Human Resources Director (EMS3/DLS)

This recruitment is posted continuously.

Application review will begin on 8/21/2026 and you are encouraged to submit your application materials as soon as possible.

The hiring manager reserves the right to close the posting at any time once a selection has been made.

The Health Care Authority is seeking a people leader who is able to develop and deploy strategic, relational, operational, and technical HR capabilities at scale, in alignment with the agency’s values and objectives.

If you pride yourself on cultivating a culture of organizational connectedness, compliance, and equity, and have a strong background in HR administration or related field at the executive level, this may be the opportunity for you!

All HCA employees will apply an equity lens to their work, which may include but is not limited to all analyses of core business and processes .

About the division:

The Division of Legal Services (DLS) provides support to the entire agency to mitigate risks, comply with changing laws, and assist the agency in accomplishing its strategic and tactical goals. DLS’ mission is to “deliver legal and specialized professional support so HCA can provide high quality health care through innovative health policies and purchasing strategies.” Its vision is to “be a model of excellent customer service and efficiency in the delivery of legal and specialized professional services.” In addition to the agency-wide values, DLS values include excellence, dependability, customer focused, and integrity.

About the position:

The Human Resources Director (HR Director), who is the Deputy Assistant Director of DLS and serves on the agency’s Executive Leadership Team, reports directly to the Chief Legal Officer (CLO).

The HR Director is responsible for the strategic and daily operational leadership of HCA’s human resources portfolio, including terms of employment, training and development, classification and compensation, recruitment, labor relations, protected leave and accommodations, employment risk management, employee performance management, employment investigation, just cause progressive discipline, HR data and reporting, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. This position acts under delegated authority of the CLO.

This position is eligible to telework but is frequently required to report on-site to meet business need.

The default assigned work location of all Health Care Authority (HCA) positions – both on-site and telework eligible positions – is within the State of Washington.

This position reports to Olympia, WA.

Frequency of onsite work will vary based on business and operational needs.

All agency employees are required to report on-site in Olympia on their first and last days of employment to pick up and return state-issued equipment, regardless of telework status or location.

Some of what you will do: Direct an agile human resource unit and serve as the key advisor to the CLO and other agency executive leadership, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws.

Represent HR on the division’s leadership team and actively participates in division initiatives, employer of choice strategies, portfolio management activities, and projects.

Ensure the effective and proactive identification and management of risk as it relates to all human resources operations and functions.

Plan, lead, and set the strategic direction of the human resource work performed by the agency.

Collaborate across the agency in coordinating the interconnected operations of HR with other HCA divisions.

Serve as key advisor to the HCA Director, Deputy Director, and agency executive leadership in all matters related to collective bargaining, labor relations, protected leave, and recruitment strategy.

Guide and oversee employee and leadership development and training programs.

Oversee and set the strategic direction of HCA’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) workforce initiatives.

Some of what you will do:

• Direct an agile human resource unit and serve as the key advisor to the CLO and other agency executive leadership, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws.
• Represent HR on the division’s leadership team and actively participates in division initiatives, employer of choice strategies, portfolio management activities, and projects.
• Ensure the effective and proactive identification and management of risk as it relates to all human resources operations and functions.
• Plan, lead, and set the strategic direction of the human resource work performed by the agency.
• Collaborate across the agency in coordinating the interconnected operations of HR with other HCA divisions.
• Serve as key advisor to the HCA Director, Deputy Director, and agency executive leadership in all matters related to collective bargaining, labor relations, protected leave, and recruitment strategy.
• Guide and oversee employee and leadership development and training programs.
• Oversee and set the strategic direction of HCA’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) workforce initiatives.

Required qualifications: Qualifying candidates will satisfy all of the following criteria: Bachelor’s degree in human resources, public administration, business, law, social or organizational sciences, labor relations, or closely related field.

Eight (8) years of recent, broad-based, progressively responsible professional human resources experience, which includes direct experience with the majority of the functions encompassed within the human resources portfolio.

Three (3) years of recent experience managing professional human resources staff.

Note: Additional years of progressive management responsibilities may substitute year-for-year for education.

Required competencies: The ability to take action to learn and grow.

The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

Expert knowledge of human resource management practices and strategies.

Expert knowledge of employment, privacy, disability, and medical leave laws as they relate to employment.

Superior interpersonal skills, especially the ability to build strong collaborative relationships with a variety of people at multiple levels to facilitate cross-agency and inter-agency initiatives.

Excellent verbal and written communications.

Demonstrated ability to: Think strategically and innovatively, plan and execute with passion, communicate effectively, be a strong leader and developer of others, and formulate and implement policy.

Consistently demonstrate the values of integrity, trust, sensitivity, and mutual respect.

Influence organizational change; provide consultation to develop change strategies, is an effective change agent; and align changes with the organization’s strategic direction and objectives.

Develop and execute sophisticated negotiation strategies in complex employment risk management and employment tort litigation.

Proactively consult with and influence senior managers on organizational and management issues.

Provide clear direction, coach, manage, and motivate staff and others to accomplish the agency’s strategic goals, in a manner that builds trust in public service.

Adhere to the highest ethical and professional standards in support of the Governor’s policy initiatives and the agency director’s strategic direction while consistently meeting established deadlines.

Work effectively and fairly with labor management representatives and in framing collective bargaining strategy.

Master’s degree in human resource management.

Direct experience working in human resources within a Washington State government agency, including experience in the following areas: Washington State civil service rules.

Washington State classification and compensation system and appeals processes.

Just Cause principles and progressive discipline.

Washington State collective bargaining process.

Washington Federation of State Employees collective bargaining agreement.

Washington State Human Resources Management System.

State and federal protected leave and accommodation rules.

Formal mediation and change management training or certification.

Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) or SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) certification.

Diversity management certification.

Proficiency in independently completing complex, high-risk employment investigations.

responding to external complaints from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and/or Washington State Human Rights Commission (HRC).

representing the organization in formal hearings, mediation, and/or litigation.

Strong organizational knowledge.

Effective problem-solving skills.

Excellent crisis management skills, including the ability to remain calm and make appropriate critical decisions under pressure.

Strong facilitation skills.

Proven ability to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders, such as Office of Financial Management (OFM), Attorney General Office (AGO), Department of Enterprise Services (DES), Governor’s Office, Executive Ethics Board, and the State Auditor’s Office.

Only candidates who reflect the minimum qualifications on their NEOGOV profile will be considered. Failure to follow the application instructions below may lead to disqualification. To apply for this position, you will need to complete your profile which includes three professional references and attach in separate files: A cover letter that specifically addresses how you meet the qualifications for this position Current resume To take advantage of veteran preference , please do the following: Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 long-form copy), NGB 22, or USDVA signed verification of service letter. Please black out any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers. Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.

Qualifying candidates will satisfy all of the following criteria:

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, public administration, business, law, social or organizational sciences, labor relations, or closely related field.
• Eight (8) years of recent, broad-based, progressively responsible professional human resources experience, which includes direct experience with the majority of the functions encompassed within the human resources portfolio.
• Three (3) years of recent experience managing professional human resources staff.

Note: Additional years of progressive management responsibilities may substitute year-for-year for education.

Required competencies:

• The ability to take action to learn and grow.
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.
• Expert knowledge of human resource management practices and strategies.
• Expert knowledge of employment, privacy, disability, and medical leave laws as they relate to employment.
• Superior interpersonal skills, especially the ability to build strong collaborative relationships with a variety of people at multiple levels to facilitate cross-agency and inter-agency initiatives.
• Excellent verbal and written communications.

Demonstrated ability to:

• Think strategically and innovatively, plan and execute with passion, communicate effectively, be a strong leader and developer of others, and formulate and implement policy.
• Consistently demonstrate the values of integrity, trust, sensitivity, and mutual respect.
• Influence organizational change; provide consultation to develop change strategies, is an effective change agent; and align changes with the organization’s strategic direction and objectives.
• Develop and execute sophisticated negotiation strategies in complex employment risk management and employment tort litigation.
• Proactively consult with and influence senior managers on organizational and management issues.
• Provide clear direction, coach, manage, and motivate staff and others to accomplish the agency’s strategic goals, in a manner that builds trust in public service.
• Adhere to the highest ethical and professional standards in support of the Governor’s policy initiatives and the agency director’s strategic direction while consistently meeting established deadlines.
• Work effectively and fairly with labor management representatives and in framing collective bargaining strategy.

• Master’s degree in human resource management.
• Direct experience working in human resources within a Washington State government agency, including experience in the following areas: Washington State civil service rules. Washington State classification and compensation system and appeals processes. Just Cause principles and progressive discipline. Washington State collective bargaining process. Washington Federation of State Employees collective bargaining agreement. Washington State Human Resources Management System. State and federal protected leave and accommodation rules.
• Washington State civil service rules.
• Washington State classification and compensation system and appeals processes.
• Just Cause principles and progressive discipline.
• Washington State collective bargaining process.
• Washington Federation of State Employees collective bargaining agreement.
• Washington State Human Resources Management System.
• State and federal protected leave and accommodation rules.
• Formal mediation and change management training or certification.
• Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) or SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) certification.
• Diversity management certification.
• Proficiency in independently completing complex, high-risk employment investigations.
• Experience responding to external complaints from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and/or Washington State Human Rights Commission (HRC).
• Experience representing the organization in formal hearings, mediation, and/or litigation.
• Strong organizational knowledge.
• Effective problem-solving skills.
• Excellent crisis management skills, including the ability to remain calm and make appropriate critical decisions under pressure.
• Strong facilitation skills.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders, such as Office of Financial Management (OFM), Attorney General Office (AGO), Department of Enterprise Services (DES), Governor’s Office, Executive Ethics Board, and the State Auditor’s Office.

Only candidates who reflect the minimum qualifications on their NEOGOV profile will be considered.

Failure to follow the application instructions below may lead to disqualification.

To apply for this position, you will need to complete your profile which includes three professional references and attach in separate files:

• A cover letter that specifically addresses how you meet the qualifications for this position
• Current resume

To take advantage of veteran preference , please do the following:

• Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 long-form copy), NGB 22, or USDVA signed verification of service letter.
• Please black out any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers. Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.

About HCA: Functioning as both the state's largest health care purchaser and its behavioral health authority, the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is a leader in ensuring Washington residents have the opportunity to be as healthy as possible.

There are three pillars of our work: Apple Health (Medicaid); the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) and School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) programs; and behavioral health and recovery.

Under these pillars, HCA purchases health care, including behavioral health treatment for more than 2.7 million Washington residents and provides behavioral health prevention, crisis, and recovery supports to all Washington residents.

What we have to offer: Meaningful work with friendly co-workers who care about those we serve Voices of HCA A clear agency mission that drives our work and is person-centered HCA's Mission, Vision & Values A healthy work/life balance, including alternative/flexible schedules and mobile work options.

A great total compensation and benefit package WA State Government Benefits A safe, pleasant workplace in a convenient location with restaurants, and shopping nearby.

And free parking!

Notes: Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted.

Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment.

HCA is an equal opportunity employer.

We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency.

HCA has five employee resource groups (ERGs).

ERGs are voluntary, employee-led groups whose aim is to foster a diverse, inclusive workplace aligned with HCA’s mission.

Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace.

Studies have shown women, racial and ethnic minorities, and persons of disability are less likely to apply for jobs unless they feel they meet every qualification as described in a job description.

Persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, as well as people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are also encouraged to apply.

If you have any questions about the required qualifications or how your experience relates to them, please contact us at HCAjobs@hca.wa.gov .

Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact Jake Nelko at 360-725-0945 or jake.nelko@hca.wa.gov .

The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is an E-Verify employer .

All applicants with a legal right to work in the United States are encouraged to apply.

E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S.

of Homeland Security.

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to receive a list of new job postings at HCA.

Functioning as both the state's largest health care purchaser and its behavioral health authority, the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is a leader in ensuring Washington residents have the opportunity to be as healthy as possible.

There are three pillars of our work: Apple Health (Medicaid); the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) and School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) programs; and behavioral health and recovery.

Under these pillars, HCA purchases health care, including behavioral health treatment for more than 2.7 million Washington residents and provides behavioral health prevention, crisis, and recovery supports to all Washington residents.

What we have to offer:

• Meaningful work with friendly co-workers who care about those we serve Voices of HCA
• A clear agency mission that drives our work and is person-centered HCA's Mission, Vision & Values
• A healthy work/life balance, including alternative/flexible schedules and mobile work options.
• A great total compensation and benefit package WA State Government Benefits
• A safe, pleasant workplace in a convenient location with restaurants, and shopping nearby.
• And free parking!

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted.

Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment.

HCA is an equal opportunity employer.

We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency.

HCA has five employee resource groups (ERGs).

ERGs are voluntary, employee-led groups whose aim is to foster a diverse, inclusive workplace aligned with HCA’s mission.

Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace.

Studies have shown women, racial and ethnic minorities, and persons of disability are less likely to apply for jobs unless they feel they meet every qualification as described in a job description.

Persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, as well as people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are also encouraged to apply.

If you have any questions about the required qualifications or how your experience relates to them, please contact us at HCAjobs@hca.wa.gov .

Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact Jake Nelko at 360-725-0945 or jake.nelko@hca.wa.gov .

The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is an E-Verify employer .

All applicants with a legal right to work in the United States are encouraged to apply.

E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S.

of Homeland Security.

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to receive a list of new job postings at HCA.

More than Just a Paycheck!

Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket.

Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career.

Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security.

That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package.

We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits: The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months.

Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance.

There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses.

Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website .

The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs .

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS).

New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs.

For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems ' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP).

This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems.

The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information .

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis.

for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours.

Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month.

Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave) Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165 (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA).

Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165 (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis.

Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175 , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position.

Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so.

However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave.

In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave Leave Sharing Parental Leave Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Leave Without Pay Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026

• High school graduation or equivalent
• Associate degree
• Bachelor's degree
• Master's degree or higher
• None of the above
• I do not have this experience
• Less than 8 years
• More than 8 years
• I do not have this experience
• Less than 3 years
• More than 3 years, but less than 5 years
• More than 5 years, but less than 7 years
• More than 7 years
• Yes
• No
• Yes
• No
• I do not have this experience
• Less than 2 years
• More than 2 years, but less than 4 years
• More than 4 years, but less than 6 years
• More than 6 years, but less than 8 years
• More than 8 years
• Yes
• No
• Yes
• No
• Yes
• No
• Yes
• No