Deputy Director of Human Resources

Intercity Transit • Intercity Transit (AdOps) - Olympia, WA

4d • $127,213 - $171,787

About The Position

Intercity Transit is seeking a Deputy Director of Human Resources to provide leadership and oversight across the full range of Human Resources operations, with particular expertise in employee and labor relations. The position oversees multiple functional areas and is responsible for consistent, equitable, and legally compliant HR practices aligned with agency values, strategic priorities, and workforce needs. The Deputy Director serves as a strategic partner in developing the workforce, culture, and organizational capabilities, and acts as the Director’s designee for department operations and certain labor and employee relations matters.

Intercity Transit is a voter-approved municipal corporation and a nationally recognized urban transit system based in Olympia, Washington. Its services include zero-fare fixed-route transit, ADA paratransit, and vanpool service. The agency is pursuing plans to expand service to underserved populations, develop bus rapid transit, increase ridership, reduce transportation barriers, and expand the use of hybrid and zero-emission vehicles.

The successful candidate will bring collaborative leadership, extensive HR expertise, sound judgment, and a commitment to public service. They will help foster an inclusive workplace that supports belonging, performance coaching, open communication, accountability, and collaborative problem-solving while modeling a healthy work-life balance.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to perform the essential duties.
• Eight years of professional human resources experience.
• At least 3 to 5 years of experience in a supervisory or management capacity.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, orally and in writing, with audiences from varied social, cultural, ethnic, educational, and economic backgrounds.
• Ability to lead and develop teams and foster a collaborative, respectful, and inclusive workplace.
• Ability to make strategic decisions using qualitative and quantitative data.
• Ability to negotiate, mediate, and resolve complex and sensitive HR matters.
• Ability to present information clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and complex projects.
• Ability to build relationships with labor partners, internal clients, and external entities, and work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to facilitate meetings and training sessions and handle sensitive employee issues.
• Ability to conduct thorough and impartial investigations into serious or complex employment situations.
• Ability to interpret and administer labor agreements and draft policies and procedures.
• Ability to maintain records, define problems, collect data, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, and make sound decisions under pressure.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to apply cultural competence and emotional intelligence to workplace dynamics, analyze complex issues, develop solutions, and lead implementation.
• Must submit to a criminal background check and meet the hiring criteria for the role.

Nice To Haves

• Labor relations experience in a public-sector environment is desired.
• Experience with interest-arbitration-eligible groups is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support and coordinate labor relations activities, including negotiation strategy, grievance management, misconduct investigations, and discipline.
• Provide expert guidance and interpretation of labor agreements to management and employees; advise managers and supervisors on labor relations matters.
• Act as the Director’s designee for department operations, labor and employee relations matters, and grievance responses.
• Perform professional-level work for HR programs and serve as an internal agency consultant, providing counsel, training, and technical assistance to employees and managers.
• Help managers and employees navigate complex and sensitive workplace matters and work toward timely, appropriate resolutions.
• Lead and support initiatives and implement strategies and programs that foster an inclusive workplace, equitable practices, and bias reduction.
• Collaborate to create a culture of respect and belonging.
• Maintain and administer the agency classification and compensation system; conduct job audits and position description questionnaire reviews, and recommend changes based on analysis.
• Interpret and apply policies, contracts, and regulations, and research past practices or established procedures.
• Oversee consistent, accurate, and timely HR services across divisions, ensuring alignment with policies, collective bargaining agreements, and applicable laws.
• Develop and administer the Human Resources Department budget, monitor financial performance, and allocate resources responsibly.
• Direct HR supervisors and technical staff across the department.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary of $127,212.80–$171,787.20, with annual general wage or cost-of-living adjustments typically in January and step increases in July when not at the top of the salary range.
• Longevity pay increases after 5, 10, 15, and 20 years of employment; the stated maximum annual salary at 20 years is $182,083.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• $150 per month Family & Wellness Allowance.
• Retirement contributions to the Washington State Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS).
• Vacation, sick leave, 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 who commute by transit, cycling, carpooling, or walking.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior