Director, Shipboard HR & Crew Management

WHO WE ARE Lindblad Expeditions is a true pioneer in Expedition Travel. From taking the first citizen explorers to Antarctica in 1966, opening the Galapagos and Easter Island to tourism in 1967, leading the first tourist expedition through the Northwest Passage in 1984, and launching our innovative partnership with National Geographic in 2004, we now take almost 30,000 guests a year to some of the world’s most remote and pristine locations on our fleet of 20 ships, and are committed to ensuring our guests experience the "Exhilaration of Discovery". JOB SUMMARY The Director, Shipboard HR & Crew Management will collaborate with the Sr. Director of HR and SVP Operations and Planning to align shipboard HR strategy with organizational goals. This role serves as the HR leader for all shipboard personnel, partnering closely with shipboard and shoreside leadership to support crew career development, performance management, and employee relations. In addition, the Director provides oversight of third‑party crew management partners supporting the U.S. and Bluewater fleet, ensuring key performance indicators (KPIs) are met and driving continuous improvement in recruitment, onboarding, scheduling, travel/logistics, and overall crew lifecycle management. The Director also owns and manages shipboard crew expense budgets, including wages and travel, ensuring financial stewardship and alignment with operational needs. This role acts as a critical link between shoreside HR, onboard leadership teams, and external partners, ensuring alignment with company values, policies, and maritime labor standards while fostering a culture of engagement, accountability, and professional growth across the fleet. ESSENTIAL DUTIES To perform this job successfully, the incumbent must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Additional duties may be added or assigned as needed. Serve as the HR partner to shipboard leadership, providing guidance on employee relations, performance management, conflict resolution, and disciplinary processes. Provide guidance on complex employee relations matters and ensure timely resolution of issues. Lead workplace investigations for shipboard personnel (e.g., harassment, discrimination, safety, policy violations), partner with General Counsel, ensure proper documentation and compliance, and respond to urgent employee relations issues as needed. Partner with shipboard and shoreside leadership, including the Sr. Director of HR, to support crew career development, succession planning, and leadership capability building, while designing, implementing, and continuously improving performance management programs for shipboard teams. Provide strategic oversight and management of third‑party crew management partners, ensuring delivery against KPIs related to recruiting, onboarding, scheduling, travel/logistics, and crew experience, while building strong partnerships and driving continuous process improvements to enhance operational efficiency, compliance, and service quality. Own and manage shipboard crew expense budgets, including wages and travel, ensuring accurate forecasting, cost control, and alignment with financial targets. Partner with Finance and Operations to monitor budget performance, identify cost‑saving opportunities, and improve financial efficiency across crew operations. Own and manage HR compliance requirements for U.S. crew, including background checks, employment eligibility verification, and termination validation, ensuring adherence to regulatory standards and company policies. Develop, implement, and maintain shipboard HR policies, ensuring they are current, consistently applied, and aligned with company standards, legal requirements, and maritime regulations. Participate in strategic HR planning including compensation design, technology selection, and organizational development GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS Minimum 8 years of progressive maritime HR or crew management experience. Experience in employee relations, performance management, and workplace investigations. Experience leading projects and change management. Other Skills/Abilities Strong leadership, influencing, and stakeholder management skills. Demonstrated ability to manage complex employee relations issues and investigations. Financial acumen with experience managing budgets and cost controls. Excellent problem‑solving, negotiation, and conflict resolution abilities. Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines. Strong project management skills, including change management. High emotional intelligence and cultural awareness. Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast‑paced, global environment. Proficient computer skills in Microsoft Office. Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as needed. Willingness to travel occasionally to vessels. $135,000 - $145,000 a year Bonus: 15% Equity: 5% OUR BENEFITS Travel benefits for employees and their family Voyage of Discovery trips for employees to travel as guests Health insurance including Medical, Dental, Vision 401(k) plan with employer match Long‑Term Disability, Life & AD&D Insurance Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to be used for out‑of‑pocket medical and dependent care Pre‑Tax Commuter Benefit 7‑8 Paid Holidays 2‑3 Floating Holiday Options (pro‑rated per start date) Up to 15 days of vacation (pro‑rated per anniversary year) Parental Leave Sick/personal days per city & state ordinance Pet Insurance discount Communication Skills Using the English language, this person must have the ability to read, write, and comprehend policies, legal guidelines, correspondence, and memos. Must also possess the ability to effectively communicate—both in writing and orally—with a professional demeanor. PHYSICAL DEMANDS While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk and hear. The employee will also be required to write and type. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. COMPENSATION STATEMENT Lindblad Expeditions determines the pay for positions using local, national, and industry‑specific survey data. We evaluate external equity and the cost of labor/prevailing wage index in the relative marketplace for jobs directly comparable to jobs within our company. Our posted salary range is based on national data and may be refined for a candidate's region/town/cost of living. For new hires, we strive to make competitive offers allowing the new employee room for future growth. Salaries will be based on the applicant’s location, level of experience, education, and specialized knowledge and skills. An employee/candidate with a stronger skill set will receive higher pay. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER STATEMENT At Lindblad Expeditions, we simply could not do our work without the diverse kaleidoscope of humanity that creates and delivers our remarkable offerings across the planet. As a Company that respects and celebrates the inherent diversity in the places we explore, we recognize the need to mirror that same diversity and all the interconnected perspectives within our organization. We are committed to building a community of different genders, races, ages, sexual orientations, chosen identities, and countries of origin where every person brings their whole self to work and whose skills, talents, and abilities are valued. We believe we can explore further and in a more meaningful way by actively creating a more diverse and inclusive organization where everyone feels they belong. Lindblad Expeditions is an equal opportunity employer. Individuals seeking employment at Lindblad Expeditions are considered without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetics, marital status, pregnancy, unemployment status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or veteran status. #J-18808-Ljbffr