Director of Human Resources
Location: Pasadena, CA (Onsite)
Salary Range: $135,000 – $160,000 annually
About the Role
The Norton Simon Museum seeks an experienced and collaborative Director of Human Resources to lead all aspects of the Museum’s human resources function. This is a hands-on senior role for an HR professional who thrives in a mission-driven environment and enjoys partnering with leadership to support organizational effectiveness, employee engagement, talent management, compliance and culture.
Reporting to the Senior Vice President of Operations and Strategy, the Director of Human Resources will serve as a trusted advisor across the organization, overseeing HR operations while hiring, managing and mentoring an HR coordinator. The ideal candidate brings broad HR expertise, strong interpersonal and change management skills and experience supporting a diverse workforce. Experience in a museum or nonprofit organization is highly preferred.
Primary Responsibilities:
· Lead and manage all human resources functions, including employee relations, payroll, recruitment, onboarding, separations, performance management, compensation, benefits administration, training and development, compliance and reporting.
· Serve as a strategic partner to leadership on workforce planning, organizational development, employee engagement and HR best practices.
· Ensure compliance with federal, state and local employment laws and regulations.
· Oversee employee relations matters and provide guidance on workplace issues, investigations, and conflict resolution.
· Manage and develop HR policies, procedures and programs that support the Museum’s mission and values.
· Supervise and mentor one HR Coordinator.
· Partner with managers on talent acquisition, succession planning and employee development initiatives.
· Analyze HR metrics and trends to inform decision-making and continuous improvement efforts.
· Lead or support HR technology initiatives, including HRIS selection and implementation, optimization and process improvements.
· Manage relationships with external vendors, consultants and benefit providers.
· Foster a positive, inclusive and engaging workplace culture.
Qualifications:
· Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or a related field preferred.
· 7–10 years of progressive human resources experience, with increasing levels of responsibility required.
· Demonstrated experience as an HR generalist with broad functional expertise across multiple HR disciplines.
· Prior supervisory or management experience, including direct oversight of HR staff.
· Experience supporting nonprofit organizations, museums, cultural institutions or other mission-driven organizations strongly preferred.
· HRIS implementation experience strongly preferred.
· Strong knowledge of federal and California employment law and HR compliance requirements is a must.
· Excellent communication, coaching, conflict resolution and relationship-building skills required.
· Professional HR certification (SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR, or equivalent) is a plus.
Compensation & Benefits:
- Competitive salary of $135,000–$160,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
- Benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement savings program including employer-funded defined contribution plan and 403(b) plan, and vacation accrual starting at 15 days per year.
- Professional development support, including funding for relevant HR conferences, workshops and continuing education opportunities.
- Opportunity to contribute to a respected cultural institution with a strong commitment to excellence and community engagement.
The Norton Simon Museum is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in its workforce. We encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds and experiences to apply.
About the Norton Simon Museum
The Norton Simon Museum is known around the world as one of the most remarkable private art collections ever assembled. Over a thirty-year period, industrialist Norton Simon (1907–1993) amassed an exquisite collection of European art from the Renaissance to the 20th century and South and Southeast Asian art spanning 2,000 years. The Museum is located in Pasadena, California, just steps from the bustling Old Pasadena district known for its shops and restaurants, and adjacent to the vibrant neighborhoods of northeast Los Angeles, Glendale and South Pasadena. The Museum is easily accessible by public transportation and freeways and has free parking for all staff and guests. Its approximately 50 full-time and 90 part-time employees work together to protect, preserve and interpret the art collection and to ensure that each visitor has a memorable, informative and enjoyable experience onsite.
Pay: $135,000.00 - $160,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
