensation system. Conducts job audits and position description questionnaires, makes recommendations for classification/compensation changes based on analysis results.
- Interpret and applies existing policies, contracts or regulations, and research past practices or established procedures. Oversee the delivery of consistent, accurate, and timely HR services across all divisions; ensure alignment with policies, collective bargaining agreements, and applicable laws.
- Develop and administer the Human Resources Department budget; monitor financial performance and ensure responsible allocation of resources.
- Direct HR supervisors and technical staff across the department.
Typical QualificationsAre you the one we are looking for?- Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, or a related field;
- Eight (8) years of professional human resources experience, including at least 3 to 5 years in a supervisory or management capacity;
- Labor relations experience in a public sector environment desired. Experience with interest-arbitration eligible groups preferred;
- Or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.
- Must submit to a criminal background check the results of which must meet hiring criteria for this role.
In addition, the ideal candidate will have the following essential knowledge, skills, and abilities:- Communicating clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing to audiences of various social, cultural, ethnic, educational, and economic backgrounds;
- Leading and developing teams and fostering a collaborative, respectful, and inclusive workplace;
- Strategic decision-making using qualitative and quantitative data;
- Negotiating, mediating, and resolving complex and sensitive HR matters;
- Presenting information clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences;
- Managing multiple competing priorities and complex projects;
- Building strong relationships with labor partners, internal clients, and external entities;
- Working with a variety of individuals from diverse backgrounds;
- Facilitating meetings and training sessions;
- Handling sensitive employee issues;
- Conducting thorough and impartial investigations into serious and/or complex employment situations;
- Interpreting and administering labor agreements;
- Drafting policies and procedures;
- Maintaining records;
- Defining problems, collecting data, establishing facts, and drawing valid conclusions and making sound decisions under pressure;
- Exercise sound independent judgment and maintain confidentiality;
- Apply a high level of cultural competence and emotional intelligence to workplace dynamics; and
- Analyze complex issues, develop solutions, and lead implementation.
Supplemental Information What's in it for you?- Work for an exceptional agency filled with great people and an unmatched culture.
- Receive a competitive salary of $127,212.80 - $171,787.20 annually in addition to annual general wage/cost of living adjustments typically received in January and step increases in July (if not at top of salary range).
- Receive an additional longevity pay increase when employed for 5 years, 10 years, 15 years and 20 years with a maximum annual salary of $182,083 when you reach 20 years of employment.
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits including $150 per month Family & Wellness Allowance.
- Retirement contributions to Washington State Public Employee' Retirement System (PERS).
- Generous vacation and sick leave along with observed floating holiday leave and bereavement leave.
- Deferred compensation options with an 8.5% employer match.
- Employee Assistance Program.
- Teleworking and flexible schedule options.
- Educational benefits.
- Alternate transportation incentives - for employees using alternate options to travel to and from work such transit, cycling, carpooling, and walking.
Ready to jump on board?To submit your application, hit "Apply". You will be prompted to log in or set up a Governmentjobs.com account. Your complete application must include an attached cover letter and resume. If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV at (855) 524-5627.
Completed applications must be received by 5:00pm on Sunday, November 22, 2026.Interviews are tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, December 2, 2026.Amy Meierhoff, Senior Human Resources Analyst, ameierhoff@intercitytransit.com
Intercity Transit offers its employees an excellent comprehensive benefits package, pension plan, educational benefits, state-of-the-art technology and much more. In addition, some positions are eligible for remote work opportunities and flexible schedules.
Health CareWe provide comprehensive medical, dental and vision insurance coverage for employees and eligible dependents (spouse or significant other and children) through the Employees and Intercity Transit pay a monthly premium contribution depending upon the plan chosen.In addition, Intercity Transit offers:
- Employer provided life insurance and optional supplemental coverage
- Employer provided disability insurance and optional supplemental coverage
- Additional supplemental insurance coverage available through AFLAC
- Access to an Employee Assistance Program.
Washington State Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS)Employees are covered under PERS I, PERS II and PERS III of the Employee and Employer contributions are required at start of employment.
Deferred Compensation Plans (401K and 457)Intercity Transit offers three voluntary deferred compensation plans. Employees who contribute at least 8.5% to a plan receive a 8.5% employer match. Employee contributions are not subject to federal income tax until withdrawn.
Longevity PayEligible employees will receive a Longevity Benefit upon reaching designated service milestones based on continuous employment and hire date. The benefit is awarded at the applicable milestone rate only and does not compound.
Employees with 5-9 years of service receive a 1% Longevity Benefit; 10-14 years receive 2%; 15-19 years receive 4%; and 20 or more years receive 6%.
Vacation Leave & Sick LeaveEmployees accrue 23.75 to 36 vacation days per year depending on length of service. The maximum accrual limit is 360 hours.
Employees accrue 12 days of sick leave per year depending upon date of eligibility. The maximum accrual limit is 960 hours.
For additional information regarding employee benefits, please visit:
01
Are you a current Intercity Transit Employee?
02
Do you have a Bachelor's degree or higher in Business Administration or a related field?
03
Do you have experience managing or supervising staff?
04
Do you have at least 8 years of progressively responsible Human Resources experience?
05
Describe a situation in which you advised executive leadership or senior management on a complex, sensitive, or controversial human resources matter. Explain how you analyzed the issue, presented options and recommendations, addressed competing interests, and communicated your advice. What was the outcome, and what did you learn from the experience?
06
Please describe your experience leading and managing employee and labor relations in a public-sector organization. In your response, provide specific examples of your experience with collective bargaining, administration of labor agreements, grievance resolution, employee investigations, disciplinary actions, and collaboration with labor representatives and department leadership. Describe how you have addressed complex or sensitive employee and labor relations matters while ensuring compliance with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and contractual obligations, and maintaining effective labor-management relationships.
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