Job Description

Job Summary
The Director of Employee Experience provides strategic leadership and direct oversight of Human Resources and payroll administration, focusing on creating an exceptional employee experience across the organization. This role combines strategic vision with hands-on execution, driving both people-focused initiatives and operational excellence. The position is responsible for developing and implementing effective HR strategies while ensuring accurate and compliant payroll processing. Reporting to the CFO, this role partners with leadership to support a people-centered culture and operational objectives through excellence in HR service delivery, administrative efficiency, and employee engagement.
Essential Job Functions
Strategic Leadership & Team Growth

• Partner with senior leadership to define and execute the Employee Experience strategy in alignment with organizational objectives
• Advise executives on culture, employee engagement, performance optimization, and change management
• Lead cultural transformation initiatives that reinforce core values and address organizational challenges
• Foster an environment of continuous learning and professional growth across administrative teams

Culture & Employee Engagement

• Champion a culture of inclusion, respect, and professional growth, ensuring all employees feel valued, heard, and empowered
• Design and implement employee engagement initiatives and recognition programs
• Support leadership in addressing cultural challenges within their teams

Human Resources Leadership

• Develop and execute HR strategies that support organizational goals, enhance employee engagement, and foster a positive workplace culture
• Contribute to the design of core HR operations, including recruitment, onboarding, benefits administration, performance management, and training programs
• Create, update, and enforce HR policies and procedures in compliance with employment and labor laws, and organizational objectives
• Ensure compliance with all relevant employment and labor laws and best practices

Team Leadership

• Directly supervise HR Manager and provide guidance, mentorship, and professional development
• Build and maintain a high-performing HR team capable of delivering excellent service

HR Analytics & Reporting

• Prepare and analyze HR metrics and reports to inform decision-making and identify trends
• Track key indicators including turnover, time-to-fill, training completion, and employee satisfaction
• Support data-driven improvements to HR programs and processes

Employee Relations

• Manage employee relations issues, workplace conflict resolution, and disciplinary processes
• Promote a respectful, inclusive work environment and serve as a trusted resource for employee concerns
• Conduct workplace investigations as needed and recommend appropriate actions

Performance Management & Professional Development

• Foster an environment of continuous learning and professional growth across administrative teams
• Oversee training and professional development programs
• Support managers in performance management, coaching, and employee development
• Identify skill gaps and create development opportunities for employees
• Support succession planning and career pathing initiatives

Payroll Administration

• Oversee all aspects of payroll processing, ensuring accurate and timely compensation
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations and CBA contractual requirements
• Resolve payroll-related issues and discrepancies promptly and professionally
• Supervise payroll team and ensure effective operations
• Collaborate with Accounting and Finance to support budgeting, auditing, and reporting related to payroll expenses

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Organizational Development, or related field required
• 10 years of progressive HR experience, with at least 5 years in a director/leadership role
• Certification in SHRM or HRCI, a plus
• Experience with payroll administration and state employment regulations
• Proven track record of implementing HR programs and improving HR processes
• Experience with budget oversight and strategic planning processes preferred

Critical Experience Requirements

• Proven experience in organizational development and implementing strategic change management initiatives
• A track record of training and developing managers to increase operational efficiency and productivity
• Demonstrated ability to build and foster positive workplace environments that drive employee engagement
• Experience mentoring and developing HR managers and teams
• Strong understanding of California payroll regulations and compliance requirements
• Substantial experience working with union employee populations and navigating collective bargaining environments

Technical Skills

• Experience with HRIS systems, payroll software, and data analytics preferred
• Strong knowledge of employment law, HR best practices, and compliance requirements
• Excellent project management and organizational skills

Leadership & Interpersonal Skills

• Strong business acumen with the ability to align HR strategy with business objectives
• Skilled in conflict resolution, mediation, and difficult conversations
• High emotional intelligence and cultural sensitivity
• Proven ability to build trust and credibility with employees at all levels
• Excellent written and verbal communication

Competencies & Expectations

• Change Leadership: Drives systematic change that improves effectiveness, culture, and performance
• HR Expertise: Deep knowledge of HR practices, employment law, and people management
• Operational Excellence: Ensures efficient, accurate, and compliant HR and payroll operations
• Employee Advocacy: Balances business needs with fair, equitable treatment of employees
• Relationship Building: Develops strong partnerships with managers and earns employee trust
• Clear Communication: Delivers consistent, transparent, and timely information
• Problem Solving: Addresses complex employee relations issues with sound judgment
• Team Leadership: Builds and develops high-performing HR and payroll teams
• Adaptability: Responds effectively to changing business needs and priorities
• Confidentiality: Maintains highest standards of discretion with sensitive information
• Collaboration: Works effectively across departments to achieve shared goals
• Ethical Integrity: Upholds fairness, honesty, and professionalism in all actions

Working Conditions

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Occasional walking through facilities and administrative offices
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 15 pounds
• This role requires strong presence, both in person and virtually, to guide teams, implement systems, and promote cultural alignment
• Hybrid work arrangement available

Salary $145-$200K base + 20% yearly bonus + 401k + Insurance + PTO + Vacation + 15 sick days.

Skills Required