Job Description
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 empoweredDesign and implement employee engagement initiatives and recognition programsSupport leadership in addressing cultural challenges within their teamsHuman Resources Leadership
Develop and execute HR strategies that support organizational goals, enhance employee engagement, and foster a positive workplace cultureContribute to the design of core HR operations, including recruitment, onboarding, benefits administration, performance management, and training programsCreate, update, and enforce HR policies and procedures in compliance with employment and labor laws, and organizational objectivesEnsure compliance with all relevant employment and labor laws and best practicesTeam Leadership
Directly supervise HR Manager and provide guidance, mentorship, and professional developmentBuild and maintain a high-performing HR team capable of delivering excellent serviceHR Analytics & Reporting
Prepare and analyze HR metrics and reports to inform decision-making and identify trendsTrack key indicators including turnover, time-to-fill, training completion, and employee satisfactionSupport data-driven improvements to HR programs and processesEmployee Relations
Manage employee relations issues, workplace conflict resolution, and disciplinary processesPromote a respectful, inclusive work environment and serve as a trusted resource for employee concernsConduct workplace investigations as needed and recommend appropriate actionsPerformance Management & Professional Development
Foster an environment of continuous learning and professional growth across administrative teamsOversee training and professional development programsSupport managers in performance management, coaching, and employee developmentIdentify skill gaps and create development opportunities for employeesSupport succession planning and career pathing initiativesPayroll Administration
Oversee all aspects of payroll processing, ensuring accurate and timely compensationEnsure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations and CBA contractual requirementsResolve payroll-related issues and discrepancies promptly and professionallySupervise payroll team and ensure effective operationsCollaborate with Accounting and Finance to support budgeting, auditing, and reporting related to payroll expensesRequired Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Education & Experience
Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Organizational Development, or related field required10 years of progressive HR experience, with at least 5 years in a director / leadership roleCertification in SHRM or HRCI, a plusExperience with payroll administration and state employment regulationsProven track record of implementing HR programs and improving HR processesExperience with budget oversight and strategic planning processes preferredCritical Experience Requirements
Proven experience in organizational development and implementing strategic change management initiativesA track record of training and developing managers to increase operational efficiency and productivityDemonstrated ability to build and foster positive workplace environments that drive employee engagementExperience mentoring and developing HR managers and teamsStrong understanding of California payroll regulations and compliance requirementsSubstantial experience working with union employee populations and navigating collective bargaining environmentsTechnical Skills
Experience with HRIS systems, payroll software, and data analytics preferredStrong knowledge of employment law, HR best practices, and compliance requirementsExcellent project management and organizational skillsLeadership & Interpersonal Skills
Strong business acumen with the ability to align HR strategy with business objectivesSkilled in conflict resolution, mediation, and difficult conversationsHigh emotional intelligence and cultural sensitivityProven ability to build trust and credibility with employees at all levelsExcellent written and verbal communicationCompetencies & Expectations
Change Leadership : Drives systematic change that improves effectiveness, culture, and performanceHR Expertise : Deep knowledge of HR practices, employment law, and people managementOperational Excellence : Ensures efficient, accurate, and compliant HR and payroll operationsEmployee Advocacy : Balances business needs with fair, equitable treatment of employeesRelationship Building : Develops strong partnerships with managers and earns employee trustClear Communication : Delivers consistent, transparent, and timely informationProblem Solving : Addresses complex employee relations issues with sound judgmentTeam Leadership : Builds and develops high-performing HR and payroll teamsAdaptability : Responds effectively to changing business needs and prioritiesConfidentiality : Maintains highest standards of discretion with sensitive informationCollaboration : Works effectively across departments to achieve shared goalsEthical Integrity : Upholds fairness, honesty, and professionalism in all actionsWorking Conditions
Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computerOccasional walking through facilities and administrative officesAbility to occasionally lift up to 15 poundsThis role requires strong presence, both in person and virtually, to guide teams, implement systems, and promote cultural alignmentHybrid work arrangement availableSalary $185-$225K base + 20% yearly bonus + 401k + Insurance + PTO + Vacation + sick days.