Overview

ORGANIZATION:

Rainier Scholars is a comprehensive academic enrichment program that supports students of color over a 12-year journey – from 5th grade to college graduation. We seek to serve those who are most under-represented on college campuses and have the most significant number of barriers to achieving a college education: 85% qualify as low-income, 90% would be the first in their family to earn a college degree. Our program offers rigorous academics, leadership development and personalized support for scholars, providing access to educational pathways and myriad opportunities previously unimagined.

With a budget size of $10 million, a staff team of 50+ full-time employees and 675+ scholars and families whom we currently serve in Seattle and Tacoma, Rainier Scholars has established a positive brand for our unwavering commitment to education, proven success rate, and sustainable impact. We grow new generations of diverse college graduates, career professionals, and community leaders.

POSITION SUMMARY:

This role is vital in supporting the organization’s operations by aligning workforce management with business goals and fostering an inclusive, engaged, and value-driven organizational culture. The Director of People and Culture role combines strategic leadership with hands-on HR management in areas like talent acquisition, employee relations, performance management, compliance, and overall culture strategy. The Director serves as a cultural steward, leading initiatives reinforcing the mission, strengthening employee connections, and ensuring a compliant work environment. This role supervises the HR and Operations Manager, providing guidance and support in compliance with HR administration and labor law.

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic HR Leadership (30%)

  • Partner with the COO and senior leaders to design and execute innovative HR strategies that fuel organizational growth and mission alignment.
  • Lead initiatives to enhance workplace culture, champion diversity, equity, and inclusion, and foster employee engagement.
  • Provide expertise in talent development, change management, workforce planning, and leadership development.

Performance Management (20%)

  • Implement a robust performance management system emphasizing continuous feedback and professional growth.
  • Mentor supervisors to deliver meaningful evaluations and support career development for their teams.
  • Guide succession planning to build future leadership pipelines.
  • Address employee relations issues, providing guidance and conflict resolution aligned with organizational values.

Compensation and Benefits (20%)

  • Design and oversee competitive and equitable compensation and benefits policies that attract and retain top talent while ensuring financial sustainability.
  • Regularly review salary bands and benefits to stay competitive within the nonprofit sector.

Talent Acquisition and Employee Retention (10%)

  • Develop and implement strategies to attract, onboard, and retain high-performing, mission-aligned talent. In addition, conduct exit interviews for organizational improvements.
  • Refine recruitment and onboarding processes to reflect organizational values and goals.
  • Lead retention strategies that ensure Rainier Scholars remains an employer of choice in the nonprofit sector.

Employee Engagement and Wellness (10%)

  • Build and execute initiatives to enhance employee engagement, satisfaction, and well-being.
  • Facilitate staff development programs, leadership training, and wellness activities.
  • Create opportunities for employee feedback and drive solutions that strengthen collaboration and morale.
  • Ensure clear communication channels within the HR department and across the organization.

Compliance and Risk Management (10%)

  • Ensure HR policies comply with federal, state, and local labor laws and align with organizational values.
  • Proactively monitor legal and industry changes, adapting practices as needed.
  • Generate regular reports on HR metrics and key performance indicators for leadership evaluation.

This job description will change as our team continues to grow and evolve. We are seeking a candidate that is excited to evolve with us as we scale and increase our impact.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Leadership Experience: 7+ years of progressive HR experience, including 3+ years in a leadership role within a mission-driven organization.
  • Strategic Vision: Proven ability to design and implement people-focused strategies that align with organizational goals.
  • DEI Commitment: Demonstrated ability to lead equity-focused initiatives and cultivate inclusive workplace cultures.
  • HR Expertise: Strong knowledge of HR best practices, labor laws, and compliance requirements.
  • Relationship Builder: Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to engage and inspire diverse teams.
  • Results-Oriented: Track record of success in talent acquisition, performance management, and employee engagement.
  • Education/Certification: Advanced degree or HR certification (SHRM-SCP, SPHR) preferred—proficiency in computer software including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and human resources software.
  • Organizational Skills: Ability to complete multiple tasks concurrently on time with competing priorities and multiple deadlines.
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