Director - Human Resources

Herschend•Altoona, IA

About The Position

Our story began 75 years ago when the Herschend family discovered wonder deep in an Ozark Mountain cave—and chose to share it with the world. Today, Herschend is the largest family-held themed attractions company, with 49 leading attractions and immersive experiences that reach audiences worldwide. While each brand offers something unique, all are united by a shared purpose: Bringing Families Closer Together by Creating Memories Worth Repeating®. Our passionate hosts make this purpose possible through everyday acts of love and service—what we call Heartspitality®—the intersection of heart and hospitality. As an equal-opportunity employer, we strive to provide environments where every host, guest, and partner feel welcome, valued, and loved. We firmly believe that words and actions matter, which is why all individuals are to be treated equally and with respect. The Human Resources (HR) Director serves as a trusted business partner to the entire organization, acting as a subject matter expert in many areas of HR, including training, talent, recruiting, payroll, timekeeping, record-keeping, onboarding, offboarding, employee relations and internal communications. Additionally, this position is responsible for participating in the recommendation and implementation of strategic initiatives that will continue to drive value-added to Adventureland Park and Herschend Family Entertainment. We are currently looking for a: Director - Human Resources

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years of age to comply with Iowa Child Labor Laws
Ability to work flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays
Ability to frequently work hours that extend beyond 9 AM to 5 PM during the operating season
Ability to occasionally travel locally or to domestic US park locations (up to 10% expected travel) for recruiting purposes, trainings, or special company events
Must possess exceptional customer service skills, with an ability to resolve questions, problems, issues, and concerns in a positive and professional manner
Ability to exude unwavering professionalism toward guests, team members, management and other human resources contacts
Ability to maintain confidentiality and protect sensitive employee data
Ability to communicate clearly, concisely and persuasively with a wide range of diverse personnel and guests
Must be proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Excel, Word, and Power Point
Ability to use office technology and equipment, such as PC, software, and copier
Ability to remain seated for extended periods of time, while using a computer
Ability to stand or walk for long periods of time throughout the workday
Ability to occasionally stoop, twist, kneel, bend, squat, or reach above shoulders
Ability to carry, push, pull, lift, and hold objects weighing 20 pounds or more
College degree in Human Resource Management, Industrial Relations, Training or other related discipline, highly desired
3+ years’ experience managing one or more direct reports
Progressive experience in an HR Manager, Generalist, or similar role
Ability to read, write, and speak fluent English; Spanish or other bilingual language skills are a plus.

Nice To Haves

Experience in theme park industry, hospitality, tourism, or entertainment highly desired, but not required
Previous Workday, Dayforce or other HCM experience desired
PHR or SHRM certification a plus
Knowledge of Google Sheets or Smart Sheet, a plus
Experience analyzing and reacting to trends

Responsibilities

Manage all aspects of the Human Resources team and any other assigned departments
Lead by example, attitude, and as a representation of Adventureland’s core values
Act as an approachable mentor and coach to all team members throughout the park
Manage and control all financial aspects of assigned departments while maximizing revenue and cost savings opportunities; maintain constant vigilance over departmental labor budgets
Act as a strategic visionary to implement measures that will favorably impact process, people, and/or profit
Ensure compliance with company and industry best practices, policies, and procedures to create a safe and productive environment for colleagues and guests.
Become knowledgeable of performing the essential duties of all HR positions and backfill these positions when needed
Ensure that all required meal and other breaks are being given in accordance with Iowa law
Assist with team scheduling and timekeeping activities
Manage all activities related to the employment life cycle for Adventureland Park
Establish a trusted and caring attitude toward all team members, their goals, and problems.
Foster positive attitudes by guaranteeing consistency and fairness in the application of policies, procedures, compensation, and benefits.
Develop efficient and effective methods of communication to reach the employee population, leveraging marketing resources to assist with methodology and delivery
Investigate and resolve employee concerns, keeping leadership and related parties informed throughout the process
Administer disciplinary actions to team members, as required
Execute voluntary and involuntary terminations, as needed
Coach and counsel leadership to effectively address employee performance and provide guidance for legally defensible resolutions
Leverage metrics and analytics to measure progress against organizational goals
Participate in company-wide budgeting and labor costing initiatives, as needed
Maintain accuracy and data integrity for assigned location(s) within all HRIS systems
Participate in payroll and timekeeping closing activities, as needed
Manage all aspects of the staffing process, including recruiting, job requisitions, interviewing, hiring and onboarding
Generate a sufficient flow of qualified applicants through appropriate recruiting tactics including, but not limited to, advertising, and ongoing communication with high schools, colleges, and community organizations
Ensure compliance with all governmental rules and regulations, relative to hiring, as well as equal opportunity policies
Conduct pre-employment screening of all applicants, employment interviews, and extend or decline to extend an offers of employment
Develop and implement team member orientation and training programs.
Lead all learning initiatives for the park and ensure that all relevant training data is captured in the Workday Learning module
Conduct review of HR policies, procedures, and handbooks on an annual basis, and update these as needed
Coordinate and assist various departments in the development and presentation program for skills training programs, guaranteeing that all team members receive sufficient training to meet proper job performance standards
Maintain solid communications for all park employees, by utilizing bulletin boards, newsletters, town-hall meetings, and other communication channels
Coordinate and execute company-sponsored employee engagement events, such as parties, picnics recreational activities, and discounts
Purchase all required uniforms and garments for each season by seeking out vendors for the best quality and price
Participate in the purchasing of uniforms from company-approved vendors
Manage uniform inventory, distribution, and collection for all employees
Maintain open communications with all departmental leaders and team members
Facilitate and manage summer work and travel international student and workamper programs
Oversee the execution of the J-1 student program
Assist with new international student orientation sessions
Welcome new arrivals and help get them checked in and moved into housing
Assist with the preparation and cleaning of J1 housing locations
Help prepare beds in the student housing facility prior to move in
Assist students with submitting Social Security paperwork
Assist students with opening new bank accounts
Transport J1 students to approved destinations, when needed
Assist with addressing any concerns the students may have
Assist employees with making doctor’s appointments and transport them to the doctor as needed
Determine housing deduction amounts for J1 room-and-board
All other duties as assigned by leadership