The current full salary range for this position is $14,097/month - $17,058/month. Employees receive step increases bi-annually in accordance with the and City policy.

Research has demonstrated that salary negotiation can further inequality due to bias across gender and race. To prevent negotiation bias, the City places new employees within the published salary range based on qualifications and professional experience in accordance with City policy. This is in line with the City's commitment to accessibility, diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

At the City of Bellingham, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that helps you thrive in both your career and personal life. Join our team and enjoy peace of mind knowing that you and your loved ones are well cared for. Here’s a closer look at the outstanding benefits that come with being part of our team. You can and

• 20 hours of vacation leave per month, with increased accrual over time
• 12 paid holidays + 1 floating holiday per year
• 40 hours of sick leave upon hire + 8 hours accrued monthly
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their families
• Life insurance and long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts and medical insurance opt-out program
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Washington State Retirement plan (DRS) for retirement security
• Optional 457 deferred compensation savings plan and 401(a) Retirement Savings Plan up to 3% with employer match

Leave accruals are based on 1.0 FTE and require employees to be in paid status at least 120 hours/month.

1. Leadership: Serves as a member of the City’s senior leadership team. Participates in organization wide strategic planning and coordinates the Human Resources Department’s activities with other city departments and offices to ensure alignment with the City’s critical objectives, vision and values. Promotes Human Resources best practices across the organization to help the City deliver great government by cultivating a strong organizational culture. vision and values. 
2. Human Resources Management: Plans, organizes, directs and evaluates the work of the Human Resources Department to deliver high quality human resources programs and services. Oversees departmental programs and services including labor relations strategy, negotiations, and labor contract administration; employee relations; compensation and classification; benefit, unemployment, and retirement systems; recruitment, workforce planning, and diversity, equity, and inclusion; employee development and training; performance management; occupational safety and workplace health; the Civil Service system; payroll; and Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS).
3. Strategic Planning: Provides leadership and direction in the development of short and long-range plans; gathers, interprets, and prepares data to inform decision-decision making and track effectiveness of human resources initiatives; develops and presents reports to senior management and City Council. Coordinates Department activities with other departments and agencies as needed. 
4. Human Resources Policy Development: Implements an agile approach to development, implementation and administration of Department and City-wide human resource policies ensuring compliance with federal and State law and regulations while responding to market and employee needs. Facilitates discussions of employee and City interests in meetings and public settings on issues related to human resources policies and practices; develops and leads appropriate forums for collaborative policy development. Provides professional advice to City officials; participates in meetings with councils, boards, commissions, civic groups and the general public. Presents human resources issues and recommendations requiring policy direction to stakeholders and decision-makers.
5. Personnel Management: Develops and maintains a workforce committed to, and with highly developed competencies in, customer service, results orientation, and teamwork. Directly or through managers, appoints, supervises, provides for training, development, performance evaluation, and ensures accountability of department employees. 
6. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: Leads and champions diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. Develops and implements strategies and programs to foster an inclusive workplace, ensure equitable practices and reduce biases. Collaborates with stakeholders to create a culture of respect and belonging. 
7. Communications: Communicates official plans, policies and procedures to staff and the general public.
8. Fiscal Management: In partnership with other City staff, ensures that labor costs are effective and sustainable. Assures that assigned areas of responsibility are performed within budget; monitors revenues and expenditures in assigned area to assure sound fiscal control; prepares annual budget requests; assures effective and efficient use of budgeted funds, personnel, materials, facilities, and time. 
9. Professional Involvement: Serves as City's representative to regional human resources groups.

1. Other duties as assigned by the Mayor.

• Frequently operate a computer and other office machinery such as a keyboard, mouse, phone, and fax machine;
• Frequently remain stationary for long periods of time;
• Frequently travel between worksites;
• Frequently communicate accurate information and ideas with others.

• Bachelor's degree in human resources, public administration, business administration or related field. Master's degree preferred. 
• Five years of progressively responsible experience with at least three years senior management experience in a comprehensive human resources program including supervision. 
• Significant experience managing collective bargaining and labor relations required.
• CLRP, SPHR/SHRM-SCP or PHR/SHRM-CP Certification preferred.
• Preferred qualifications include:
  • Demonstrated experience promoting equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in the workplace.
  • Proven track record of collaboration and engagement with stakeholders.
  • Demonstrated creativity and innovation in programs and processes. 
  • Demonstrated ability to foster a positive work environment.
• In place of the above requirements, an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to provide the applicant with the knowledge, skill and ability to successfully perform the essential functions of the job will be considered. 

• Employment contingent upon passing a criminal background check.

Interested candidates should apply online at with a cover letter, resume, and contact information for at least five professional references, by February 21, 2025. For further information, contact MGT Senior Consultant Sarah McKee at 847-380-3240 ext. 120.

The City of Bellingham is committed to compliance with the American Disabilities Act and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Diversity and inclusion are crucial to their success. They seek to recruit the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool and strongly encourage all qualified candidates to apply.