Director of People & Culture

Job status: Full-Time, Exempt

Pay Rate: $92,000-$97,000 annually

Position reports to: CEO/President

Work week: 40hrs per week, Monday-Friday (Bellevue on-site w/ remote flexibility)

Some weekends, evenings and special events are required throughout the year

The Director of People & Culture plays a vital role in building and supporting a workplace where all employees can thrive. Reporting to the President & CEO, this role leads the organization's human resources strategy, policies, and practices with a focus on equitable treatment, transparency, and belonging. The Director of People & Culture oversees recruitment, benefits administration, employee relations, performance management, compensation, training, and compliance. As part of the leadership team, this position develops and sustains a culture that reflects KidsQuest's values of respect, inclusion, and curiosity. Strong communication skills are essential when working with employees at all levels.

Core Competencies

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills across all levels of the organization.
• Deep knowledge of HR best practices, employment law, and equitable workplace strategies.
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving in dynamic, people-centered environments.
• Proven expertise in employee relations, including conflict resolution and sensitive investigations.
• Sound judgment and discretion when handling confidential or sensitive information.

Responsibilities and Duties

Human Resources Leadership (40%)

• Develop and implement strategic HR goals that align with the museum's mission and values.
• Partner with museum leadership to promote a welcoming workplace culture that attracts, supports, and retains talent.
• Provide consultation and assessment tools to the leadership team to track progress and inform decision-making regarding workforce planning and development initiatives.
• Oversee entire employee lifecycle, from recruiting and onboarding, career development and advancement within the organization to performance management and offboarding.
• Create and maintain fair job descriptions, salary structures, and hiring processes that ensure transparency.
• Manage and refine onboarding and orientation programs to integrate new employees into the museum community.
• Design employee recognition programs that celebrate contributions and foster engagement.

Employee Relations and Development (30%):

• Provide coaching and support to supervisors and employees to ensure departmental effectiveness through conflict resolution, performance management, and disciplinary actions.
• Handle employee relations issues end-to-end, including investigations, mediation, and resolution with fairness and consistency.
• Foster open communication and trust so that all staff feel heard, valued, and supported.
• Cultivate a healthy, positive work culture by designing and leading trainings and staff meetings that build leadership skills, strengthen communication, prevent harassment, and enhance team collaboration.
• Conduct regular reviews of organizational policies and employee handbooks to reflect current best practices.

Compliance and Organizational Practices (15%):

• Administer benefits programs, including insurance, retirement, and wellness plans, while maintaining vendor relationships.
• Oversee open enrollment, new hire support, and compliance with all benefit and compensation requirements.
• Create and enforce HR policies to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, updating policies as needed.
• Maintain personnel records and HR data systems with accuracy, confidentiality, and attention to detail.
• Support audit, reporting, and HR documentation processes.

Systems Management (15%)

• Oversee HRIS applications and modules including customizations, upgrades, and maintenance.
• Maintain and manage user accounts, system settings, accurate employee data, and generate reports.
• Provide technical support, troubleshoot issues, and train staff on HRIS usage.
• Collaborate with Finance and IT to identify system improvements, implement modules, and streamline HR processes.

Experience and Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Development, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum 7 years of progressive HR experience, including at least 3 years in leadership/supervisory roles.
• Proven ability to design and implement HR strategies that promote equity and inclusion and align with organizational goals.
• Experience managing full-cycle recruitment, benefits administration, compensation structures, and employee development programs.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, mediation, and conflict resolution skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals across diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

Preferred:

• Accredited HR certifications such as SHRM CP, SHRM SCP, PHR, or SPHR.
• Experience in a nonprofit, museum, or educational setting.
• Strong presentation and facilitation skills for staff training and development.
• Familiarity with HRIS systems and payroll administration.

Additional Information

• A criminal background check is conducted after hiring
• Proof of immunizations (MMR, Varicella, D-Tap, and COVID-19) is required within the first 30 days of employment.

Why Work for KidsQuest

• Be part of a mission driven organization that creates learning through the power of play and exploration that connects children to their communities and the world.
• Join a collaborative, creative, and inclusive workplace that values curiosity, respect, and continuous growth.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

KidsQuest Children's Museum is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We acknowledge that many of us live and work on the land of the Coast Salish people and honor their ongoing stewardship.

Benefits Highlight

• Medical, Dental, Vision & Life Insurance
• Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account Offered
• Starting at 13 days of Paid Time Off and 8 days of Wellness
• Paid Holidays, including 2 floating Holidays
• 401(K) Matching Savings Plan