Deputy Director of Human Resources, Washington State Ferries

State of Washington; Seattle, Washington (WA, District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The Washington State Department of Transportation is seeking a Deputy Director of Human Resources for Washington State Ferries. This leadership role involves overseeing HR strategy, labor relations, and organizational development for a team of over 2,100 employees. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in HR leadership, collective bargaining, and regulatory compliance, and will play a critical role in aligning HR strategies with agency priorities. This position offers flexible work options and a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

Flexible schedule options

Paid vacation days

Tuition assistance

Comprehensive benefits package

Qualifications

• Proven ability to lead complex HR and labor programs.
• Expertise in collective bargaining and contract administration.
• Experience building and mentoring high-performing HR teams.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of human resources for WSF.
• Serve as primary HR advisor to WSF executive leadership.
• Manage complex labor and employee relations.

Skills

Executive Leadership

Labor Relations

Strategic Planning

Regulatory Compliance

Team Leadership

Conflict Resolution

Stakeholder Management

Analytical Thinking

Education

Bachelor’s or advanced degree in HR

Job description

About WSDOT

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is the steward of an integrated, multimodal transportation system that helps to ensure people and goods move safely and efficiently throughout the state. In addition to building, maintaining, and operating the state highway system, WSDOT manages the world's longest floating bridge, recently completed the world's widest tunneling project, and operates the nation’s largest ferry system.

Washington State Ferries (WSF) is an essential part of Washington's transportation network. Every year, we carry nearly 20 million passengers across Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands on more than 400 sailings a day. Our dedicated team with over 2,100 people work together to serve our communities and shape the future of ferry travel.

The Opportunity

WSDOT is currently seeking a dynamic and experienced professional to serve as Deputy Director of Human Resources for WSF. Reporting to the Director of HR and Safety, this high-impact leadership role oversees all aspects of human resources and labor relations for WSF. This Deputy Director serves as the division’s lead advisor on HR strategy, workforce planning, labor negotiations, and organizational development. Additionally, this position plays a critical role in strengthening WSF’s operational resilience by aligning HR strategies with agency and state priorities. The Deputy Director leads the administration of 13 collective bargaining agreements, manages complex labor and employee relations, oversees ADA and return-to-work programs, and helps to shape policies that impact over 2,100 maritime employees. This role requires expert judgment in high-stakes environments, including collective bargaining, investigations, and regulatory compliance.

With direct oversight of HR strategy, this key leader is instrumental in maintaining service continuity, mitigating legal and financial risks, and preparing the Ferries workforce to meet both current and future demands. The Deputy HR Director also plays a central role in promoting WSF’s core values—Serve, Grow, Trust, Respect, and Navigate—ensuring that they are embedded into workforce strategies, policies, and the organizational culture. There's never been a more meaningful time to join us!

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, this Deputy HR Director will:

• Partner with WSF Directors in collaboration with the Director of HR & Safety to develop, implement, and communicate long-term HR strategies that align with the agency’s strategic plan and the people strategy of the WSF organization.
• Serve as the primary HR advisor to WSF executive leadership, developing broad strategies for labor relations, collective bargaining, organizational strategy, performance management, employee communications, training, and other HR functions that support divisional goals.
• Lead strategic and tactical human resource planning and implementation; acts as the primary contact for union representatives and staff to resolve concerns above the steps of grievance and mediation.
• Provide directions to WSF management and HR staff on administration of collective bargaining agreements, and interpretation of WAC, agency policy, and state and federal employment laws.
• Manage and lead local HR professionals in delivering services including coaching, HR consultation, labor and employee relations, investigations, and corrective and disciplinary actions.
• Connect WSF to central HR programs and services such as ADA/FMLA, classification and compensation, benefits administration, recruiting, and internal investigations; provides effective coaching, training, and development to HR staff.
• Lead the HR team in facilitating and championing change initiatives, partnering with WSF leadership on workforce planning and organizational design while ensuring compliance with employment laws, rules, and agreements.
• Oversee the investigation and resolution of sensitive and escalated employee concerns, including discrimination and harassment claims; ensures HR processes and practices align with strategic goals, agency policy, bargaining agreements, and legal requirements.

Required Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity, the following competencies are required:

• Executive Leadership & Strategic Direction:Proven ability to lead complex HR and labor programs, develop long-term strategies, and oversee diverse HR teams within a customer-focused model.
• Labor Relations & Negotiation:Expertise in collective bargaining, contract administration, grievance resolution, and interest arbitration in unionized environments.
• Strategic Planning & Organizational Alignment:Ability to align HR initiatives with agency-wide priorities, lead workforce planning, and support organizational effectiveness.
• Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management:Strong knowledge of employment laws and regulations with demonstrated authority in compliance, discipline, and ADA/FMLA case management.
• Team Leadership & Talent Development:Experience building and mentoring high-performing HR teams, establishing accountability, and leading succession planning efforts.
• Conflict Resolution & Problem Solving:Skilled in resolving sensitive personnel issues, conducting investigations, and delivering timely, practical, and compliant solutions.
• Stakeholder Management & Political Acumen:Ability to navigate political environments and collaborate effectively with internal leaders, union representatives, and government entities.
• Ethics & Professionalism:Demonstrated integrity, confidentiality, and sound judgment in high-impact and highly visible situations.
• Analytical Thinking & Change Management:Strong data-informed decision-making capabilities with a record of leading HR modernization and change management initiatives.

Preferred Qualifications

These additional qualifications are not required, but highly desirable:

• Industry-Specific Knowledge:Experience in maritime, transportation, or safety-sensitive environments; familiarity with U.S. Coast Guard compliance.
• Foundational Knowledge & Continuous Learning:Bachelor’s or advanced degree in HR, business, or public administration, and/or certifications such as SPHR, SHRM-SCP, HRCP.
• Inclusive Leadership & Cultural Competency:Experience supporting or leading diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) programs, particularly in unionized or public-sector settings.
• Government Relations & Advocacy:Experience engaging with executive leadership, regulatory agencies, and legislative bodies on HR issues with public and financial impact.

Important Notes

• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• In addition to the salary range listed, a general wage increase of 3% will be applied for all state employees on July 1, 2025, upon legislative approval.
• Application review will begin on June 2, 2025. Candidate selection may take place at any time thereafter. It is to your advantage to apply as soon as possible.
• WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov

Why WSDOT

• Work-Life Balance – We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals’ lifestyle. As such, there are a number of flexible schedule options available, including telework options for eligible positions.
• Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees mayearn up to 25 paid vacation days per year!
• Tuition Assistance – Permanent employees have several options for assistance with education expenses, including tuition reimbursement programs, government discounts at participating colleges throughout the state, and eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness.
• PlanFor Your Future – WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options. Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information.

Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?

How to Apply

Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine salary. Therefore, it is very important that the “Work Experience” portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible.

In order to be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application:

• An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
• An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
• Contact details for a minimum three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. This information can be entered in the “References” section of the online application; does not require an additional attachment.

Please click the "APPLY" button to proceed. Note that you will be prompted to either sign in or create an account. This step is required in order to submit an application to this opportunity.

WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to fostering a respectful and inclusive workplace where all individuals feel empowered to contribute their unique perspectives. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and abilities to apply! If you need assistance with the application process or require this job announcement in an alternative format, please contact the listed Recruiter.

WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visitwww.uscis.gov

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact [e-mail]. Please be sure to reference ‘HR DEPUTY’ in the subject line.