POSITION SUMMARY
The Director of People & Culture is a newly created leadership role at Ignite Dance Competition responsible for building and leading the organization’s people operations and talent infrastructure. This individual will directly manage all core human resources functions, including hiring, onboarding, training, employee and contractor development, feedback systems, and culture initiatives. This role oversees personnel for both the full-time team and a team of over 50 contractors.
This role requires someone who understands and supports the company’s broader vision while also rolling up their sleeves and executing day-to-day operational work. It is ideal for someone who enjoys building systems, thrives in both people-focused and operational environments, and is excited to make a meaningful impact within a growing organization.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Talent Acquisition & Workforce Management
- Lead and manage full-cycle hiring for the organization
- Manage and conduct onboarding and orientation for all new employees
- Maintain proper employee records, onboarding documentation, policies, and personnel processes in compliance with company standards and applicable employment laws
- Support employee relations matters, performance concerns, and separations when necessary
- Ensuring that HR practices comply with labor laws and regulations, managing HR-related risks and legal matters to protect the organization
- Serve as HR contact for all employees; proactively engage employees to improve working relationships, build morale, and increase productivity and retention; communicate openly and frequently, keeping staff informed on benefit resources, organizational events, and other pertinent information
- Manage all HR administration, including benefits programs; manage relationships with benefit brokers, coordinate annual Open Enrollment, and address employee benefits questions; propose additional benefit options pertinent to the organization’s workforce in partnership with the executive team
Event Teams
- Work alongside the CEO to determine seasonal contractor staffing needs
- Lead and manage the recruiting and hiring for Ignite’s contracted team based on need each season
- Manage contractor scheduling to ensure all events are appropriately staffed with qualified personnel
- Build, coordinate, and deliver Ignite’s contractor onboarding and training programs, ensuring they are consistent, thorough, and well-organized
- Serve as the primary point of contact for contractor onboarding, communication, and performance expectations
- Plan and coordinate contractor meals throughout the season
- Travel as a crew member to events throughout the competitive season to provide support to on-site event operations
Employee Development & Feedback
- Lead culture and engagement initiatives that support a positive, inclusive, and high-performing work environment
- Ensure the team member experience reflects the same level of care and intentionality as the studio experience
- Assess organizational needs; work with the Executive Team to identify professional learning and growth opportunities to support employees' ongoing professional development
- Design and implement a consistent feedback structure for both employees and contractors, including regular check-ins and performance reviews
- Steward a culture of accountability, communication, growth, and team support across the organization
Culture & Organizational Health
- Build and steward Ignite’s internal culture, recognition, and team engagement initiatives
- Serve as a trusted resource for employees and contractors navigating workplace questions or concerns
- Work alongside the CEO on company structure and strategy as the company grows
QUALIFICATIONS
Education & Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Development, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience considered
- 3+ years of experience in HR, people operations, or a related role
- Experience supporting or managing contractor/vendor workforces a strong plus
- Background in events, performing arts, or live production environments preferred
- Experience with travel coordination or event logistics a plus
Skills & Competencies
- A genuine passion for people - building relationships, developing talent, and creating cultures where individuals thrive
- Builder mentality: comfortable creating systems and processes from scratch with limited existing infrastructure
- Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple workstreams simultaneously
- Discretion and sound judgment when handling sensitive personnel matters
- Clear, professional communicator, both written and verbal
- Flexibility to adapt in a fast-growing, entrepreneurial environment
PHYSICAL & SCHEDULE REQUIREMENTS
- Willingness to travel up to 30% of the time
- Ability to work evenings and weekends during the competitive season as needed
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and remain on your feet for extended periods during event days
WORK ENVIRONMENT
This role is primarily remote, with the expectation that the employee is based within driving distance of Orangeburg, SC to support occasional in-person meetings, planning sessions, and operational needs. The position also requires approximately 30% travel for events and business related activities .
HOW TO APPLY
We'd love to hear from people who are energized by this challenge. Please submit your resume and a short cover letter sharing why this role speaks to you and what you'd bring to Ignite.
Send your application to: [email protected]
Ignite Dance Competition is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a diverse, inclusive team and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
Pay: From $70,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Professional development assistance
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Summerville, SC 29486
