Director of Human Resources

Strategic HR Client•Cincinnati, OH

13d•Hybrid

About The Position

Cincinnati Opera is seeking a part-time Director of Human Resources to lead and strengthen its HR function. The role serves as the primary HR resource for employees and leadership, combining strategic partnership with hands-on management of employee relations, performance management, recruiting, payroll oversight, benefits, compliance, onboarding, and HR operations in a department-of-one environment. The position supports approximately 25 year-round employees and a significantly expanded seasonal workforce. The Director advises leaders on employee development, compensation, workforce planning, organizational effectiveness, and employment decisions; manages employee relations concerns and investigations; and leads recruiting, benefits administration, payroll review, records management, onboarding, and offboarding. The role also maintains policies and compliance documentation, delivers HR guidance and training, serves as liaison to external providers, and supports transitions involving payroll, HRIS, and outsourced services. The position averages approximately 30 hours per week in a hybrid arrangement. Preferred onsite availability is Tuesday through Thursday during much of the year, with increased onsite presence during the summer production season. HR activity increases significantly in spring and summer, particularly for recruitment, onboarding, payroll, employee support, and offboarding. Occasional evenings or weekends may be needed during the production season. Cincinnati Opera, founded in 1920, presents its primary season from June through August, along with year-round educational programming, public performances, recitals, and fundraising events. The organization is committed to creating an inclusive environment and enriching the community through opera.

Requirements

Five to seven years of progressively responsible HR experience with independent ownership of multiple HR functions, including employee relations, performance management, payroll, benefits, recruiting, compliance, policy administration, and onboarding/offboarding.
Strong working knowledge of federal and Ohio employment laws, HR best practices, and employee relations principles.
Experience serving as a trusted advisor to leaders.
Strong communication, coaching, relationship-building, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities, maintain confidentiality, and exercise sound judgment.
Experience working with HRIS and payroll systems and supporting day-to-day HR operations.
Ability to work independently in a department-of-one environment.
Availability for occasional evenings or weekends during Cincinnati Opera’s production season.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting seasonal workforces, payroll administration, compensation planning, workforce planning, vendor management, HR/payroll system transitions, unionized environments, and/or nonprofit or arts organizations.
SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR, or similar HR certification.
An appreciation for the arts and Cincinnati Opera’s mission is highly valued.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary HR resource for employees and leaders, advising on employee relations, performance management, workplace concerns, policy interpretation, and employment matters.
Coach and advise leadership on performance management, employee development, compensation matters, workforce planning, organizational effectiveness, and employment decisions.
Manage employee relations concerns and workplace investigations, partnering with legal counsel and external advisors when appropriate.
Lead recruiting, including job postings, candidate screening, interview coordination, offer administration, and onboarding.
Coordinate and administer employee benefits, PTO, leave programs, workers’ compensation, unemployment claims, employment verifications, and related HR processes.
Review and oversee payroll preparation and processing, ensuring employee data, deductions, classifications, compensation changes, and payroll inputs are accurate and compliant.
Maintain employee records, HRIS data, organizational documentation, and workforce reporting.
Manage onboarding and offboarding, coordinating with leaders, IT providers, payroll vendors, and other stakeholders.
Serve as the primary liaison with payroll, benefits, HR, and shared-services providers.
Support implementation and transition efforts related to new payroll, HRIS, and outsourced service providers.
Maintain and update HR policies, procedures, employee handbook materials, and compliance documentation.
Develop and improve HR processes that promote consistency, communication, accountability, compliance, and operational effectiveness.
Deliver training and guidance to leaders and employees on HR-related topics.