Senior Director of People and Culture

Apollo Theater Foundation, Inc.•New York, NY

2d•$155,000 - $193,000•Hybrid

About The Position

As The Apollo Theater enters its "Next Century" in 2026—celebrating the grand reopening of its Historic Theater renovation and the expansion of its national Culture In Motion™ roadshow—the organization is seeking a visionary Senior Director of People & Culture. Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), this individual will be a key member of The Apollo Leadership Team. You will not only manage HR operations but will be the primary architect of an organizational culture that mirrors The Apollo's mission: centering creative voices, fostering innovation, and maintaining a deep, authentic connection to the Harlem community. The Senior Director of People & Culture will run the daily functions of the Human Resources department including hiring and interviewing staff recruiting, administering payroll, benefits and leave, and enforcing company policies and practices. The Senior Director of People & Culture will lead the strategy for The Apollo’s most valuable asset: its people. As we transition from a place of "reverence and relevance," this role ensures that our internal operations are as world-class as our onstage performances. You will lead the "People" pillar of our strategic plan, overseeing talent acquisition, employee experience, labor relations, and DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging).

Requirements

Proven track record of leading "People & Culture" through significant organizational transitions (e.g., renovations, national expansions).
Exceptional emotional intelligence, conflict resolution skills, and the ability to balance "compliance" with "creativity."
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Ability to prioritize tasks and delegate them when appropriate.
Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
Thorough knowledge of employment-related laws and regulations.
Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
Proficiency with or the ability to quickly learn about the organization’s HRIS and talent management systems.
Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
8-12 years of HR leadership experience, preferably within a complex non-profit, cultural institution, or hospitality/entertainment environment.
Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
Must be able to access and navigate each department at the organization’s facilities.

Nice To Haves

SHRM-CP or other continuing education in HR preferred.

Responsibilities

Culture Architect: Partner with the Executive Team to evolve The Apollo’s internal culture as we expand into a multi-venue campus (Historic Theater, Victoria Stages, Soundstage).
Leadership Advisor: Act as a trusted coach to senior leaders, helping them navigate change management, team dynamics, and organizational design.
Values Visionary: Lead the integration of The Apollo’s Core Values into every facet of the employee lifecycle, ensuring the staff reflects the diversity and richness of the African Diaspora.
The Senior Director will build a high-functioning HR team and manage current HR professionals at The Apollo, currently an HR Manager and will oversee the scheduling, projects, and daily workflow of the staff in the department.
Will lead the process for maintaining updated policies, ensuring compliance and creating training and awareness around expectations for the policies.
Engagement: Will lead the process for goal setting, performance management and compensation changes for the organization that foster a high-performing, inclusive, and joyful workplace.
Compensation: Manage competitive compensation and benefits packages, ensuring they remain equitable and attractive to top-tier non-profit and entertainment talent.
Labor Relations: Lead negotiations and maintain productive relationships with union representatives, ensuring compliance with collective bargaining agreements.
Employee Relations: Provides guidance on employment-related inquiries from applicants, employees, and supervisors, referring complex and/or sensitive matters to the appropriate staff.
Provides oversight and leadership for employee relations by guiding complex disciplinary actions, ensuring investigations are conducted with consistency and legal compliance, and advising senior leaders on risk mitigation and organizational impact.
Talent Acquisition: Partners with hiring managers and talent acquisition professionals (consultants and search firms) to recruit, interview, and facilitate the hiring of qualified job applicants for open positions; collaborates with departmental managers to understand skills and competencies required for openings.
Controls: Develop, maintain and report on the appropriate controls to ensure all HR policies and procedures align with federal, state, and local laws, as well as The Apollo’s employee policies.
Manage HRIS systems to provide data-driven insights into turnover, diversity metrics, and headcount.
Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, and recommends best practices; reviews policies and practices to maintain compliance.
Maintains knowledge of trends, best practices, regulatory changes, and new technologies in human resources, talent management, and employment law.
Reviews, tracks, and documents compliance with mandatory and non-mandatory training, continuing education, and work assessments. This may include safety training, anti-harassment training, professional licensure, and aptitude exams and certifications.
Implements new hire orientation and employee recognition programs.
Communicate learning initiatives and outcomes to executives and key stakeholders