Director of People & Culture

Position Summary

The Director of People & Culture leads DSA’s people strategy, culture, and HR operations in support of a 210-person workforce, including a large frontline Ambassador team and second-chance employees. This role balances human-centered support and strong HR compliance, ensuring employees have clear access to the resources they need to succeed.

Reporting to the COO, the Director partners with executive leadership to align people practices with DSA’s mission and values, fostering a workplace where employees feel supported, accountable, and connected to the work of creating a healthy, vibrant downtown.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the People & Culture team, comprised of the HR Manager, Recruiting/Payroll Coordinator, and Ambassador Resource Specialist.
• Oversee employee engagement, culture-building, and workforce support, particularly for employees navigating barriers to employment.
• Ensure effective HR operations, including policy administration, employee relations, compliance, and leave management.
• Design and manage compensation and benefits programs; serve as primary liaison with vendors and carriers.
• Partner with leaders on recruiting, onboarding, performance management, and professional development.
• Provide strategic leadership for Ambassador workforce support, including training, advancement pathways, and community partnerships.
• Advance DSA’s DEI strategy across hiring, retention, and workplace culture.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to the COO and executive team on complex people matters.

Qualifications

• 7–10 years of progressive HR leadership experience, including 5+ years managing HR professionals.
• Experience across employee relations, HR policy, benefits/compensation, and talent development.
• Experience supporting frontline or mission-driven workforces; familiarity with trauma-informed or second-chance employment preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of employment law and HR best practices.
• Excellent judgment, communication skills, and ability to lead with empathy and accountability.

• 100% employer-paid
• Medical/Dental/Vision Coverage
• Life Insurance
• Long Term Disability
• Generous Paid Time Off
• 10 paid Holidays plus six paid personal days
• 12 remote workdays per year
• ORCA transit card
• First Choice Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Account (medical or dependent)
• Employer-Matched 401(k) Contribution with up to 5% Match