Director's Review Specialist

State of Washington • Thurston County – Olympia, WA

11d • Hybrid

About The Position

Join the Office of Financial Management's State Human Resources (SHR) Division as a Director's Review (DR) Specialist and play a critical role in supporting fair, consistent, and effective human resources practices across Washington State government. As a subject matter expert within the Classification, Compensation, and Director’s Review Section, you will independently review and evaluate a wide range of employee and/or employer-initiated requests, including Director’s Review allocation or reallocation requests, remedial actions, performance evaluation procedures, Washington Management Services band inclusion and exclusion determinations, and removal of an individual’s name from a layoff list requests. Your work will ensure decisions are well-reasoned, legally sound, and aligned with civil service laws, collective bargaining agreements, rules, policies, and procedures. In this highly visible role, your decisions will help shape statewide HR practices by providing guidance on interpreting and applying civil service standards. You will collaborate with employers and HR professionals across state government to promote consistency, fairness, and compliance while contributing to continuous improvement efforts that strengthen Washington’s HR systems. This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled HR professional who enjoys complex analysis, objective decision-making, and making a meaningful impact at the enterprise level.

Requirements

• Demonstrate experience in Washington State human resources systems, civil service rules, or classification and compensation practices, including applying policy or rule to complex personnel matters.
• Research and analyze complex personnel, classification, or employment matters.
• Prepare clear, well-supported written recommendations, reports, or decisions for review by leadership or an oversight authority.
• Interpret and apply policies, rules, collective bargaining agreements, or regulatory frameworks.
• Intermediate proficiency using Microsoft Office software, including Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Apply the State of Washington classification and compensation structure, including allocation or reallocation of positions.
• Support director-level review processes, administrative reviews, or employee hearings.
• Prepare written appeal decisions, findings, or determinations subject to review by leadership.
• Provide consultation or analysis related to civil service rules or classification/allocation determinations.
• The ability to take action to learn and grow.
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree in business, human resources, public administration, law, or a related field.
• Experience allocating or reviewing positions within the Washington State classification system.
• Familiarity with the IT Professional Structure.
• Experience supporting senior-level or executive-level HR reviews or administrative appeals in allocations.
• Experience working in a unionized public sector environment.
• If your qualifications align with the role and you excel in collaborative environments, can manage competing priorities, and are committed to equitable and inclusive practices, we encourage you to apply.

Responsibilities

• Conduct Director Reviews for position allocations, removal of names from layoff lists, performance evaluation process/procedure issues, remedial action requests (e.g., converting non-permanent to permanent), WMS inclusion/exclusion decisions, and other actions outlined in WAC 357-49-010.
• Determine appropriate review method (in person, phone conference, or written review).
• Independently prioritize caseload and manage timelines.
• Review case file documentation and schedule conferences with involved parties when needed.
• Compare complex, ambiguous position descriptions, exhibits, and job specifications in order to determine the appropriate job classification and allocation.
• Analyze issues using: PRB case precedent Laws, rules, and WAC Title 357 Classification guidance
• Prepare clear, concise written determinations for the Director’s signature (or CHRO's signature for WMS cases).
• Apply expert-level knowledge of Washington State’s job classification plan, compensation structure, and IT Professional Structure job families.
• Develop and refine Director’s Review procedures, processes, and templates for new job classification structures.
• Monitor DR requests and produce monthly reports for State HR and agency/higher-ed partners.
• Track caseload progress and implement monthly goals.
• Identify problematic class specifications and share insights with peers and SHR Classification staff.
• Present issues, trends, and solutions to SHR leadership.
• Maintain accurate case records and support ongoing process improvements.
• Provide detailed guidance on Director’s Review rules, regulations, and procedures to agencies, higher education institutions, unions, and employees.
• Troubleshoot case-specific issues and respond promptly to DR inbox inquiries.
• Conduct peer reviews of DR determinations.
• Prepare cover letters and distribute final determinations to all required parties.
• Save determinations in shared drives, ensure proper retention, and close cases in the DR CRM database.

Benefits

• A culture that values and strives to advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging
• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• 12 paid holidays, 14 paid vacation days (minimum), and 12 days of sick leave per year
• State retirement programs

What This Job Offers

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