Senior Human Resources Consultant

State of Washington•Thurston County – Olympia, WA

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Washington State Treasurer's Office (OST) is seeking an experienced Senior HR Consultant to serve as a trusted advisor and strategic partner to agency leadership, managers, supervisors, and employees. This role provides expert consultation and leadership across the full spectrum of human resources, supporting both day-to-day operations and long-term organizational goals. The consultant will work independently, exercise sound judgment, and advise on complex and sensitive workforce matters. Key areas of focus include talent acquisition, employee relations, learning and development, compensation and classification, policy development, performance management, organizational effectiveness, and workforce engagement. The position also plays a key role in cultivating an inclusive, high-performing workplace. This is an opportunity for an HR professional who enjoys variety and influencing organizational culture and employee experience.

Requirements

A combination of relevant education, training, certifications, and experience will be considered.
Demonstrated knowledge of human resources practices across multiple functional areas, such as employee relations, performance management, recruiting, compensation, benefits, leave administration, and policy interpretation.
Knowledge of employment laws and HR best practices.
Ability to build trusted relationships with employees, managers, and leadership.
Experience working with managers and employees through performance, conduct, and workplace issues.
Demonstrated skill in conflict resolution, mediation, and facilitating difficult conversations.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
Strong critical-thinking and decision-making skills.
Experience using HR information systems (HRIS) and common business software applications.

Nice To Haves

Recruitment lifecycle management.
Experience conducting workplace investigations.
Experience supporting compensation, benefits, or talent management programs.
Experience in Washington State or public sector HR practices.
Professional HR certification (e.g., SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR).

Responsibilities

Provide consultations and recommendations on complex employee and organizational issues, balancing business needs with legal and policy requirements.
Build strong relationships across the agency and partner with leaders to support workforce planning, employee engagement, retention, and organizational effectiveness.
Research, analyze, and interpret employment laws, policies, civil service rules, and HR best practices to inform decision making.
Lead the agency's recruitment and selection processes from workforce planning through onboarding.
Partner with hiring managers to develop recruitment strategies, position requirements, and selection plans that support organizational needs and inclusive hiring practices.
Support organizational changes including position creation, restructuring, realignments, and workforce planning initiatives.
Provide guidance and support on employee relations matters, workplace concerns, performance issues, disciplinary actions, and conflict resolution.
Consult with managers and supervisors on performance management, employee development, accountability, and effective workplace practices.
Assist with workplace investigations, complaint resolution, and other sensitive personnel matters.
Interpret and apply policies, procedures, and employment laws to ensure consistent and equitable outcomes.
Oversee and coordinate agency training programs and learning resources, including required statewide training initiatives.
Partner with managers to identify development opportunities and support employee career growth.
Develop and implement programs and initiatives that enhance employee engagement, inclusion, and overall workplace experience.
Participate in classification reviews and compensation analyses, providing recommendations that support equity, consistency, and organizational needs.
Apply pay equity principles and objective criteria when evaluating compensation related actions.
Support HR operational functions, including HR systems, payroll processes, records management, and compliance requirements.
Support change management efforts and organizational initiatives designed to strengthen culture, leadership effectiveness, and workforce readiness.
Lead or participate in special projects, committees, and agencywide initiatives that advance employee wellbeing, engagement, and organizational success.
Use data, trends, and workforce insights to identify opportunities for continuous improvement and informed decision-making.