Director, Human Resources

Director, Human Resources

Located in Berlin, Maryland, Ocean Downs Casino is a premier entertainment destination offering exciting gaming experiences, live harness racing, and exceptional hospitality. As part of Churchill Downs Incorporated, we are committed to creating an inclusive and engaging workplace where team members thrive. We value diverse perspectives and believe collaboration drives innovation and success. At Ocean Downs, we foster a culture of respect, continuous learning, and growth—empowering our team to deliver unforgettable experiences for our guests while achieving our shared vision.

Job Summary

The Director of Human Resources leads all HR functions for Ocean Downs Casino including talent acquisition, employee and labor relations, performance management, ensuring compliance with employment laws and corporate standards, and more. This position partners with the People Leaders to drive employee engagement, retention, and overall business performance. The HR leader will lead and develop the HR team while creating HR standards and programs to support organizational goals and a positive employee culture. Target annual base salary for this role is $120,000 to $130,000.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

Administer and interpret collective bargaining agreements, ensuring consistent application of contract provisions, policies and practices. Partner effectively with union representatives and business leaders to address employee relations matters, grievances, contract interpretation, and any workplace challenges. Oversee processes for the hiring, training, development and efficient management of Human Resources staff. Plan and organize workloads and staff assignments as well as train, motivate, and evaluate assigned staff. Establish and maintain department standards, guidelines, and objectives, and oversee other administrative processes, such as budget and staffing, to ensure proper planning and efficient operation of Human Resources department. Provide direction in the overall operational effectiveness of the property's HR functions, including recruitment, onboarding, compensation and benefits, training, etc. Administer employee-relations functions, working closely with CDI corporate or outside counsel when necessary to evaluate employee morale, resolve grievances, and promote positive employee engagement. Maintain an open line of communication to identify and address Team Member and departmental concerns. Provide counsel to departmental managers on proper employment practices regarding interviewing, hiring, disciplinary procedures, performance documentation, termination, etc. Collaborate with departmental leadership and property management on the development and implementation of short- and long-term HR strategies and policies in accordance with the organization's mission and goals. Handle HR-related crises and mitigate risks to the organization, including issues such as workplace investigations, discrimination claims, and regulatory compliance violations. Design and implement comprehensive training and development programs to enhance employee skills, performance, and career advancement opportunities. Develop employee programs to provide motivation and team member satisfaction. Design, direct, and manage a company-wide process of organization development that addresses issues such as succession planning, superior workforce development, key team member retention, organization design and change management. Conduct research and analysis of organizational trends and review reports from the organization's HRIS or talent management system. Monitor and ensure the organization's compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, and recommended best practices; review and modify policies and practices to maintain compliance. Maintain knowledge of trends, best practices, regulatory changes, and new technologies in human resources, talent management, and employment law; applying this knowledge to communicate changes in policy, practice, and resources to leadership. And of course we can't leave this one out- perform all other duties, as assigned.

Required Skills And Abilities

Demonstrated experience working in a unionized environment, with a strong understanding of labor relations principles, collective bargaining agreements, and applicable labor laws. Demonstrated successful management and leadership skills in human resources operations. Strong strategic planning and execution skills. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. Diverse and thorough knowledge of multiple human resource disciplines, including compensation practices, federal and state employment laws, employee and union relations, etc. Comprehensive knowledge of gaming industry regulations and compliance requirements. Knowledge of and experience with human resource information systems. Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software. Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources Management or related field. Additional certifications (i.e., SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, etc.) preferred. Ten to fifteen years of progressive human resources experience. Experience in a gaming or hospitality field preferred. Must obtain valid gaming license, where applicable.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit or stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear. The employee may be required to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. The employee may be required to work long hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud. The employee may be exposed to smoke when on the floor of the gaming room. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.