Director of Human Resources

Experience Scottsdale is seeking a Director of Human Resources to establish, lead, and execute all aspects of the organization’s human resources function in a department-of-one environment. This strategic role reports to the President & CEO and provides hands-on management of HR operations, data, and compliance.

About the Role

The Director of Human Resources designs, implements, and maintains HR systems, policies, and processes that support a compliant, high-performing, and employee-centered workplace. Serving as a trusted advisor to the CEO and leadership team, this role oversees organizational development, employee relations, performance management, compensation, workforce planning, and payroll processing while ensuring compliance with all applicable employment laws and regulations.

Responsibilities

• HR Strategy & Organizational Development:
  • Partner with the CEO and leadership team to align HR strategy with organizational goals.
  • Design and implement HR policies, systems, and processes that support organizational effectiveness and compliance.
  • Lead organizational development initiatives, including workforce training, planning, succession planning, and leadership development.
  • Lead the staff committee for employee relations and teambuilding.
  • Develop and maintain job descriptions and organizational charts.
  • Assess staffing needs and workforce planning models in partnership with leadership.
  • Advise leadership on employee engagement, culture, and retention strategies.
• Talent Acquisition & Onboarding:
  • Direct end-to-end recruitment efforts, including sourcing, screening, interviewing, selection, onboarding, and orientation.
  • Develop and maintain standardized hiring and onboarding processes.
  • Manage employee records and maintain accurate personnel documentation.
  • Administer role-based access and permissions across payroll, benefits, communication, and operational platforms.
  • Align recruitment strategies with short- and long-term workforce needs.
• Employee Relations & Performance Management:
  • Serve as the primary resource for employee relations matters, including conflict resolution, investigations, and performance concerns.
  • Develop and administer performance management and evaluation processes.
  • Coach and advise managers on effective performance management, disciplinary actions, documentation, and employment decisions.
  • Maintain accurate and confidential employee records.
• Compensation & Benefits:
  • Oversee administration of compensation and benefits programs, including health insurance, retirement plans, and ancillary benefits.
  • Engage in periodic compensation studies and prepare employee census data for benchmarking.
  • Support the Compensation Committee and external consultants with data and documentation for analysis.
  • Lead benefits strategy, including plan design, renewals, and vendor management.
  • Ensure accurate administration, reporting, and employee communication related to benefits programs.
• Retirement Plan Administration:
  • Serve as Plan Sponsor and Plan Administrator for the organization’s 401(k) program, ensuring ERISA compliance and fiduciary responsibilities.
  • Oversee plan operations, including contributions, reporting, required filings, and participant communications.
  • Complete annual compliance testing, audits, and regulatory reporting.
  • Review and file annual Form 5500 and related tax returns for the plan.
  • Support the internal 401(k) Investment Committee and facilitate quarterly employee education initiatives.
• Payroll Administration:
  • Oversee and process payroll to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and compliance.
  • Manage payroll tax filings, reporting, and wage and hour compliance.
  • Manage payroll records and provide payroll reporting and journal entries to accounting.
• Compliance & Risk Management:
  • Ensure organizational compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
  • Maintain and update HR policies, procedures, and the employee handbook.
  • Lead workplace investigations and ensure proper documentation and resolution.
  • Coordinate with legal counsel on employment matters as needed.
  • Provide documentation and data for annual audit and reporting requirements.
  • Administer workers’ compensation program, including policy renewals, claims management, and coordination with insurance carriers.
  • Manage unemployment claims, including response preparation and documentation.
• Systems & Process Optimization:
  • Evaluate, implement, and optimize HR systems, tools, and platforms.
  • Develop and maintain efficient HR processes and documentation standards.
  • Identify opportunities to streamline and automate HR operations.
• Budget:
  • Prepare and monitor budget for HR-related line items, including salaries, payroll taxes, benefits, training, and recruitment.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field required.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive HR experience, including hands-on generalist responsibilities.
• Experience leading or building HR infrastructure strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of federal and state employment laws and HR best practices.
• Demonstrated ability to build or significantly improve HR infrastructure.
• Experience managing employee relations and performance management processes.
• Strong interpersonal and conflict-resolution skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities independently.
• Experience processing payroll and managing benefits administration.

Preferred Qualifications

• SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR certification.
• Experience in nonprofit, membership-based, or destination marketing organizations.
• Experience implementing HR systems or leading HR transformation initiatives.

Schedule

Full-time position. Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required. Minimal travel required.

Work Environment

This role includes both office and remote work. Active participation in outside meetings and destination activities may be required. The position routinely uses standard office equipment and requires prolonged periods of sitting and working at a computer.