People Services Director

People Services Director

Art and Wellness Enterprises (AWE) supports operating non-profits founded by Alice Walton, including the Alice L. Walton Foundation, Alice L. Walton School of Medicine, Art Bridges, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, the Momentary, and Heartland Whole Health Institute.

The People Services Director primarily serves as the Human Resources leader and strategic advisor to the Alice L. Walton School of Medicine and is responsible for leading benefits administration, compensation, performance management, employee relations, and enforcing company policies and practices. Building relationships with various levels of entity leaders, providing strategic business partnership, and serving as a human resources thought leader are key roles this position plays.

Partnering closely with institutional leadership and internal stakeholders across multiple entities, the Director supports organizational objectives by providing strategic human resources guidance, overseeing compliance and people processes, and driving operational effectiveness across assigned business areas. This role also leads and develops members of the People Services team while helping develop consistent practices, systems, and approaches across the ecosystem.

Success in this role requires a strategic mindset, excellent leadership skills, and a passion for building high-performing teams, along with the ability to navigate complex employee matters, manage competing priorities, and operate effectively in a fast-paced, evolving higher education environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop the human resources strategy to support assigned business areas by understanding strategic business goals and objectives; advising on the execution of organizational change initiatives; assessing human resources implications of various strategies; and providing guidance to leaders on human resources issues.
• Provide support and guidance to People Services Business Partners, management, and other staff with complex, specialized, and sensitive questions and issues; investigate allegations of wrongdoing and oversee employee termination matters.
• Apply decision making and risk management across all organizational projects and initiatives to ensure employee retention, engagement, and efficiency in operations.
• Culture building internally and externally in partnership with the Chief People Officer.

• Manage compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations and company policies and procedures by keeping current on laws and regulations related to general human resource practices and regulations related to licensure and certifications; implementing and monitoring human resource compliance; implementing action plans to improve performance and reduce instances of non-compliance; and directing management teams in ensuring confidentiality of information, documentation, and assigned records.
• Analyze trends in compensation and benefits; research and propose competitive base and incentive pay programs to ensure the organization attracts and retains top talent.
• Oversee the design, implementation, and administration of comprehensive benefit plans, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives, regulatory compliance, and an optimal employee experience.

• Conduct research and analysis of organizational trends, including review of reports and metrics from the organization's human resource information system (HRIS).
• Build and refine human resources processes. Develop playbooks with standardized approaches for use throughout the ecosystem to drive efficiency and ensure consistent positive experiences for team members and guests.
• Leverage advanced data analytics to drive data-informed decision-making, identify trends, and deliver actionable insights; lead systems automation initiatives and provide strategic recommendations to improve efficiency; and develop and present clear, executive-level reports and visualizations to inform leadership decisions.

• Lead, coach, and develop a dynamic, high-performing team fostering a culture of excellence, accountability, and growth.
• Promote continuous improvement, professional development, and collaboration within your team to drive results and support organization priorities.
• Monitor performance, morale, and workload balance, addressing challenges proactively and professionally while encouraging engagement and recognition.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned to support evolving organizational needs.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, management, or related field; Master's degree preferred.
• Professional certifications such as SHRM-S/CP, S/PHR or equivalent certification preferred.
• 8-10+ years of progressive human resources experience across complex organizations, including employee relations, compensation, benefits administration, compliance, performance management, and strategic business partnership, with 5+ years of experience leading and developing direct reports.
• Demonstrated success supporting and managing human resources strategies and operations across large-scale, multi-entity organizations. Experience in startups, healthcare, museum/cultural institutions, philanthropy, or similarly complex environments is strongly preferred. Experience in higher education is required.
• Deep knowledge of human resources practices, employee relations, compensation, benefits administration, organizational effectiveness, performance management, and federal and state employment law and compliance.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, with advanced Excel and PowerPoint skills for reporting and executive presentations.
• Familiarity with HRIS and ERP systems; prior experience with Workday HCM is strongly preferred.
• Strong business acumen with exceptional analytical and quantitative skills, including the ability to leverage workforce and operational metrics to inform strategic decisions.
• Strong leadership skills with demonstrated ability to coach, mentor, motivate, and develop team members while fostering a collaborative, performance-driven culture.
• Outstanding communication (verbal, written, presentation) and interpersonal skills, with proven ability to engage and collaborate with team members, senior leaders, managers, and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Excellent decision-making and critical thinking skills with the agility to navigate complex situations and develop effective solutions.
• Demonstrated time management and organizational skills with proven ability to manage competing priorities, orchestrate multiple activities, and coordinate across diverse teams in high-pressure environments.
• Strong negotiation and conflict resolution skills, with sound judgment and the ability to navigate sensitive situations with professionalism.
• High level of integrity and discretion in handling confidential and organizational information.

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment, remaining adaptable and resilient.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those required by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

Physical Demands: In the work environment described, this position requires utilizing a computer and a telephone for prolonged periods of time, good hand-eye coordination, bending and stretching, and the physical stamina to lift and transport a minimum of 10 pounds. Visual acuity to review written materials is required for this job.

Work Environment: Work is performed on-site (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.) in a professional, climate-controlled office environment with standard office equipment, including computers, printers, and telephones. This role requires working in an open setting near colleagues. The noise level is typically low to moderate. The role also requires regular interaction with both the public and internal team members in a professional and courteous manner. Some travel will be required, including overnight trips on occasion. A flexible schedule may be necessary to accommodate business needs, including occasional evening and weekend work hours.

Art and Wellness Enterprises, LLC is an equal opportunity employer committed to building and maintaining a workplace that is free of discrimination and harassment of any kind. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.

All offers of employment are contingent on your successful completion (where permitted by state law) of a confidentiality agreement and a background check. In addition, you will need to provide proper identification verifying your eligibility to work in the United States.