Chief Human Resources & Culture Officer

ALLEY THEATRE•Houston, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Chief HR & Culture Officer serves as a key member of the leadership team, providing strategic leadership across all human resources functions. This role is responsible for ensuring full compliance with federal and state employment laws and for cultivating a welcoming, inclusive, and high-performing organizational culture. Areas of responsibility include talent acquisition and retention, compensation and benefits, payroll, compliance, employee relations, performance management, safety, and organizational culture and wellness initiatives.

Requirements

Ten or more years of progressive HR experience, including managerial-level responsibility, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Comprehensive knowledge of federal and state employment law (FLSA, FMLA, ADA, ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, OSHA, Title VII, and related regulations).
Demonstrated ability to develop and administer compensation, benefits, and performance management programs.
Proven skills in employee relations, conflict resolution, and conducting internal investigations.
Experience assessing, designing, and facilitating training programs for diverse staff populations.
Exceptional interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills; comfort presenting to executive leadership and the Board of Directors.
High level of professional discretion and sound judgment in handling sensitive personnel matters.
Proficiency with HRIS platforms and standard office technology including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Strong commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging; demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals across gender expression, gender identity, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, age, ability, class, and immigration status.
Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
Ability to lift and move 25 lbs.
Must be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment where directions and priorities can change rapidly.

Nice To Haves

Strategic leadership and executive-level collaboration.
Project management: ability to manage competing priorities, timelines, and resources effectively.
Confidentiality: rigorous maintenance of employee and organizational information security.
Policy development, interpretation, and implementation.
Data-driven decision-making and analytical problem-solving.
Composure and sound judgment in high-stakes or sensitive situations.

Responsibilities

Oversee the full employee lifecycle including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and offboarding.
Manage hiring processes; provide guidance and resources to hiring supervisors; lead equitable, structured search processes designed to attract and retain a diverse workforce.
Develop and update job descriptions in partnership with department leaders.
Plan and conduct new employee orientation covering role expectations, policies, and benefits enrollment.
Prepare separation documentation, conduct exit interviews, and administer COBRA and other post-employment benefits.
Develop and manage the Human Resources departmental budget.
Oversee and process bi-weekly payroll; ensure wage and hour compliance with applicable local, state, and federal laws.
Maintain payroll records and administer changes including compensation adjustments, exemptions, deductions, job classifications, and departmental transfers.
Partner with the Managing Director and department heads on compensation strategy and market-aligned pay decisions.
Collaborate with the Managing Director, General Manager, and Chief Financial Officer to develop and renew employee benefit programs.
Ensure ongoing compliance with ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, and other health and welfare plan regulations; serve as the primary liaison with benefit brokers and vendors.
Identify legal requirements and government regulations affecting HR functions; ensure all policies, procedures, and reporting are in compliance.
Develop, update, and distribute the employee handbook and all HR policies; respond to policy interpretation inquiries; maintain current labor law postings.
Prepare and submit required reports including OSHA logs, DOL filings, and other government agency requests.
Maintain complete and compliant employee files and department records.
Administer all leaves of absence including FMLA, ADA accommodations, and short- and long-term disability.
Partner with the Artistic Director, Managing Director, and senior leadership to develop and implement organizational culture and wellness initiatives.
Chair the Organizational Culture & Wellness Committee; facilitate all-staff meetings, trainings, and organization-wide culture initiatives.
Monitor organizational climate and advance strategies that reinforce a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace for all employees.
Design and deliver employee engagement events, recognition programs, and workplace culture initiatives; oversee the Employee Engagement and Community Involvement working committees.
Develop systems and communications that establish clear norms, expectations, and accountability aligned with the Alley's values.
Coordinate the annual performance review process; coach and support supervisors in delivering effective appraisals.
Conduct impartial internal investigations; develop action plans, manage follow-up, and engage legal counsel as appropriate.
Advise leadership on employee relations matters, conflict resolution, and appropriate corrective action; serve as the primary HR contact with employment legal counsel.
Provide ongoing coaching, training, and guidance to managers and staff; assist supervisors in monitoring performance across staff, interns, and volunteers.
Oversee the Safety Committee; implement and maintain compliant health and safety programs in partnership with department managers.
Coordinate with insurance carriers, healthcare providers, and workers' compensation administrators to manage workplace injuries and ensure timely resolution.
Adheres to theatre’s policies and procedures; works in a safe manner; performs duties as workload necessitates; maintains a positive and respectful attitude; communicates regularly with supervisor about department issues; demonstrates efficient time management and prioritizes workload; demonstrates regular and consistent attendance and punctuality; meets department productivity standards; participates in Alley Theatre events as needed or required; and completes other duties as assigned.