Job Title

Senior Director of Human ResourcesWalton Arts Center | Fayetteville, ArkansasSalary Range: $105,000 - $128,000 annually, based on experience.Walton Arts Center is seeking a Senior Director of Human Resources to serve as the organization's most senior HR leader and strategic partner to executive leadership. This role will shape people strategy, culture, and workforce planning for an organization supporting approximately 111 full- and part-time employees and more than 750 seasonal employees.About Walton Arts CenterAt Walton Arts Center (WAC) and the Walmart AMP, we believe extraordinary arts and entertainment experiences are made possible by extraordinary people.Serving Northwest Arkansas, Walton Arts Center operates in a fast-paced, high-energy environment supporting world-class performing arts and live entertainment.Our work is guided by four core values: Relevance, Inclusivity, Sustainability, and Excellence. We are committed to creating a workplace where employees feel supported, valued, and empowered to contribute to our mission.The OpportunityThis role is responsible for both the operational excellence of the HR function and the intentional development of Walton Arts Center's workplace culture. The Senior Director will lead HR strategy, ensure strong people practices, and help cultivate an environment where employees can thrive while supporting the organization's artistic mission and long-term sustainability.This leader will oversee all HR functions-including employee relations, talent acquisition, payroll, benefits, and compliance-while also shaping leadership practices, employee engagement, and organizational health.Key ResponsibilitiesOrganizational Culture & Employee ExperienceChampion Walton Arts Center's values and ensure they are reflected in leadership behaviors, policies, and the employee experienceLead initiatives that strengthen engagement, recognition, belonging, and retentionOversee employee engagement surveys and listening strategies, translating insights into meaningful actionPartner with leadership to foster a healthy, high-trust workplace cultureStrategic LeadershipServe as a trusted advisor to executive leadership on workforce strategy and organizational healthLead workforce planning for full-time, part-time, and seasonal employeesDevelop succession plans for key roles and leadership positionsEstablish HR metrics and dashboards that support data-informed decision-makingHR Operations & ComplianceOversee core HR functions including employee relations, recruiting, payroll, benefits, HRIS, and policy developmentEnsure compliance with all federal, state, and local employment regulations (FLSA, FMLA, ADA, ACA, HIPAA, etc.)Lead complex employee relations investigations and provide guidance on sensitive personnel mattersLeadership & Team DevelopmentLead and develop the HR team, including the Employee Experience Manager, HR Manager, and Payroll & HRIS AnalystBuild strong cross-departmental partnerships to integrate effective people practices across the organizationTalent Acquisition & DevelopmentOversee recruitment strategy for all employee groups, including large-scale seasonal hiringEnsure effective onboarding and employee development initiativesPartner with leadership to identify training opportunities and professional development solutionsCompensation, Benefits & PayrollOversee competitive and equitable compensation and benefits programsEnsure payroll accuracy and strong internal controlsPartner with Finance on budgeting, forecasting, and audits related to personnel costsDiversity, Equity, Inclusion & BelongingLead and advance WAC's belonging initiatives across recruitment, development, and workplace practicesSupport the Board of Directors' Belonging CommitteePromote inclusive workplace practices and ensure compliance with equal employment opportunity standardsQualificationsEducationBachelor's degree requiredAdvanced degree preferredProfessional HR certification preferred (SPHR or SHRM-SCP)Experience10-15 years of progressive human resources leadership experienceDemonstrated success managing HR operations while influencing organizational cultureExperience supporting complex or seasonal workforces strongly preferredExperience in nonprofit, arts, entertainment, or mission-driven organizations is a plusKey CompetenciesStrategic thinking and strong business acumenExceptional interpersonal and communication skillsHigh emotional intelligence and leadership presenceProven ability to partner with senior leaders and influence decision-makingSound judgment, discretion, and strong integrityWork EnvironmentThis role supports operations across Walton Arts Center venues and events. Occasional evening, weekend, and event-related work may be required, along with travel between facilities.Why Join Walton Arts Center?At Walton Arts Center, our employees play a vital role in bringing arts and entertainment to life for the Northwest Arkansas community. As Senior Director of Human Resources, you will help shape the culture and people strategies that support our mission and ensure our organization remains a place where talented individuals want to work and grow.We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.