Executive Director of People and Culture

Vivalon•San Rafael, CA

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

Vivalon is seeking an experienced and strategic Executive Director of People and Culture to lead their HR team and strengthen a workplace where staff feel valued and supported. Reporting directly to the CEO, this role will serve as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, a coach to managers, and a steward of the culture that supports Vivalon's mission. This is a highly visible role for an HR leader who is comfortable shaping people strategy and solving day-to-day problems. A core part of the role is building a culture of accountability, where expectations are clear, feedback is regular, and strong performance is recognized and managed.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, or in a related field, or an equivalent education and experience.
10+ years of progressively responsible HR experience, including 5+ years in an HR leadership role.
At least 2 years of employee relations experience supporting a heavily non-exempt workforce.
Outstanding written and verbal communication, with the ability to explain complex HR, financial, and administrative concepts to a diverse workforce.
Working knowledge of California and federal employment law, including wage and hour, leave, and workplace investigations.
Experience with payroll, benefits, compensation, and HRIS.
Proven experience designing and running performance management systems and coaching managers through performance improvement and corrective action.
Sound judgment, discretion, and a calm, tactful, solutions-oriented approach.
Ability to lift up to 25 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

Experience with, or familiarity with, DOT/FMCSA drug and alcohol program requirements
Operations or Transportation experience
Experience in a union environment
SPHR or SHRM-SCP preferred

Responsibilities

Shape and carry out people strategies aligned with Vivalon's mission and business plans.
Advise the CEO, executive team, and organizational leaders on people, culture, and workforce matters.
Strengthen employee engagement, recognition, and connection.
Contribute to organizational strategic planning and lead people-related initiatives.
Lead recruitment, onboarding, retention, and succession planning strategies, partnering with hiring managers at every stage.
Coach and train managers and supervisors on effective people management.
Oversee required and developmental training, including harassment prevention, HIPAA, cultural competency, and leadership.
Lead and continuously strengthen Vivalon's pay-for-performance program, including goal setting, ongoing feedback, annual evaluations, and clear, current job descriptions, to ensure equitable policies and application.
Coach managers and supervisors to set clear expectations, give timely and constructive feedback, and address performance concerns early.
Guide managers through performance improvement plans, progressive discipline, and separations, ensuring consistency, sound documentation, and legal compliance.
Serve as a confidential, trusted resource for employees and managers on concerns, complaints, and disputes.
Lead or oversee workplace investigations and recommend corrective action.
Keep policies and practices current and compliant with federal and California law.
Oversee USDOT drug and alcohol testing in partnership with the Transportation Department.
Oversee benefits administration, vendor relationships, benchmarking, and cost containment.
Lead payroll to ensure timely, accurate, and compliant processing.
Administer Vivalon's Pay-for-Performance program (our merit-based compensation program) equitably and consistently. Ensure pay decisions are grounded in documented performance.
Oversee HRIS and employee records to support data-informed decisions.
Manage workers’ compensation and workplace risk, with a focus on reducing claims, controlling costs, and improving return-to-work outcomes.