Director of Human Resources
Job Description Job Description The HR Director provides strategic leadership of the human resources function at Cox Science Center and Aquarium and serves as a resource to employees, managers, and executive leadership. Reporting directly to the President/CEO, the HR Director oversees HR strategy, operations, and administrative functions, including payroll, benefits, compensation, employee relations, performance management, recruiting, compliance, training, workers’ compensation, employee engagement, and HR administration. The HR Director partners with the President/CEO and leadership team on workforce planning, organizational development, employee performance, culture, and other people-related matters; leads and develops the HR team; manages key external relationships; and oversees staff events and employee engagement activities. The ideal candidate is a polished, approachable, service-oriented HR leader with strong communication skills, sound judgment, discretion, and a commitment to a positive workplace culture. This position supports the Cox Science Center and Aquarium’s mission: “Transforming Lives by Opening Every Mind to Science.” Essential Duties & Responsibilities Provide strategic leadership for the organization’s human resources function. Partner with the President/CEO, leadership, and employees on HR and organizational matters. Manage accurate, timely, and compliant biweekly payroll through ADP Workforce Now. Oversee employee benefits, compensation planning, salary assessments, and market analysis. Lead performance management, employee relations, investigations, and related documentation. Ensure compliance with applicable employment laws, regulations, and organizational policies. Lead recruiting and workforce planning, including job postings, job fairs, recruiting events, talent pipelines, and external recruiting relationships. Oversee workers’ compensation claims and related communications. Develop and maintain HR policies, procedures, programs, and employee resources. Lead, mentor, and develop the HR team and delegate responsibilities appropriately. Oversee employee onboarding, offboarding, personnel records, HR administration, and HR Central SharePoint resources. Prepare and analyze HR, payroll, compensation, benefits, and workforce reports and provide recommendations to leadership. Lead staff training, professional development, compliance training, and other learning initiatives. Coordinate staff events and employee engagement activities, including end-of-year and end-of-season celebrations, all-staff meetings, and organizational events. Coordinate staff volunteer and community service activities. Manage purchasing related to HR, staff events, training, employee engagement, and other assigned needs, including obtaining approvals, placing orders, making purchases, and submitting POs. Promote employee engagement, retention, professional development, and a positive workplace culture. Monitor HR trends, regulations, payroll requirements, compensation practices, benefits, and best practices and recommend improvements. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Strong knowledge of HR principles, practices, employment regulations, and organizational development. Experience with ADP Workforce Now and biweekly payroll administration. Strong experience with benefits, compensation, performance management, employee relations, workers’ compensation, and recruiting. Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to interact effectively with employees, leadership, Board members, and external professionals. Strong leadership, delegation, coaching, relationship-building, conflict-resolution, and decision-making skills. Sound judgment, discretion, diplomacy, and the ability to maintain confidentiality. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and the ability to analyze and present HR and payroll data. Proficiency with HRIS, Microsoft Office, SharePoint, and related business systems. Strong presentation, training, event-planning, and project-management skills. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Service-oriented mindset and commitment to employee experience and organizational culture. Certifications, Licenses, and Education Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field preferred. Five or more years of progressive HR leadership experience, including payroll, benefits, employee relations, compensation, performance management, and HR administration. Supervisory or management experience required. SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR certification preferred. Working knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations required. Hospitality or other service-oriented industry experience is a plus. Work Environment Full-time, exempt position requiring flexibility and availability based on organizational needs. Primarily office-based, with regular interaction across the organization and with external professional partners. May require work outside of typical business hours for payroll deadlines, employee matters, training, meetings, events, community activities, weather emergencies, and other business needs. May require occasional local or off-site travel for meetings, training, events, community activities, and other organizational business. Work Expectations Maintain a polished, professional, approachable, and service-oriented presence. Communicate clearly and effectively with employees, leadership, Board members, and external partners. Exercise sound judgment, discretion, confidentiality, and integrity when handling sensitive matters. Maintain accountability for the accuracy, timeliness, and effectiveness of the HR function. Build strong working relationships and provide responsive, professional support across the organization. Demonstrate the leadership presence, flexibility, and availability expected of an exempt senior-level position. General Employment Requirements Maintain a valid, unexpired driver’s license Be able to lift and carry up to 80 pounds for organizational activities, and other job-related responsibilities. Successfully complete required local and national background checks and a credit check, consistent with Cox Science Center and Aquarium requirements.
