Human Resources Director

City of Tacoma, Washington

Salary: $182,894 - $257,524

Tacoma, Washington, is centrally located just 32 miles south of the city of Seattle and 31 miles north of the state capital, Olympia, and is home to the Port of Tacoma, one of the largest container ports in the United States. With a population of approximately 222,000 residents, Tacoma is the third largest municipality in the state. Largely suburban in nature with a small, but dense, urban core, Tacoma is home to many institutes of higher learning that attract students from across the globe. The University of Washington Tacoma, Pacific Lutheran University, University of Puget Sound, a satellite campus of the Evergreen State College, three community/technical colleges, and several trade and business schools are within Tacoma's geographic area. Downtown's Cultural District is the site of theatres, the Washington State History Museum, the Museum of Glass, the Tacoma Art Museum, and America's Car Museum. The city has been recognized numerous times as one of the nation’s most livable cities.

The City of Tacoma currently has approximately 3,700 FTEs and a total 2025- 2026 biennial budget of $4.3 billion. The Human Resources (HR) Director provides strategic leadership and oversight of all HR programs, policies, and services for the City, including Tacoma Public Utilities (TPU). This position develops and implements innovative strategies to attract, retain, and engage a high performing, diverse workforce, while ensuring compliance with applicable laws, collective bargaining agreements, and the City Charter and ordinances. The HR Director reports to the City Manager and serves as a trusted advisor to the Director of Tacoma Public Utilities, executive leadership, department heads, and elected officials on workforce planning, employee/labor relations, and organizational development. The Human Resources Director has a broad range of strategic, analytical, administrative, and project management duties. The position plans, organizes, manages and provides administrative direction and oversight for all functions and activities of the City's HR Department.

Minimum education and experience: A bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration or a directly related field. A master’s degree in human resources, business administration, public administration or closely related field is desirable. Twelve (12) years of progressively responsible human resources experience, including prior supervisory and managerial experience. Five (5) years of public sector experience is desirable. Previous experience as an HR Director or Assistant Director is desirable. Any combination of professional experience and academic preparation which provides the applicant with the required skill set may be considered. Equivalency: 1 year of experience = 1 year of education.

The City of Tacoma offers an attractive employee benefits package which includes retirement, medical, dental, vision and generous PTO package. Relocation assistance may also be available for a successful out-of-area candidate.

For a complete position profile and to apply online, visit Prothman at https://www.prothman.com/ and click on "Open Recruitments". For questions, call 206-368-0050. The City of Tacoma has made a commitment to equity and diversity in its workforce and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Apply by October 1, 2025. (First review, open until filled.)

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Human Resources Director - City of Tacoma, Washington