Head of Human Resources

About the Role

The Senior Director / VP, Head of Human Resources will own the HR function at Audiochuck, a roughly 100-person media company headquartered in Indianapolis. This leader is responsible for the full scope of the HR function: employee relations, performance management, benefits and compensation architecture, talent acquisition, HR systems and compliance, workplace experience, and leadership development.

Audiochuck has grown quickly and is investing in durable HR infrastructure, including a comprehensive compensation framework, impactful HR technology, performance management practices, and leadership development programming. We're looking for a leader who can continue building a strong foundation for the Human Resources function. This role is designed to grow along with Audiochuck, offering room to expand scope and develop as the function matures.

The ideal candidate brings executive maturity, sound judgment on legally sensitive matters, adaptability in a rapidly evolving environment, and the confidence to offer candid counsel to senior leaders. They are equally comfortable advising the CEO on sensitive personnel decisions and executing hands-on HRIS workflows.

Responsibilities

• Executive Partnership: Serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO and executive team on organizational design, talent strategy, and sensitive personnel matters. Surface risk early and provide independent, candid counsel.
• Employee Relations: Own employee relations matters end-to-end, including performance interventions, workplace accommodations, and separations. Partner with outside employment counsel to ensure compliance and maintain documentation discipline.
• Performance Management: Run the company’s performance management cycle, including mid-year and year-end reviews, 360 feedback, calibration, and performance improvement processes. Coach managers to deliver direct, well-documented feedback.
• Compensation: Steward the company’s compensation architecture, including leveling, career ladders, compensation bands, and the annual review cycle. Evaluate promotion and adjustment requests against precedent and present recommendations to leadership.
• Project Management: Scope, build, and execute new people initiatives from concept to adoption, balancing strategy and hands-on execution.
• Talent Acquisition: Own the recruiting process and hiring manager enablement. Maintain requisition approval chains, ensure compliant hiring practices, and provide structural guidance to managers.
• HR Operations, Systems & Compliance: Oversee HRIS administration, data integrity, benefits and leave administration, policy maintenance, and compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws across a multi-state footprint.
• Culture & Engagement: Lead engagement measurement, action planning, company training programs, leadership development initiatives, and recognition practices to support retention and a high-standards culture.
• Team Leadership: Directly manage and develop the HR Generalist, scaling the HR function thoughtfully as the company grows.
• Structure & Process: Convert informal, founder-era practices into durable, documented, and agile processes that managers adopt. Design for usability and accountability.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive HR experience, including 5+ years leading an HR function or serving as a senior HR business partner to executive teams.
• Demonstrated success in founder-led, high-growth, or creative industry environments where structure had to be built rather than inherited.
• Proven ability to navigate complex executive dynamics with discretion and deliver candid counsel to senior leaders.
• Deep working knowledge of employment law and hands-on experience partnering with outside counsel on sensitive matters (e.g., separations, investigations, reductions in force).
• Experience designing or administering compensation structures, including leveling, banding, and career ladders.
• Strong command of HR systems; experience with Rippling, ADP, or Lattice is a plus.
• Experience operating across HR, engagement, and workplace functions.
• Exceptional organization and follow-through, with a track record of building processes that work in practice.
• High professionalism and discretion in handling confidential information.
• Bachelor’s degree required; SHRM-SCP or SPHR certification preferred.

Working Conditions

This position primarily operates in a professional office environment using standard equipment such as computers and phones. Must be able to remain in a stationary position for extended periods and move throughout the office to collaborate with staff. Occasional travel may be required for training or off-site meetings. The employee must be able to communicate effectively in person, virtually, and in writing. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Pay

The base salary range for this role is $180,000 to $220,000 annually. Actual compensation within this range will be based on the candidate’s experience, skills, and qualifications. This role may also be eligible for an annual discretionary bonus.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Paid time off.
• Paid parental leave.