Labor Negotiator

Hybrid:Our physical office is in Olympia, WA. We offer flexible work schedules and locations. This is a hybrid position where most of the work allows teleworking. However, you must reside in the state of Washington and travel to in-person activities, meetings, and events as needed for business purposes.
The starting salary offer will be determined based on the successful candidates’ qualifications, within the$104,664-$135,468annual range. There is career salary growth beyond this starting range for the successful candidate.

Why work for OFM
The Office of Financial ManagementOFM) serves as the backbone of Washington state government. Our mission is to make our state a better place by connecting people, budgets, policies, data, and systems for state agencies and the Legislature. Our team includes budget advisors, researchers, and other experts, all dedicated public servants working towards an equitable future for every Washingtonian. If you want to play a key role in enhancing how state government serves its citizens, you’ve found the right place. Join us in making a meaningful difference for every Washingtonian!

The job opportunity
We are seeking a Labor Negotiator to play a key role in shaping labor relations across Washington state government. The Labor Negotiator position is part of the Labor Relations and Compensation Policy Section within the State Human Resources (SHR) Division and supports statewide labor relations administration and collective bargaining between the State of Washington and represented labor unions.

In this role, you will serve as a lead negotiator and act as the Governor’s designee at multiple bargaining tables, representing the State in contract negotiations with labor unions. You will develop bargaining strategies, negotiate collective bargaining agreements, interpret contract language, and provide labor relations guidance to assigned agencies and institutions.

The ideal candidate brings strong negotiation expertise, sound judgment, and the ability to navigate complex conversations with professionalism and integrity. Success in this role requires exceptional communication skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to build trust with a wide range of stakeholders.


What you’ll work on

• Proposal development, approval processes, and accuracy for state bargaining proposals and agreements during the bargaining process.
• Research, prepare, and obtain costing for proposals and agreements as part of the bargaining process or settlement negotiations.
• Compose, train, and manage a team of employer bargaining team members.
• Coordinate with agency/institution stakeholders to develop bargaining proposals and understand and appropriately respond to stakeholder interests and priorities.
• Independently assess the need for assistant attorney general input or seek input from other OFM teams as appropriate for proposals and settlement agreements.
• Raise awareness and share sensitive or global impact proposals and agreements with co-workers, the chain of command, and other teams within SHR.
• Seek pre-approval for economic or items with statewide impact from OFM leadership.
• Negotiate with labor unions to reach tentative agreements during successor bargaining and mid-term bargaining, and clearly articulate the entire agreement in proper written form.
• Execute agreements and ensure that all required documentation is filed and published timely and properly, and in accordance with RCW 43.88.583.
• Review draft “roll-up” of agreements and work with the LR Assistant and the respective union to achieve a final print-ready version of agreements.
• Develop training for stakeholder agencies/institutions for the implementation of assigned agreements.
• Track and respond to union information requests.
• Provide statewide guidance and interpretation for CBA assignments, often requiring historical research of intent and past bargaining activities.
• Conduct pre-arbitration review meetings and/or grievance meetings for the assigned area of responsibility.
• Conduct union outreach regarding questions of contract interpretation, implementation, and processing.
• Lead the development and administration of state labor relations policies and strategies to ensure consistency and uniformity. Conduct research and provide recommendations for labor relations best practices.
• Keep agencies/institutions apprised of situations requiring new approaches to successful labor relations.
• Represent the LR&CP Section in issues brought forward to the Public Employment Relations Commission, independent grievance arbitrators, and interest arbitrators.
• Provide representation, assistance, consultation, documentation, and records, and testimony with assigned assistant attorneys general in grievance or contract mediation, grievance arbitration, interest arbitration, unfair labor practice cases, or other hearings.
• Participate in cross-divisional teams, committees/forums within OFM and/or on behalf of the LR&CP Section.

What we need you to bring
Required Qualifications:

• Professional labor relations experience, which ideally includes leading labor negotiations.
• Demonstrated ability to articulate and implement labor relations principles and negotiating strategies, including the role of the union and its business interests and goals.
• Experience in effectively managing or leading teams by using influence, collaboration, developing teamwork, and demonstrating effective people interaction skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build healthy working relationships with labor organizations as well as internal teams or groups.
• Professional experience researching, interpreting, and understanding applicable laws and their implementing regulations.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the state legislative process, including bill analysis.
• Proficient in common computer applications and ability to manage collective bargaining proposal development and use of legislative track changes in MS Word.
• The ability to learn and grow.
• The ability to meet the needs of others.

Desired Qualifications:

• Knowledge of WA State Government budget and operations
• Knowledge of WA State Government Resources and labor relations best practices
• Knowledge of Classification and Compensation practices and implementations
• Experience and knowledge of the Washington Management Service structure.
• Knowledge and experience with Statewide Human Resources best practices
• Experience with Interest Arbitration
• Knowledge of personnel and practices of public employee labor organizations
• Demonstrated knowledge of Statewide accounting principles as related to employees (State Administrative Accounting Manual (SAAM), travel, pay checks, etc.)

We are committed to finding the candidate whose skills and experience align best with this role. We recognize that strong candidates may come from a variety of professional backgrounds and experiences. If your qualifications align with the role and you excel in collaborative environments, can manage competing priorities, and are committed to equitable and inclusive practices, we encourage you to apply.

What we offer
At OFM, we foster aculture of integrity, innovation, inclusion, and belonging. We value both learned and lived experiences, believing that diversity makes us stronger. To support your health and well-being, we offer a variety of benefit programs for our employees.

Please visit ourRecruitment sitefor a full list of employee benefits. Here’s a quick glance at some of the unique benefits that OFM offers:

• A culture that values and strives to advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging
• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• 12 paid holidays, 14 paid vacation days (minimum), and 12 days of sick leave per year
• State retirement programs

Application Process: Once you’ve decided to apply for a state government job, you’ll complete an online application to showcase your qualifications. Keep in mind that once you submit the application, a real person will read it. We do not use AI or other technology to screen your application.Please ensure you provide clear, detailed information about your work history so your qualifications can be accurately assessed. We will contact the top candidates directly to schedule interviews. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application process, please call 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

When completing your application, please attach all of the following required documents:

• Cover letter: describing your qualifications for this specific position
• Resume: that details your applicable experience and education.
• References: at least three professional references and their current contact information.

Questions: OFM's Staff ASL interpreter is available to all deaf and hard-of-hearing applicants. For questions about this recruitment or to request a reasonable accommodation in the application or interview process, please email us atTalentAcquisition@ofm.wa.gov.

The Office of Financial Management is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation, and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, persons over 40 years of age, and disabled and Vietnam-era veterans are encouraged to apply.




This position is exempt from civil service rules.
For more information, please seeWAC 357-19-195.