Human Resources Manager/Corporate Counsel – Employment Law (Lake Forest Park, WA)

Molecular Epidemiology, Inc. (MEI) has an opening for a Human Resources Manager/Corporate Counsel (Employment Law) position at its corporate headquarters in Lake Forest Park, WA. The ideal candidate combines strong technical expertise and relevant experience with excellent judgment and a collaborative approach to navigating sensitive matters while balancing business needs and risk mitigation.

Ideal candidates will possess the following:

• JD from an accredited law school and active membership in good standing in the Washington bar (preferred)
• 5+ years of relevant employment law and/or Human Resources experience, providing advice and guidance on general employment law issues, including harassment and discrimination, leave and disability accommodations, performance management and discharge, and other relevant employment issues (required)
• A mix of corporate law firm and in-house legal & multi-state HR experience (preferred)
• Strong understanding of U.S. federal and state (particularly California and Washington) employment law frameworks
• Experience identifying employment law risks and formulating risk mitigation strategies, and providing practical, solutions-oriented advice to management and at various levels of the organization
• Demonstrated ability to navigate complex employee relations issues with sound judgment and discretion
• Experience managing leave programs and employee accommodations
• Outstanding interpersonal skills and ability to communicate (verbally and in writing) effectively and respectfully with individuals at various levels within the organization
• Ability to think and act quickly in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines and competing priorities
• Excellent organizational skills and follow through with and attention to detail and process

Key responsibilities include:

• Develop subject matter expertise to support Company locations across multiple states
• Provide strategic advice on a variety of employment compliance issues, including hiring and onboarding, workplace conduct and performance management, leaves of absence, accommodations, disciplinary actions, separations, and employee relations matters
• Develop strategies to mitigate risk and resolve workplace disputes in partnership with HR and MEI leadership
• Provide coaching and support to managers on employee relations issues and support performance management processes including reviews and improvement plans
• Manage and oversee various leaves and accommodations, including coordination/guidance for employees and supervisors
• Conduct and/or supervise workplace investigations into allegations of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, documenting findings and recommending corrective action
• Draft, review, and update various employment agreements and documents, employee handbooks, and other internal policies, to ensure multi-jurisdictional compliance
• Proactively guide the business through compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, including advising on evolving legislative developments (particularly for California and Washington, but also other jurisdictions where MEI has employees)
• Manage/advise outside counsel on litigation strategy and agency responses when needed
• Perform proactive audits and ensure compliance, including I-9 compliance, affirmative action planning, EEO-1 reporting, and pay equity analysis.

The pay range for this position is $90,000 to $150,000 DOE. This is a full-time (salary, exempt) on-site position and is eligible for the following benefits after a brief waiting period: medical, dental, vision, life/AD&D insurance, long- and short-term disability insurance, health and dependent care FSA plans, employee assistance program, 15 days of paid time off per year for sick leave and/or vacation, 6 paid holidays per year, 3 days paid bereavement leave, and 401(k) (with up to 3% employer match after eligibility criteria are met). The office hours are Monday-Friday, 8:30am to 5pm.

To apply for this position please access the company’s job posting at: https://portal.iehlabs.com/applyatieh.html#6a5952304ef45f69aabc77ea

After navigating to the URL listed above, you will be asked to complete optional self-identification surveys and submit your cover letter, resume and references in a combined, single (1) PDF.

Equal Opportunity Vets/Disability
“Know Your Rights” Poster:
https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2022-10/EEOC_KnowYourRights_screen_reader_10_20.pdf