
Jefferson Healthcare
Port Townsend, WA
Position Type: Full Time and On-site
Salary:$125,000 – $180,000 annually depending on experience
This is an opportunity to shape the culture, stability, and future of a respected rural healthcare organization that serves its community with heart and purpose.
Rural Staffing Services is supporting Jefferson Healthcare in recruiting a Director of Human Resources to lead people strategy, workforce development, and organizational culture across the hospital.
This role is ideal for a thoughtful and experienced human resources leader who understands that in rural healthcare, people are everything. The right leader will bring both strategic vision and a hands on approach to supporting teams, strengthening relationships, and building a workplace where employees feel valued and supported.
Jefferson Healthcare is a trusted community hospital located in Port Townsend, Washington, serving Jefferson County and surrounding communities.
The organization is known for its commitment to high quality care, strong leadership, and a deep connection to the community it serves.
As a public hospital district, Jefferson Healthcare operates with a mission centered on patient care, community health, and long term sustainability. Leaders here work closely together, and decisions are made with both employees and patients in mind.
Port Townsend, Washington
Port Townsend is one of the most unique and beautiful coastal towns in the Pacific Northwest.
Located along the Puget Sound, this historic seaside community offers a blend of natural beauty, creativity, and small town connection.
Local highlights include:
Waterfront living with views of the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound
Access to boating, kayaking, and coastal recreation
Fort Worden State Park with beaches, trails, and cultural events
A vibrant arts community with festivals, galleries, and music
Walkable downtown filled with locally owned shops and restaurants
A welcoming community where relationships truly matter
Port Townsend offers a slower pace of life while still providing access to Seattle and surrounding areas by ferry.
For leaders seeking meaningful work and a lifestyle connected to both nature and community, Port Townsend offers something truly special.
In rural healthcare, the strength of the organization begins with its people.
The Director of Human Resources plays a critical role in supporting employee experience, strengthening culture, and ensuring the hospital can recruit, retain, and support the workforce it needs to care for the community.
This role partners closely with executive leadership and department leaders to align workforce strategy with the long term needs of the organization.
Serve as the strategic and operational leader of the Human Resources department
Oversee the full employee lifecycle including recruitment, development, retention, and engagement
Partner with leadership to build a strong and sustainable workforce strategy
Support a unionized healthcare environment with professionalism, consistency, and care
Lead initiatives that strengthen culture, communication, and employee experience
Ensure compliance with federal and Washington State employment laws and regulations
Collaborate across departments to support payroll, benefits, and workforce planning
Oversee compensation, benefits, and total rewards programs
Guide performance management systems and leadership development efforts
Support a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement
This role reports to the Chief Financial Officer and works closely with leadership across the organization
Strong leadership and communication skills
The ability to build relationships across all levels of an organization
A thoughtful and balanced approach to employee relations and labor strategy
Experience working in complex healthcare or public sector environments
A commitment to creating a positive and supportive workplace culture
The ability to navigate both strategic priorities and day to day operations
Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, or a related field
Master's degree preferred
Five to seven years of progressive human resources leadership experience
Healthcare experience strongly preferred
Experience in a unionized environment preferred
Strong understanding of federal and Washington State employment laws
Professional certification such as Senior Professional in Human Resources or Society for Human Resource Management Senior Certified Professional preferred
Salary range: $125,000 – $180,000 annually depending on experience
Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance
Retirement plan and paid time off
Professional development and continuing education support
At Jefferson Healthcare, leadership is not just about operations. It is about people, relationships, and the long term health of the community.
This is an opportunity to step into a role where your work directly impacts employees, patients, and the future of rural healthcare.
For leaders who value purpose, connection, and meaningful work, this role offers the chance to make a lasting difference.
Rural Staffing Services is a mission driven recruiting firm dedicated to supporting rural hospitals across the country.
We believe rural healthcare is the heart of our communities, and we are committed to helping hospitals find leaders who will strengthen, support, and care for the people they serve.
Our approach is relationship based, transparent, and built on trust. We partner closely with both candidates and hospitals to ensure the right long term fit for everyone involved.
We would love to connect with you and share more about this opportunity. We cannot wait to chat with you.

Welcome to Rural Staffing Services, where we specialize in connecting Critical Access Hospitals with top-tier healthcare professionals. At the heart of our mission is a commitment to enhancing healthcare access in rural communities across the United States. Founded by Stephanie Senger, who brings over five years of dedicated experience in healthcare staffing solutions, RSS stands as a beacon of reliability and expertise in the industry.
We understand the unique challenges faced by rural hospitals and aim to bridge the gap by providing tailored staffing solutions that meet their specific needs. Our rigorous vetting process ensures that our candidates not only have the necessary skills but also a deep understanding of Critical Access environments. This approach allows us to foster meaningful connections between healthcare providers and the communities they serve.
At RSS, we believe in authenticity and transparency, values that guide every aspect of our operations. Whether you're a hospital seeking skilled professionals or a healthcare professional looking for rewarding opportunities in rural settings, RSS is here to support you. Join us in making a difference in rural healthcare—where quality staffing meets compassionate care.