Vice President of Human Resources

Join Our Team at Crystal Mountain

Work and play in the mountains with us at the largest ski resort in Washington! Here at Crystal, it's more than our work. It's our passion for the guest experience, the outdoors, and the community that bring us together at the end of the tree-lined road. We come from near and far to be up on the mountain because it's an experience you just don't get anywhere else. Events are always on the calendar and friends are always down to play. Work in the beautiful National Forest, neighboring Mt. Rainier, as a premier Ikon Pass destination with a whole lot of stoke to share.

Just like the trees, we are growing! Apply today to grow your mountain roots with us—whether you are looking to escape the city, expand your skills, or progress in the ski industry, we have a variety of roles for hard-working and enthusiastic team-players. Find your line, join our team!

Big Peaks, Bigger Perks

Employee perks:

• Free Alterra season pass (unlimited, direct to lift at all Alterra resorts)
• + Free Alterra season pass for spouse and dependents 25 & under
• 50% off window ticket price at IKON partner resorts
• Free access to Alterra Mountain destinations during time off
• Free ski-referral letters for employees to use at other mountain resorts during time off
• Free friends & family day-ski vouchers (periodic allotment)
• Discounts on Ski & Snowboard Lessons
• Discounts on Ski & Snowboard Rentals
• Discounts on Gear Tune-Ups
• Discounts on Food & Beverage
• Discounts at Crystal Mountain Retail shops
• Free Crystal branded swag
• Pro deals on gear with 100s of brands
• Discount Marketplace
• Deals on accessories, auto, electronics, entertainment, fitness, food, home, pet supplies, travel, and more
• Employee-only Night Skiing events
• Employee Housing Available for eligible positions
• Accrued paid time off for eligible positions
• Group health insurance for eligible positions
• 401K benefit and generous match with immediate vesting for all staff members over 18
• Opportunities for growth, advancement, and year-round employment

Position Summary

The Vice President of Human Resources (VP, HR) serves as a strategic partner to the executive leadership team and provides company-wide leadership for all aspects of Human Resources. This role is responsible for developing and executing People strategies that align with business objectives, strengthen organizational culture, and drive performance, engagement, and growth. This role will collaborate with human resource leaders across Alterra Mountain Company locations and champion best practices in the industry.

The VP, HR oversees the following functions for Crystal Mountain: total rewards, employee relations, resort compliance, full-cycle recruitment, talent management, HR operations including employee housing/transportation programs, and leadership development while ensuring the organization attracts, develops, and retains top talent.

Leadership

• Partner with executive leadership to align HR strategy with organizational goals and business objectives.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leaders on workforce planning, organizational design, and change management.
• Lead the development and execution of initiatives that support company culture, DEI, and employee engagement.
• Lead, develop, and mentor the HR leadership team and broader HR function.
• Establish clear goals, metrics, and accountability for HR performance.
• Promote a collaborative, scalable HR operating model.
• Collaborate on Alterra-wide solutions with senior HR leaders from across Alterra.

Talent Acquisition & Development

• Oversee talent acquisition strategies, succession planning, and workforce capabilities.
• Oversee a small, but mighty recruiting team tasked with hiring and offboarding a large seasonal, hourly workforce seasonally.
• Lead search and sourcing efforts for resort leadership roles.
• Design and implement leadership development and performance management programs.
• Ensure effective onboarding, career development, and retention strategies.

Employee Culture & Relations

• Foster a positive, inclusive, and high-performance workplace culture.
• Drive organizational design and change management strategies to cultivate a culture of high-performing teams.
• Provide guidance on employee relations matters, including conflict resolution and corrective action.
• Offer strategic counsel to management and leadership on HR best practices and people management interventions.
• Ensure consistent application of HR policies and employment practices.

Total Rewards & HR Operations

• Oversee compensation, benefits administration, and incentive programs.
• Ensure competitive, equitable, and compliant total rewards programs.
• Drive operational efficiency and continuous improvement across HR functions.
• Utilize employee engagement data to drive meaningful organizational changes.

Employee Housing Program Oversight

• Responsible for oversight of employee housing programs and their associated transportation and/or meal programs as appropriate with support from the Employee Housing Manager.

H‑2B & J‑1 Visa Program Oversight

• Provide executive oversight of H‑2B and J‑1 visa programs to support seasonal and temporary workforce needs with support from local talent acquisition team.
• Serve as the executive escalation point for complex compliance issues, audits, employee concerns, or sponsor/agency matters related to H‑2B and J‑1 programs.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• Partner with Legal and Finance teams to manage employment risk and corporate governance.
• Lead HR policies, audits, and reporting processes.

Travel Requirements

• Position may require occasional overnight or day travel

Competencies

Leading Others

• Managing Performance & Work Processes: Sets clear expectations, holds leaders accountable, and drives continuous improvement through strong performance management practices.
• Assessing & Growing Talent: Builds high-performing teams by selecting, developing, and empowering people to reach their full potential.
• Courageous Leadership: Leads with integrity, addresses challenges directly, and makes difficult decisions aligned with organizational values.
• Complex Decision Making: Applies sound judgment in fast-paced, high-pressure, and ambiguous situations.
• Emotional Intelligence: Demonstrates empathy, self-awareness, and strong interpersonal skills to build trust and foster an inclusive, respectful workplace.

Education, Experience Requirements, and Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field
• 12+ years of progressive HR leadership experience, including senior or executive‑level roles
• Demonstrated experience partnering with executive leadership teams
• Strong knowledge of employment law, HR best practices, and organizational development
• Master's degree (MBA, MHRM, or equivalent) preferred
• Experience supporting growth, transformation, or multi‑site organizations
• SHRM‑SCP, SPHR, or similar professional certification

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• This position may be required to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Able to lift, carry, or otherwise move and position a minimum of 20 pounds on an occasional basis.
• Manual dexterity to operate a computer and other common office equipment on a constant basis.
• Auditory and visual ability to operate computers, phones, mobile devices, and basic office equipment on a constant basis.
• Ability to work for extended periods of time sitting, bending, reaching, and speaking on a constant basis.
• Ability to work for extended periods of time standing, walking, kneeling, pushing, and pulling on an occasional basis.
• Talking and hearing occur continuously in the process of communicating with guests, supervisors, and other employees.

The base salary range below represents the low and high end of the salary range