Director of People & Organizational Culture

The Director of People and Organizational Culture (P&OC) is responsible for overseeing all HR functions of the organization, including hiring, onboarding, performance management, termination, compensation, benefits, and payroll. This role supports the current staff size of about 130 employees, across multiple campuses. The Director of P&OC is also responsible for overseeing the People and Org Culture Generalist and the People and Org Culture Assistant. This position reports to the Chief Financial Officer.

The Director of P&OC works from the Sylvan office, just off the Sylvan exit off Highway 26. Travel to and from PJG’s primary campus in Washington Park is expected.

Primary Duties

• Lead key HR initiatives, including HR policies, recruitment, hiring, orientation, compensation analysis, talent development, and employee relations
• Collaborate with Executive Team, by virtue of quarterly meetings, to understand the organization’s goals and strategies related to staffing, recruiting, performance management, and retention
• Champion ethical leadership & accountability. Model ethical behavior and ensure that all team members are held accountable to the highest standards of fairness and trust.
• Provide initial and ongoing training to managers relating to performance management of their staff and disciplinary matters, including proper documentation
  • Work with and advise managers on effective ways to motivate employees, communicate performance expectations, discuss employee performance, and recognize exemplary work
• Actively promote an inclusive and equitable work environment, participate in the organization’s DEI committee, and propose policies and practices that support the organization’s DEI efforts
• With assistance from the P&OC Generalist and P&OC Assistant, oversee all aspects of the hiring and onboarding process, including conducting interviews and new-hire orientations
• Act as the point person for workplace complaints, investigations, and employee relations matters by ensuring that concerns are appropriately addressed and documented, and all necessary follow-up has been completed
• Work with insurance broker annually to negotiate renewal rates, and oversee benefits eligibility and enrollments, both during the annual open enrollment period, and as necessary for new hires
• Oversee all benefit enrollments and related, which are processed by the P&OC Generalist and P&OC Assistant
• Process semi-monthly payroll, ensuring accuracy and timely submission
  • Serve as back-up for entering payroll, when P&OC Generalist is out on PTO
• Provide ongoing training around company policies and procedures to staff
• Maintain knowledge of trends, best practices, regulatory changes, and new technologies in human resources, talent management, and employment law; apply this knowledge to advocate for changes in policy, practice, and resources to the Executive Team
• Ensure the Employee Handbook and internal forms are updated and consistent with current federal and state employment laws
• Track leaves of absence and ensure compliance with all leave laws – including FMLA, OFLA, and ADA – and obtain and verify supporting medical paperwork and information
• Process unemployment claims, and attend administrative hearings as needed
• Conduct exit interviews and oversee the completion of termination checklists
• Oversee the maintenance and organization of personnel files
• Lead or facilitate Staff Hospitality Committee to plan staff events and parties
• Develop and oversee budget for P&OC Department
• Supervise and support the P&OC Generalist and P&OC Assistant
• Assists with preparation of documents and records required for contract negotiations, meetings, and negotiations with employees and labor organizations
• Collaborates in collective bargaining negotiations with labor union, develop and implement strategies, and administer and interpret collective bargaining agreements (CBAs)
• Represents People & Org Culture department on Senior Staff
• Responsible for HR & 401 k Compliance reporting
• Collaborates in space planning and allocating workspaces
• Other periodic duties, as assigned

Other Responsibilities

• Familiarize oneself with the organization and the Employee Handbook
• Get to know fellow staff members, developing trust, establishing credibility, encouraging teamwork, and creating an atmosphere of open, honest, two-way communication
• Serve as a role model for Garden volunteers, providing support and encouragement to volunteers in their roles across the Garden
• Maintain a high level of professionalism in manner and appearance
• Adhere to Garden Dress Code (business casual)

Qualifications

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications as described in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the position, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and qualifications for this role.

• Bachelors in HR or related field with 3+ years advanced HR experience, or 8+ years HR experience without a degree.
• Prior experience in processing payroll preferred
• HR certification preferred
• Thorough knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws
• Proficiency in HRIS platforms, specifically Paychex Flex, preferred
• Experience with unions and collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) is a plus.
• Ability to handle sensitive information and maintain a high level of confidentiality
• Detail-oriented with exceptional organization skills
• Excellent time management skills, with a proven ability to meet deadlines
• Ability to remain flexible with shifting priorities
• Strong interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Service orientation, actively looking for ways to help others
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel)

Special Requirements

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position and/or move about the Garden campuses for several hours
• Valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle to travel between the various Garden campuses (mileage reimbursement provided)

Compensation & Schedule

• Wage: $85,000 – $95,000/year
• This is a full-time, salaried position, 40-45 hours per week. Shifts are typically 8:30am-5:00pm, Monday – Friday (includes a 30-minute lunch break).
• Benefits:
  • health, dental, and vision insurance (premium 100% covered for employees), with partial deductible reimbursement
  • 401k plan (after 6 months, with 4% employer match after 1 year)
  • flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care expenses
  • paid vacation, sick, and holiday time
  • free access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Applications

To apply, please submit a resume, cover letter, and three work-related references. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please no phone calls or hand delivered applications. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

All submitted applications will be held in confidence.

We encourage all potential applicants to watch our video entitled “Come to Understand: Welcome to Portland Japanese Garden” (5:56 minutes).

• health, dental, and vision insurance (premium 100% covered for employees), with partial deductible reimbursement
• 401k plan (after 6 months, with 4% employer match after 1 year)
• flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care expenses
• paid vacation, sick, and holiday time
• free access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP)