Employee Relations Manager

Employee Relations Manager

Full Time | Permanent

Salary Range: $122,208 Annually

This is a telework/hybrid position. The candidate of choice may work from anywhere within the state of Washington with a reliable internet connection. Travel may be required.

This recruitment is open to current DOC Human Resources employees only.

The Washington State Department of Corrections is seeking a dynamic and experienced professional to join our Employee & Organizational Support (EOS) Division as an Employee Relations Manager (ERM)! The Employee Relations Manager position serves as a key advisor on complex and sensitive employee and labor relations matters across the agency.

As an ERM, you will provide strategic consultation and guidance to leaders at all levels, ensuring compliance with collective bargaining agreements, employment laws, civil service rules, agency policies, and human resource best practices. Within the Human Resources team, this role plays a critical part in supporting the Department’s mission to improve public safety by positively changing lives. The Employee Relations Manager leads and develops HR professionals, serves as the agency’s primary labor and employee relations representative for a designated statewide region, and partners with executive leadership to address workforce challenges and drive consistent, legally compliant employment practices.

This is an outstanding opportunity for a collaborative leader with strong communication, relationship-building, and problem‑solving skills who is passionate about supporting employees, leaders, and organizational success. Travel to correctional facilities, offices, and field locations throughout the state, including occasional overnight travel, is required.

A completed application packet will include:

• Cover letter regarding your interest in this position with our agency
• Detailed resume
• Three professional references

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.

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.

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. Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP), a supplemental retirement savings program that allows 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…