DOH is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment that seeks to continually improve workplace relations. As the Employee and Labor Relations Manager reporting directly to the Chief People Officer, you'll be the agency's expert on labor issues, negotiating agreements, overseeing Reasonable Accommodation and Protected Leave, and managing investigations. Your role directly influences salary, benefits, and the overall working environment, making you a key player in shaping the agency’s goal of being an employer of choice. In this role you will address labor and employee-related concerns and grievances, which is critical to enriching the employee experience and ensuring a positive workplace culture. Your expertise will be crucial in navigating complex labor issues, interpreting collective bargaining agreements, and providing guidance to agency leadership.

We're seeking a highly skilled and innovative individual with proven success in labor relations management and organizational leadership. Ideally, you’ll bring a minimum of six years of progressive experience in labor relations, showcasing expertise in state civil service laws, federal and state labor regulations, and collective bargaining agreements. You should also possess strong negotiation skills, a proven ability to represent organizations effectively, and a commitment to ensuring policy compliance. It’s vital that you exhibit excellent interpersonal and communication skills, coupled with a track record of impactful decision-making. Your human-centered approach, commitment to equity, collaboration, and pursuit of excellence will contribute to the agency's mission of protecting and improving the health of all people in Washington state.

Essential Qualifications and Experience:

A minimum of Six (6) years of experience in Labor Relations including advising and/or consulting on labor specific issues, grievance management, and dispute or conflict resolution. An understanding of and experience analyzing, interpreting, applying, and communicating on the following: Washington State civil service laws and rules Federal and state labor and employment laws Agency policies and procedures Collective bargaining agreements Experience researching, analyzing, interpreting, and applying the following: Labor case law Arbitration decisions Staying informed and updated on Public Employment Relations Commission (PERC) decisions and court decisions. Experience effectively communicating with diverse groups, both internal and external, that may have different or competing interests and objectives. Have a background in training, educating, and advising managers and supervisors on contracts, agency policies, statutes, and related processes, including understanding how these elements relate to managerial decisions, potential precedent-setting, and the labor impacts that may be imposed by an arbitrator, court, or PERC. Experience leading teams and building interpersonal relationships.

At the heart of our organization, the Office of People Services is a dynamic force dedicated to empowering our greatest asset— our people. We are the architects of growth, fostering an inclusive and vibrant workplace where innovation thrives. Join us and be a catalyst for positive change as we shape a future where every individual's potential is unlocked, talents are celebrated, and collective success knows no bounds. Together, we redefine what it means to flourish in a supportive, people-centric environment that values your unique contributions and fuels the success of our entire organization.