
Dec 5, 2025
The Arboretum Foundation
Human Resources Manager
Website
City
Seattle
State
WA
Job Type
Hybrid, In-Person
Job Level
Mid-Career, Senior
Function
Human Resources
Salary Range
$91K – $110K
Job Description
Human Resources Manager
The Arboretum Foundation
To support our transformation, the Arboretum Foundation seeks a Human Resources Manager to plan, direct, develop, and coordinate the human resources policies and activities, ensuring legal compliance and implementation of the organization’s mission, vision, and values. The Human Resources Manager is an experienced professional who will oversee the administration of programs including but not limited to, compensation, benefits, and leave. They will also handle employee relations including disciplinary matters, disputes, and investigations.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Workplace Culture
Develop and implement change management strategies to support organizational growth and manage the consolidation of the Arboretum Foundation and UW Botanic Gardens.
Assist leaders with consistently communicating the organization’s culture and directing it towards improved business results. Ensures considerations of diversity, equity, and inclusion and relevant action plans are embedded in every aspect of the business and employee experience.
Support inclusion and accessibility work and culture change initiatives that foster healthy workplace dynamics and employee retention while promoting an inclusive and harassment-free environment.
Serve as a coach and mentor for managers and leaders, offering sound advice and recommendations.
Cultivate and maintain strong working relationships among staff through transparent communications and responsiveness to inquiries.
Recruiting and Hiring
Ensure recruitment, selection, placement, and training opportunities support the organization’s goal of achieving and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce.
Recruit, interview, and facilitate the hiring of qualified job applicants for open positions; collaborate with departmental managers to understand skills and competencies required for openings.
Assist with creating job descriptions and interview processes for open positions. Track the status of candidates and respond with follow-up letters at the end of the recruiting process.
Complete hiring forms, including background checks and I-9 documentation and maintain records.
Implement new hire orientation and employee recognition programs.
Assist the Leadership Team in creating comprehensive processes and tools to conduct staff performance evaluations that ensure equity, accountability and alignment with organizational values.
Work with managers and supervisors to coordinate staff development plans.Track of all staff development activities.
Attends and participates in employee disciplinary meetings, terminations and investigations.
Oversee staff departures, including exit interviews and processing of terminations
Compliance and Training
Monitors and ensures the organization’s compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations and recommended best practices; review and modify policies and practices to maintain compliance.
Review, track, and document compliance with mandatory and non-mandatory training, continuing education, and work assessments. This may include safety training, anti-harassment training, and supervisor training.
Work with managers and supervisors to coordinate staff development opportunities.
Maintain knowledge of trends, best practices, regulatory changes, and new technologies in human resources, talent management, and employment law.
Program Management
Develop and implement a new human resources infrastructure to support a transformed organization including compensation strategy and benefits package plan.
Administers the administration of human resource programs including, but not limited to, compensation, benefits, and leave; disciplinary matters; disputes and investigations; performance and talent management; employee engagement and retention strategies, productivity, recognition, and morale; occupational health and safety; and training and development.
Performs routine tasks required to administer and execute human resource programs including but not limited to annual audits of compensation, benefits, and leave; disciplinary procedures; disputes and investigations; performance and talent management; productivity, recognition, and morale; occupational health and safety; and training and development.
Process required documents through payroll and insurance providers to ensure accurate record-keeping and proper deductions.
Maintain employee personnel files.
Maintain Employee Handbook and other related employee policies.
DESIRED SKILLS
Working understanding of human resources principles, practices, and procedures
Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality
Thorough knowledge of employment-related laws and regulations
Proficiency with or the ability to quickly learn HRIS and talent management systems
Excellent organization skills and attention to detail
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Ability to facilitate difficult conversations with kindness, calmness, and firmness, and ability to focus on facts and evidence
Excellent cross-cultural communication skills
Excellent time management skills and ability to meet deadlines
Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills
DESIRED EXPERIENCE
Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field, or a combination of education and professional experience equal to this requirement
Five years of experience in Human Resources, showing an increasing level of responsibility up to and including management
Experiences in cross-cultural conflict resolution demonstrating comfort working through conflicts and differences
Professional in Human Resources certification preferred.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Ability to lift up to 15 lbs.
Working in front of a computer or at a desk for long periods
Some of the work required of this position will be on site at the Graham Visitors Center, a three-story building without an elevator. The role requires the ability to lift heavy objects (up to 20 lbs) and climb stairs to access office equipment, the kitchen area, and work stations. We understand that these physical requirements may not align with every individual’s ability and encourage applicants to inform us of any accommodations needed to create a welcoming, safe environment for the employee. We are committed to working with the successful applicant on making necessary accommodations for the role when an offer is presented.
BENEFITS
Salary: $80,000–$110,000
Generous paid vacation, sick time and holidays
Medical, dental, and vision
Matching retirement contribution
Office located in the heart of a beautiful park!
80+ hours of Paid Vacation (Tenure based)
Paid Sick Time (Per Washington State Law)
10+ paid holidays
Medical, dental and vision insurance
Simple IRA Retirement Plan (Matching up to 3%)
Office located in the heart of a beautiful park!
TO APPLY
Please electronically send application materials, including resume and cover letter, to the Arboretum Foundation: jobs@arboretumfoundation.org. Please, no calls or in-person visits without an appointment. Position open until filled, with a priority deadline of December 15.
How to Apply
NPO Analysis
990 #1
990 #2
990 #3
Additional Info