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. 

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 

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. 

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 

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.