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.

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