Director of Human Resources

The Texas Tribune is hiring a Director of Human Resources to support a staff of 85 at a 15-year-old, globally celebrated, award-winning nonprofit news organization located in downtown Austin. The HR Director builds trusting relationships across the organization and leads from a place of personal integrity and fairness. This person is responsible for full management and oversight of the human resources function — leading with high energy, passion, a sense of fun, and a belief in our nonpartisan mission. The culture of our office is professional but relaxed and modern — in many ways, we’re still the scrappy, tech-forward start-up we once were.

The Human Resources Director reports to the CEO and is a member of the senior management team. Compensation will depend on experience; the minimum is $115,000.

This position is located in Austin, TX.

Organizational Strategy

• Provide organizational leadership as a key member of the senior management team, advising on the most important aspect of our business: the people.
• Develop a compensation strategy, with pay scales that accurately reflect market data and internal ranges that help guide a clear, equitable, and transparent compensation philosophy.
• Represent the Tribune in union negotiations, working closely with attorneys and the CEO to reach a fair collective bargaining agreement.
• Lead the Tribune’s diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, with a key strategic focus on building a staff that better reflects the population of the state of Texas and cultivating a workplace where staff have the support and resources to grow professionally.

Talent Development

• Lead all aspects of the recruiting and hiring processes, including development of job descriptions and postings, interviewing, negotiating, and onboarding.
• Develop and implement effective training and mentorship programs.
• Lead organizational performance management process, including annual performance reviews, interim performance check-ins, and performance improvement plans.
• Provide in-house professional development opportunities for staff on an ongoing basis, and help identify external development opportunities.
• Draft and execute agreements for independent contractors, separation agreements, and vendor relationships as needed.
• Guide the process for employee separations, including termination meetings, separation logistics, and severance arrangements as needed.

Employee Relations

• Mediate, coach, and counsel managers and staff in conflict resolution as needed.
• Support employees in navigating workplace challenges, with an emphasis on problem-solving.
• Contribute to cultivating a culture of excellence and mutual respect.

Compliance and Logistics

• Keep up-to-speed on federal and state employment laws, ensuring compliance and updating policies accordingly.
• Collaborate with CFO to build annual headcount budget with an eye toward competitive compensation packages, industry trends, and external economic factors.
• Collaborate with the Tribune’s finance team to process payroll; approve payroll before submission.
• Handle all benefits enrollment and disenrollments, with support from insurance brokers.
• Manage 401(k) plan and vendor relationships; meet compliance and reporting standards.
• Manage the relationship with the Tribune’s payroll and benefits providers and ensure a competitive and cost-effective employee benefits package.

Qualifications

• 5-7 years of leadership experience in human resources
• Comprehensive knowledge of all facets of human resources, with in-depth knowledge of compliance and labor laws
• High emotional intelligence and excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build trusting relationships across the organization, leading from a place of personal integrity and fairness
• Experience recruiting and developing candidates from underrepresented groups
• Experience developing diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives
• Experience supporting senior leadership teams
• General business and financial acumen
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills
• News media or newsroom experience preferred

We know there are great candidates who won’t check all of these boxes, and we also know you might bring important skills that we haven’t considered. If that’s you, don’t hesitate to apply and tell us about yourself.

This is a full-time, exempt position with the following Tribune benefits:

• Cell phone stipend
• Medical, vision and dental insurance
• 20 days of paid time off each year
• 13 paid holidays each year
• 16 weeks of paid family leave
• 401(k) matching

How to Apply:

Click here to submit your resume and cover letter outlining your approach to the role by October 4. We can't wait to hear from you.

The Texas Tribune is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to diversity and building an inclusive environment for all, and we encourage applicants of all identities, backgrounds, ages, and abilities to apply. Learn more about The Texas Tribune here.