Classification and Compensation Manager

NOTE: The application period has now closed. Only Priority Placement Program participant applications will be added to the candidate pool. This recruitment has been extended and will close on Sunday, July 17th at 11:59 p.m ... King County Department of Human Resources (DHR) seeks a forward-thinking and innovative professional to fill the role of Classification and Compensation Manager. This position ensures the creation and delivery of effective compensation and classification policies, programs, and systems to support the recruitment, retention, and engagement of a highly qualified work force. The Classification and Compensation Manager is responsible for the development and deployment of classification and compensation initiatives, including the implementation of standard processes to optimize service levels in daily HR operations. Strategic leadership, relationship-building, and effective collaboration ensure compensation and classification programs, policies, and procedures are responsive to the County's compensation philosophy, goals, and practices. The successful candidate will support efforts to align and effectively integrate King County and department human resources programs and strategic initiatives. You will use your strong interpersonal skills to develop and leverage relationships, build effective teams and networks at all levels in the county, and engage in effective problem solving. You will bring experience managing a team of human resources professionals responsible for the implementation and delivery of equitable classification and compensation programs and practices within a complex labor relations environment. King County As the only county in the United States named after Martin Luther King Jr., one of the most influential civil rights leaders in our nation's history, King County is a vibrant community with residents that represent countries from around the world. It is a region with increasing diversity that cherishes the artistic and social traditions of many cultures. Together, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. We continue to build on an enduring legacy of shared values of equity and social justice, employee engagement, innovative thinking, and continuous improvement. With this commitment, King County has adopted a pro-equity agenda aimed at advancing regional change and is developing the systems and standards necessary to achieve better outcomes for all residents, regardless of their race or income. All these qualities make King County one of the nation's best places to live, work, and play. Successful candidates for this position will be able to clearly demonstrate skill and ability to: • Develop strategy and lead execution of the county's compensation and classification systems, including development of the King County compensation philosophy • Design and conduct market compensation studies, including determining necessary research and analysis, scope of compensation studies, comparable market comparison studies, cost/benefit analysis, and present recommended actions on both an employee, position, and system level • Direct the development and implementation of a streamlined and modern job classification structure that reflects King County's current business environment, while also allowing for future evolution • Create progressive career paths that describe standard skills, provide for employee growth and development, and align compensation internally and externally to an appropriate market-based salary structure framework • Provide guidance to leaders on pay decisions, policy and guideline interpretation, and job evaluation • Propose creative solutions to complex classification and compensation issues in conjunction with King County stakeholders • Evaluate and recommend compensation programs, policies, and procedures that ensure King County's ability to attract, retain, and engage employees • Manage a team of effective professionals: • Lead, coach, and develop employees • Set clear performance objectives and goals • Build individualized employee development plans with a focus on continuous learning • Provide regular and honest feedback on employee performance • Measure goal achievement • Foster a culture where every employee is accountable for high-quality service delivery • Promote an organizational culture that is focused on a shared mission, fosters continuous improvement (LEAN), and embraces equity and social justice for employees • Provide leadership through collaboration with and participation in King County guiding teams and committees • Utilize resources related to compensation and classification; select and coordinate the work of external vendors as needed to meet business demands • Develop, analyze, and monitor relevant metrics to make appropriate operational decisions The ideal candidate for this role will: • Have a strong background in compensation and classification, to include any combination of education and experience that clearly demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions of the position, including but not limited to: • Local, state, and federal compensation and labor laws • General principles, practices; and labor-management relations, public administration, and human resources trends • Research, data collection, and analysis techniques • Be able to comfortably handle risk and uncertainty in making decisions without having complete information and create a climate in which others strive to do their best and take risks • Have demonstrated presentation skills in a complex and political environment • Have the ability to prioritize multiple tasks and deadlines in a demanding and fast-paced work environment, responding to stressful situations with tact and efficiency • Exhibit exceptional customer service and communication skills, while maintaining a professional demeanor Additional qualifications that will be helpful in this role: • Previous management of HR functions in a similarly sized organization with comparable complexity and classification/compensation structures • Demonstrated ability to engage a team that is both on-site and remote • Prior experience in a continuous improvement environment • Demonstrated ability to provide HR services in a unionized environment • Knowledge of public sector, government, or other municipal agency practices To Apply: King County values diverse perspectives and life experiences. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with lived experience. If you are ready to bring your passion and enthusiasm for HR with a deep understanding and appreciation for the vital role it plays as a strategic partner in the department, please apply online at Careers at King County. An online employment application, with employment history going back at least 10 years (or more to include all relevant experience), and a cover letter that describes your skills, abilities, and qualifications related to this role are required. Interested individuals who apply by July 17, 2022, will receive first consideration in the process. Questions: For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact: stepking@kingcounty.gov Teleworking Requirement: The work associated with this position will be performed either predominantly by teleworking or through a combination of teleworking, complemented with onsite work and meetings as needed. Employees will have access to shared workspaces at various King County facilities. Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements. Employees will be provided with a County-issued laptop and must maintain a workspace with an internet connection where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours. Please note that when an employee conducts work that is likely to bring them in contact with another individual, safety precautions are required, including the wearing of masks in some situations. King County is doing its part to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and remains committed to reducing our carbon footprint. King County has a robust collection of tools and resources to support remote work. The individual selected for this opportunity will join an innovative and progressive team that is redefining how we work as we transition to the department's hybrid environment. COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement: King County Executive Branch employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. If you are the successful candidate for the position you applied for, the County will send you a conditional offer letter. As a condition of employment, prior to a final offer of employment, you will be required to: • submit proof of vaccination or • have an approved request for medical or religious exemption and an approved accommodation. Philosophical, political, scientific, or sociological objections to vaccination will not be considered for an exemption or accommodation People are considered fully vaccinated against COVID-19 two weeks after receiving the final dose of a vaccination approved by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The Executive Branch includes employees in the Executive Branch, the Assessor’s Office, Elections, the King County Sheriff’s Office, and the Executive Office. Forbes recently named King County as one of Washington State's best employers. Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play. Guided by our "True North", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion, and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles--we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans. King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay, or other forms of compensation