Director, Human Resources - Columbus Crew & NWSL

Columbus Crew•Columbus, OH

About The Position

The Director, Human Resources is the senior HR leader supporting both the Columbus Crew and Columbus NWSL Club. Reporting to the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), the Director leads and oversees the day-to-day Human Resources function across both organizations and supports the execution of enterprise people strategies. The role serves as a strategic business partner to club leadership and oversees talent management, employee relations, organizational development, total rewards administration, compliance, workforce planning, and HR operations. The Director also leads and develops the Manager, Human Resources, and works to ensure consistent, high-quality HR support across both clubs. The position translates enterprise HR priorities into actionable programs and processes that strengthen organizational effectiveness, enhance employee engagement, and support the long-term success of both organizations.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Leadership, or a related field.
Minimum of 8–10 years of progressive human resources experience, including leadership responsibility and people management experience.
Strong knowledge of employee relations, talent acquisition, compensation, benefits, organizational development, performance management, and employment law.
Ability to build trusted relationships and effectively influence leaders at all organizational levels.
Experience partnering with business leaders to implement HR strategies that support organizational objectives and drive results.
Experience conducting complex workplace investigations and managing sensitive employee relations matters with sound judgment and discretion.
Experience supporting workforce planning, succession planning, organizational design, and leadership development initiatives.
Strong understanding of federal and state employment regulations, compliance requirements, and HR risk management practices.
Exceptional communication, coaching, presentation, relationship-building, and problem-solving skills.
Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
Ability to delegate operational responsibilities effectively while maintaining strategic oversight and accountability.
Ability to handle highly confidential and sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.

Nice To Haves

Experience within professional sports, entertainment, hospitality, or similarly dynamic organizations.
Experience supporting multiple business units, entities, or locations.

Responsibilities

Partner with the CHRO to implement HR strategies and initiatives that support organizational goals and business priorities across both clubs.
Establish departmental goals, priorities, and performance expectations while fostering accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Serve as the primary HR business partner for club leadership and department leaders, advising on organizational effectiveness, workforce planning, employee engagement, and talent management.
Ensure consistent delivery and administration of HR programs, policies, procedures, and employee services across both organizations.
Partner with the Manager, Human Resources to execute recruiting, onboarding, performance management, employee engagement, and retention initiatives.
Oversee workforce planning and talent management to align with organizational priorities and future business needs.
Coach and guide managers on employee relations, leadership effectiveness, conflict resolution, performance management, and policy interpretation.
Lead complex employee relations matters, workplace investigations, and corrective action processes, ensuring consistency, fairness, and compliance.
Partner with the CHRO on annual compensation planning, salary administration, market benchmarking, and total rewards initiatives.
Oversee administration and continuous improvement of employee benefits, wellness, and well-being programs.
Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local employment laws, league requirements, and organizational policies.
Oversee HR systems, employee records, leave administration, reporting, data management, and HR operational effectiveness.
Monitor workforce metrics and organizational trends, using data to provide insights and recommendations to leadership and the CHRO.
Lead organizational development and change management efforts for growth, restructuring, and business transformation initiatives.
Manage HR budgets, vendor relationships, and external service providers.
Escalate significant employee relations, legal, compliance, and organizational risk matters to the CHRO as appropriate.
Participate in strategic projects and special initiatives supporting the continued growth and success of both clubs.