Human Resource Director

WASHINGTON UTILITIES AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSIONRespect. Professionalism. Integrity. Accountability. Help protect the consumers of Washington state! The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) is seeking an authentic, collaborative leader to partner with us in creating an environment where people can thrive - one based on our purpose and values of respect, professionalism, integrity, and accountability. We want to talk with leaders who are committed to building and fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion with our organization.Leaders who enjoy growing others, supporting staff to do their best work, and positioning others for their next opportunity. Both natural collaborators and direct communicators that know how to build, maintain, and leverage partnerships that drive results. The ideal candidate will provide expert level consultation and has significant influence on the decisions made by leadership in all areas of human resources and labor relations. This position is responsible for making recommendations to the leadership team to ensure a fully integrated and implemented human resource strategy for the commission related to employee relations, compensation, and Pro-Equity Anti-Racism (PEAR) action plans.The HR Director will guide the agency in normalizing concepts of racial and social equity, organize staff to work together for transformational change, and operationalize new practices, policies, and programs to drive greater equity. They will guide the UTC toward an anti-racist culture that fosters inclusion and a sense of belongingness. In addition, the director will ensure equitable service delivery and distribution of resources that account for the different challenges and needs of the people and teams we serve.This position has primary responsibility for coordinating, facilitating, advising, and monitoring on employee performance management with the goal of encouraging agency leaders to establish meaningful and measurable performance expectations that are aligned with the commission’s strategic direction. This position also provides leadership for cross-divisional program projects that have budget or performance focus such as talent management, workforce development, performance, and accountability. This recruitment will remain open.However, we reserve the right and may exercise the option to make a hiring decision after seven calendar days. It would be in the candidate's best interest to apply for this position as soon as possible. About the UTC and Employer InitiativesThe UTC regulates the rates, services, and practices of private or investor-owned utilities and transportation companies. The UTC is continually recognized for its excellence and integrity as a regulatory agency, as we challenge the status quo and ourselves. At the UTC, we recognize that our employees are the key to the agency’s success.We are committed to our work but value the balance with our personal lives. We demonstrate our commitment to employees by providing an environment that stimulates professional growth, continued learning opportunities, offers meaningful work and a comprehensive benefits package. For more information about benefits, please visitThe UTC is a great place to work and has implemented several, and is developing additional initiatives that create a great working environment, including:• We value diverse perspectives and employ people of all backgrounds.We are actively involved in promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion within the UTC by way of a cross-divisional, collaborative committee. The focus of the committee includes employee engagement and education; reinforcing UTC values; and maximizing the value of diversity and identifying strategies for inclusion. • We have modernized our workplace with workspaces that promote creative thought, innovation, and collaboration among co-workers, and improved building security and employee safety. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the UTC has supported extensive mobile work arrangements across the agency.• We support a healthy work/life balance by offering flexible/alternative work schedules and telework options depending on job duties. • We have a formal mentoring program to provide and encourage employee growth and development, while also promoting informal mentoring relationships and sharing of knowledge across the commission. • We have a comprehensive continuous improvement program focused on using Lean tools and principles to solve problems and continuously improve work processes. For more information about the UTC, see our website www.utc.wa.gov – or visit www.twitter.com/wautc and www.facebook.com/wautc.• As member of the Leadership Team, provides human resources expertise to the team as it makes the strategic and tactical decisions needed to move the commission towards fulfilling its mission. • As the agency's highest level senior expert on human resources programs, this includes policies and principles, significantly influencing the agency’s position on performance and accountability, talent management and workforce development issues, and in the implementation of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) principles and tools.• This position directs, develops, implements, and oversees agency human resource management policies with a focus on institutionalizing inclusion and equity through HR systems and practices. This is accomplished within the context of enacted state and federal statutory and regulatory authority, requirements, and principles. • Manages and administers all daily operational functions of the Human Resources Office. • Manage and oversee the workforce development process for the agency. • Manage and oversee the talent management process for the agency.• This position also mentors and leads diverse work groups, which may include line staff, technical and subject matter experts, team members, internal and external stakeholders to bring program projects to completion. • Principle skills include superior oral, written, and analytical skills and a comfort with multiple styles of communication, using these tools as part of overall leadership within the UTC. • At the agency and division levels, engage in trainings and actively engage in efforts to promote justice, anti-racism, equity, diversity, and inclusion.Education andExperience:• Bachelor’s degree with focus on business, human resources, public administration, social or organizational behavioral sciences, or related field. • At least five years of broad-based professional human resource experience, including experience leading, supervising, coaching, mentoring, and motivating a team during organizational, program and project management transitions or comparable education and/or experience. Position Specific Competencies:• Strong change management, organizational program planning and management skills that lead to proven outcomes and desired results.• Knowledge of: Human resources management theory, concepts, principles and practices concerning public and private business administration; budgeting; human resources information systems; recruitment, selection and hiring; position classification; compensation administration; employee, supervisor and management training and development; performance management; industrial psychology; disciplinary action and just cause standards; labor relations; federal and state employment law and risk management; equal opportunity, diversity and affirmative action; ethics laws and principles; personnel records management; public records disclosure; organization theory and planning; and supervisory and managerial practices and techniques.• Ability to maintain the confidentiality of information accessed or discussed in performing the work of this position. • Consulting Skills: Employs expertise and effective collaborating and communication to help others identify, evaluate, and resolve complex or sensitive issues and needs. • Analytical Skills: Uses data and information in a clear and rational thought process to understand issues, evaluate options, form conclusions, and make decisions. Demonstration of UTC Core Competencies (expected of all employees):• DEI Knowledge, Understanding, & Commitment• Self-Awareness and Commitment to Growth• Cultivating Mutually Beneficial and Trusting Strategic Partnerships• Inclusive Excellence & Allyship• Measuring for Success and Improvement• Customer Focus• Results• Communication Skills• Adaptability/Flexibility• Self-Development• Continuous Process ImprovementEquity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Competencies:• Advocates and Models our Culture and Values• Cultivates a Shared, Strategic Vision for EDI• Fosters Learning• Makes the commission more accessible to underrepresented and marginalized communities• Leads and Navigates Change• Embraces and Embeds Inclusion in Decision-making• Self-DevelopmentLeadership Competencies:• Set the example• Strengthen yourself• Strengthen others• Recognize contributions• Foster collaboration• Envision the future• Manage your program• Challenge your business processes• Challenge systems of inequities.Although not required, preference may be given to candidates who have the following desired qualifications:Education andExperience:• Experience interpreting and applying Washington State Civil Service rules and labor laws. • Knowledge and understanding of state's Human Resource Management System (HRMS). • Understanding of the state legislative process. Conditions of Employment/Working Conditions:• COVID Vaccination Requirement: Per Governor Inslee's Proclamation 21-14 (Download PDF reader), state employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.Being fully vaccinated means that an individual is at least two weeks past their final dose of an authorized COVID-19 vaccine regimen. If you are selected to serve in this position, you will be required to provide proof of vaccination before you are able to begin work. Please note that any offer of employment is contingent upon you providing verification of your vaccine status, having an approved medical accommodation, or having an approved religious accommodation. No start date will be approved until you have either verified your vaccine status or have an approved accommodation.• Conflict of Interest: RCW 80.01.020 limits the commission’s ability to employ any person who owns stock in any company the commission regulates or is otherwise financially interested in such company. • Compliance with the ethics laws (RCW 42.52) is an individual responsibility, which may include disclosure of volunteer work, elected activity, outside employment, or other business activity:• No employee may engage in any outside employment or business activity that will interfere with the performance of their duties or result in a conflict of interest.• No employee may engage in any volunteer or elected activity that will interfere with the performance of their duties or result in a conflict of interest. • An employee shall notify supervisor prior to engaging in any outside employment or business activity. Application Process:Jobs advertised as Open Continuous may be closed without notice. It is to your advantage to apply as soon as possible. Read the instructions below carefully before following the “Apply” link above. In addition to completing the online application, applicants must attach the following documents to their application to be considered for this position:• A letter of interest explaining how you meet the qualifications of this position.• A current resume detailing experience and education. • A list of three professional references with current telephone numbers, including your current or most recent supervisor (or you may include this information in the Reference section of your application). A professional reference is defined as an individual who has been paid to supervise your work and can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job competencies. If you do not have any or sufficient professional references, please include non-related professionals, such as educators or other professional associates.READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION COMPLETELY:• Carefully review your application and other documents requested (e.g., cover letter and resume) for accuracy, spelling, and grammar before submitting. • The initial screening of applications will be solely based on the contents and completeness of the "work experience" and "education" sections of your application in www.careers.wa.gov; completeness of your resume, cover letter, and any other materials submitted as part of the application process. • A resume will not substitute for completing the "work experience" section of the application.Only complete applications will be considered. All information may be verified, and documentation may be required. You may be disqualified if your education and/or work experience does not include information used to: 1) Meet the minimum qualifications of the job. Visit these links to learn more about:the state of Washingtonthe Olympia area www.co.thurston.wa.us orwww.Olympiawa.govThe Utilities and Transportation Commission is an equal opportunity employer. We want to make sure you have an equal opportunity to.Our commitment is making sure current and future employees are treated fairly and equally without regard to age, sex (including gender identity), race, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, marital status, or religious or political affiliation. Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format may contact [email protected]. For TTY service, please call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384. Apply tot his job