Head of Human Resources

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary

The Senior Director / VP, Head of Human Resources will own the HR function at Audiochuck, a roughly 100-person media company headquartered in Indianapolis. This leader is responsible for the full scope of the function: employee relations, performance management, benefits + compensation architecture, talent acquisition, HR systems and compliance, workplace experience, and leadership development.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

- Executive Partnership: Serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO and executive team on organizational design, talent strategy, and sensitive personnel matters. Bring an independent point of view, surface risk early, and hold a clear position with senior leaders even when it is unpopular.

- Employee Relations: Own employee relations matters end to end, including performance interventions, workplace accommodations, and separations. Partner closely with outside employment counsel, ensuring compliance and legal review precedes action on sensitive matters, and maintain documentation discipline so that written records, conversations, and decisions align.

- Performance Management: Run the company's performance management cycle, including mid-year and year-end reviews, 360 feedback, calibration, and performance improvement processes. Coach managers to deliver direct, well-documented feedback.

- Compensation: Steward the company's compensation architecture, including leveling, career ladders, compensation bands, and the annual review cycle. Maintain band integrity, evaluate promotion and adjustment requests against precedent, and present clear, well-reasoned recommendations to leadership.

- Project Management: Operate as both a strategist and hands-on builder. Scope, build, and personally execute new people initiatives end to end, from initial concept design through adoption.

- Talent Acquisition: Own the recruiting process and hiring manager enablement. Maintain the requisition approval chain, keep hiring practices consistent and compliant, and support managers who own their own searches with strong structural guidance.

- HR Operations, Systems & Compliance: Oversee HRIS administration and data integrity, benefits and leave administration (delivered through the HR Generalist), policy maintenance, and compliance with federal, state, and local employment law across a multi-state footprint.

- Culture & Engagement: Lead engagement measurement and action planning, company training programs, leadership development initiatives, and recognition practices that support retention and a healthy, high-standards culture.

- Team Leadership: Directly manage and develop the HR Generalist, and scale the Human Resources function thoughtfully as the company grows.

- Structure & Process: Continue converting informal, founder-era practices into durable, documented but agile processes that managers actually use. Design for adoption, build accountability into process mechanics, and know when lightweight is better than comprehensive.

Qualifications

- 10+ years of progressive HR experience, including 5+ years leading an HR function or serving as a senior HR business partner to executive teams.

- Demonstrated success operating in founder-led, high-growth, or creative industry environments where structure had to be built rather than inherited.

- Proven ability to navigate complex executive dynamics with discretion and to deliver direct, candid counsel to senior leaders.

- Deep working knowledge of employment law and hands-on experience partnering with outside counsel on sensitive matters such as separations, investigations, and reductions in force.

- Experience designing or administering compensation structures, including leveling, banding, and career ladders.

- Strong command of HR systems; experience with Rippling, ADP, or Lattice is a plus.

- Experience operating across HR, engagement, and workplace functions. Exceptional organization and follow-through, with a track record of building processes that survive contact with real managers.

- High professionalism and discretion in handling confidential information.

- Bachelor's degree required; SHRM-SCP or SPHR certification preferred.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

- This position primarily operates in a professional office environment using standard equipment such as computers and phones.

- Must be able to remain in a stationary position for extended periods and move throughout the office to collaborate with staff.

- Occasional travel may be required for training or off-site meetings.

- The employee must be able to communicate effectively in person, virtually, and in writing, exchanging accurate information in these situations.

- Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Compensation & Benefits

The base salary range for this role is $180,000 to $220,000 annually. Actual compensation within this range will be based on the candidate's experience, skills, and qualifications. This role may also be eligible for an annual discretionary bonus.