Assistant to Senior Director, Human Resources
Port of Seattle
Seattle, WA
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JOB DETAILS
SALARY
LOCATION
Seattle, WA
POSTED
2 days ago
As the Assistant to the Senior Director, Human Resources (HR), you will provide varied, complex, and high level professional support to the Senior (Sr.) Director of HR and members of the HR leadership team. You will also perform a range of HR responsibilities in support of the department's mission, vision, goals, and objectives.
+ You will provide high level support to the Sr. HR Director and HR Directors by managing complex calendars and meeting schedules, drafting correspondence and other projects as assigned, including issues of a highly confidential or sensitive nature.
+ You will act as a liaison, as necessary, between the Sr. HR Director and internal and external customers, including the Commission, Executive Director, and the Executive Team. You will regularly review the Sr. HR Director's calendar and communicate outstanding items.
+ You will also schedule the Sr. HR Director’s weekly one-on-one check-ins with direct reports, HR Leadership Team meetings, HR Extended Leadership Team meetings, HR all-staff meetings, and biannual retreats.
+ You will facilitate and develop the annual budget to align with the department’s priorities and budget targets. You will process all budget requests from HR Sr. Leaders and facilitate discussions and decision-making with HR Sr. Leaders to establish the department budget.
+ You will review the final recommended budget, including justifications for new budget items, with the HR senior leadership team prior to entering budget items into the Port's budget system. You will also review monthly budget responsibility reports, identify and research incorrect charges, and resolve or follow up on issues related to HR's budget.
+ You will provide support to the HR department for programs including, but not limited to, managing department procurement card charges and reconciliation, purchase requisitions and requests for checks; working closely with Accounts Payable to ensure invoices are paid and issues are resolved; exercising signing authority for requisitions or purchase requests within signature authorization; and contract management, including coordination with the Central Procurement Office (CPO), Requesting Department Representative (RDR), and all documentation processes. You will work closely with HR and Commission Records staff to ensure HR Commission meeting documents are submitted according to the Commission schedule and document routing system in SharePoint.
+ You will provide leadership, direction, coaching, and guidance to the HR Sr. Administrative Staff Assistant, two Administrative Assistants, and any other assigned direct reports or emergency hires. You will also ensure PerformanceLink goals are established and regularly reviewed and that documented check-ins and other PerformanceLink processes and timelines are followed.
+ You will lead and participate in planning, coordination, and execution of a variety of HR and Port-wide programs. You will oversee and participate in planning the quarterly Safety and Service Awards Luncheons, including creating accurate lists of honorees, sending and tracking invitations for honorees and supervisors, supporting Civil Service Commission programs, Executive Round Tables or Forums, Continuity of Operations Planning (COOP) coordination, leadership conferences, HR Broadcasts, Port-wide Holiday Luncheon, Take Our Kids to Work Day, and recognition programs such as Public Service Recognition Week.
+ You will manage the oversight and schedule of policy updates for all HR related policies. You will set up the processes, templates, approval coordination, and ensure Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) review is completed.
+ You will coordinate and track HR responses to public disclosure requests and subpoenas by researching and distributing requests for records to subject matter experts, gathering documents from subject matter experts, and providing responses to the Port’s legal department.
+ You will partner with the Port’s legal department to ensure requested documents are in accordance with EX-19 policy and procedure. You will also administer HR department retention schedules and distribution of records and ensure I-9 files are appropriately maintained and audited.
Who you are:
+ Experienced – You have five (5) years of senior level administrative experience supporting senior management or executives, including scheduling, budget creation and management and includes one (1) year of supervisory, leading, mentoring experience, including leading a project or programs.
+ Desired – We hope you also have a Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM), Professional in Human Resources (HRCI), or related HR certification. We also hope you have experience supporting leaders in a large matrixed organization.
+ Committed to Equity – You will apply equity and exemplify shared values, behaviors, and practices in all aspects of the work. At the Port of Seattle, equity is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all Port employees.
+ Proficient – You demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of Human Resources programs, policies, and procedures; budget development, monitoring, and reporting processes; the Washington State Public Records Act (RCW 42.56); project management practices; customer service principles—including needs assessment, quality standards, and satisfaction evaluation—and Port, department, and program policies and procedures.
+ Efficient Communicator – You possess effective verbal and written communication skills. You are skilled at proofreading and editing documents and demonstrate active listening.
+ Leader – You possess leadership skills including setting performance expectations, managing and improving performance, and providing leadership, direction and feedback.
+ Analytical & Critical Thinker – You possess proficient analytical and critical thinking skills, using sound judgment. You also have a high level of attention to detail and accuracy.
+ Technically Skilled – You have technical proficiency in Microsoft Office products, HRIS systems, and other related HR or administrative systems.
What else you need to know:
+ Work Schedule – Your normal work schedule will be Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (40 hours per week). Slightly more flexible start and end times are available in this role. You may be required to work during emergencies.
+ Work Environment – This work will take place in a hybrid/in-office setting at Management’s discretion. This role requires a minimum of three days in the office each week and will occasionally require work at other Port locations.
+ Washington State Residency Requirement – Employees must establish a residence in Washington State within 30 days of their first day of employment and must maintain a residence in Washington State during their employment with the Port of Seattle. If a position is eligible to telework, work performed while teleworking must be performed in Washington State.
+ Security Requirements – As the successful candidate, you must pass a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) background check as well as a criminal history background check with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Your employment will be contingent upon obtaining a Port of Seattle ID badge upon clearance.
Why you'll love it here:
The Port of Seattle offers an extensive benefits package that rewards our staff for their valuable contributions towards the Port‘s mission. In addition to the summary below, benefit details for non-represented positions can be foundon the Port of Seattle‘s website.If the position is represented by a union, please refer to the “Collective Bargaining Agreement” or contact the appropriate Union Representative for specific information related to benefits and eligibility.
+ Healthcare – Medical, Dental, and Vision Care with options that work for you and your family.
+ Paid Vacation – Just about four weeks per year that increases with tenure to rest and rejuvenate.
+ Paid Sick Leave – At least one hour of sick leave for every 40 hours worked.
+ Holidays – More than ten days per year to celebrate with family and friends away from work.
+ Pension/Retirement Plans – A pension and additional savings plans to prepare for your future after the Port.
+ Getting to Work – From subsidized parking and a low-cost public transit card to alternative work arrangements giving you an opportunity to work hybrid.
+ Parental Leave – Six weeks of paid leave to spend with new additions to your immediate family.
+ Development – From tuition reimbursement, training, stretch assignments and internal internships, we support a learning culture.
+ Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion – The Port of Seattle values diversity as a source of innovation and strength. We are actively working across the organization to create a culture where all employees – regardless of race, gender, and other identities – succeed and reach their fullest potential.
+ Work-Life Balance – We provide the resources to help you create habits to be healthy and balanced.
+ Mission Driven – We are focused together in promoting economic opportunities and quality of life in the region by advancing trade, travel, commerce, and job creation in an equitable, accountable, and environmentally responsible manner.
Why the Port of Seattle:
Every role at the Port of Seattle is vital to our thriving community. We are a leader in moving people and cargo across the country and around the world. With facilities and property ranging in scope from a half-acre park to one of the largest airports and container terminals on the West Coast, we maximize the public assets in our portfolio with an eye toward best uses and environmental sustainability. Find out more here .
Our vision is to create a Port that mirrors – throughout its breadth of operations and services and within its leadership – the diversity of our communities, instill principles of equity into its culture, and ensures a fair and intentional distribution of opportunities to expand economic develop and quality of life for all in our region. Find out more about how our values RAISE us up and our commitment to equity .
Location: Downtown Seattle
Organization: Human Resources
Employee Status: Regular
Schedule: Full-time
Posting Expires: Apr 8, 2026, 6:59:00 AM
Minimum Salary: 107,693.00
Midpoint Salary: 145,702.00
Req ID: 004080
The Port of Seattle is an equal opportunity employer that values diverse perspectives and life experiences. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply, knowing decisions concerning the employment relationship will be made without regard to age, race, ethnicity, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, marital status, citizenship status, veteran status, the presence of any physical or mental disability, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law, regulations and ordinances. To help comply with all state and federal requirements, we appreciate you voluntarily answering the questions below. The information on this form will be kept confidential. Click https://www.portseattle.org/page/ethnicity-definitions for definitions and descriptions of the categories referenced below regarding Ethnicity and Race. Click https://www.portseattle.org/page/vevraa-information for information and definitions of the categories referenced below regarding Protected Veterans status.
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