Director of Human Resources (38254)

Walters Art Museum•Baltimore, MD

58d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Walters Art Museum is seeking a hands-on, mission-driven Director of Human Resources to lead the HR department. This is an ideal opportunity for an experienced HR professional with strong expertise in employee relations and the capabilities to manage the day-to-day needs of a dynamic, people-centered workplace. This role requires a hands-on leader who will play a key role in strengthening HR operations. The museum has approximately 130 full- and part-time employees and volunteers.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required
8+ years of progressive HR experience, with a strong background in employee relations.
5+ years of experience supervising HR staff and/or external consultants.
Demonstrated ability operating in a tactical, hands-on HR role.
Outstanding written and verbal communications skills.
Experience with HRIS/payroll systems and standard business tools (Microsoft Office and Google Workspace).
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust and handle sensitive matters with discretion and clarity.
A proactive, responsive, and grounded approach to HR—someone who leads with empathy, fairness, and sound judgment.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in Human Resources, Labor & Industrial Relations, or related field preferred.
SHRM or HRCI certification is preferred.
Prior experience in a nonprofit or mission-driven environment strongly preferred.
Experience in a unionized environment is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead a high-performing 4-person HR team, and directly supervise the HR Generalist, Labor Relations Specialist, and Payroll & Benefits Administrator.
Responsible for the museum’s HR planning, HR policy development and regulatory compliance, union contract negotiations and administration, employee relations, performance management, employee onboarding/offboarding, total rewards and compensation, payroll and benefits, talent recruitment, and other functions and processes that impact the employee experience at the Walters.
Develop HR plans and strategies to support the achievement of the museum’s Strategic Plan, diversity, equity, inclusion and access values, and Visitor Promise.
Oversee day-to-day HR operations.
Ensure adherence to the museum’s collective bargaining agreement and lead negotiations and communications with the union.
Lead the museum’s Labor Management Committee, and participate in the Safety Working Committee.
Lead or support grievance and arbitration processes, including investigations, responses, and resolution strategies.
Manage and resolve employee relations issues with professionalism, discretion, and alignment with the organization's values and policies.
Conduct employee relations investigations and recommend appropriate, fair, and consistent outcomes.
Coach and support managers on performance management, conflict resolution, employee conduct, and navigating workplace challenges.
Create, interpret, and administer HR policies and ensure alignment with employment law and internal practices.
Partner closely with leadership and staff to foster a respectful, inclusive, and mission-driven culture.
Lead Staff Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion Committee.
Oversee recruitment workflows to ensure positions move efficiently from requisition to hire.
Develop and implement consistent onboarding and offboarding processes and documents.
Lead organization-wide compliance with federal, state, and local labor and employment laws and regulations, and recommended best practices; review policies and practices to maintain compliance.
Provide guidance and counsel to the Leadership Team, supervisors, staff, and Board regarding HR best practices, policies, and employment law.
Serve as a key partner in the implementation and oversight of the museum’s Health and Safety Plan, promoting a healthy and safe work environment for all employees, volunteers, and visitors.
Manage HR budget, vendor contracts, and 457B plan in collaboration with Finance.
Liaise with outside legal counsel as needed.
Perform other related duties as required to support the mission and goals of the Museum.