Director of Human Resources

Full Time Regular

Cooperstown, NY, US

Requisition ID: 1236

Salary Range: $95,000.00 To $115,000.00 Annually

Location: Otesaga Resort

Reports To: General Manager

Classification: Full-Time, Exempt

Position Summary

The Director of Human Resources is responsible for leading all human resources functions for the property. This hands-on leadership role serves as a strategic business partner to hotel leadership while also managing day-to-day HR operations, including talent acquisition, employee relations, employee events and activities, payroll administration, benefits, compliance, performance management, and training initiatives.

The Director of Human Resources ensures the legal compliance and implementation of the organization’s mission and talent strategy. This position leads the way of “gracious hospitality” for all of our internal guests, our Associates.

The ideal candidate is an experienced hospitality HR professional who excels in creating exceptional employee experience while maintaining compliance with federal, state, and local employment regulations. This position requires a highly visible leader who supports a culture of service excellence, accountability, and employee engagement consistent with a luxury guest experience.

Why Join Us

This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact at a distinctive historic luxury property where exceptional employee experiences drive exceptional guest experiences. The Director of Human Resources serves as a key member of the leadership team and plays a vital role in preserving the property's culture, heritage, and commitment to service excellence.

This opportunity provides exception employer provided health benefits and a competitive salary with a range of $95,000 - $115,000 annually.

Key Responsibilities

Human Resources Leadership

• Develop and execute HR strategies that support business objectives, workforce planning, and employee retention.

• Serve as a trusted advisor to department leaders on employee relations, performance management, organizational effectiveness, and workforce issues.

• Foster a positive, inclusive, and service-oriented workplace culture.

• Lead employee engagement, recognition, and retention initiatives.

• Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive employee matters with discretion and professionalism.

• Recruits, hires and directly supervises the Human Resources staff.

Talent Acquisition & Onboarding

• Oversee recruitment, interviewing, selection, and onboarding processes for all hotel positions.

• Partner with senior leadership to identify staffing needs and develop effective recruitment strategies.

• Ensure a welcoming and engaging onboarding experience for all new hires.

• Maintain employment branding and recruiting partnerships within the local community and hospitality industry.

Employee Relations

• Investigate and resolve employee concerns, complaints, and workplace issues.

• Provide coaching and guidance to managers regarding performance management and corrective action processes.

• Facilitate conflict resolution and promote constructive employee-manager relationships. Provides employee counseling as needed

• Support disciplinary actions and terminations in compliance with company policies and employment laws.

• Leads the process of a yearly Associate Engagement Survey.

Payroll Administration

• Manage and oversee the weekly ADP payroll process for all hotel employees.

• Ensure accurate and timely processing of payroll, including wages, overtime, service charges, tips, bonuses, deductions, and paid time off.

• Audit payroll records and collaborate with department managers to ensure accuracy and compliance.

• Maintain payroll records and reporting requirements.

• Resolve payroll discrepancies and employee payroll inquiries promptly.

• Ensure compliance with wage and hour regulations, payroll tax requirements, and recordkeeping standards.

Benefits Administration

• Administer employee benefit programs, including health, dental, vision, retirement, leave programs, and wellness initiatives.

• Coordinate annual open enrollment and employee communications.

• Act as the primary point of contact for employee benefit questions and vendor relationships.

• Monitor benefit utilization and recommend enhancements as appropriate.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.

• Manage workers' compensation, unemployment claims, leave administration, and accommodation processes.

• Maintain employee personnel files and HR records in accordance with regulatory requirements.

• Conduct policy reviews and updates to maintain legal compliance and operational effectiveness.

• Ensure completion and maintenance of employment eligibility documentation and required labor notices.

Training & Development

• Develop and coordinate employee, including orientation, Town Hall meetings, Quarterly team celebrations, leadership development, compliance, and service excellence training.

• Support succession planning and internal promotion initiatives.

• Partner with leadership teams to identify skill gaps and learning opportunities.

HR Metrics & Reporting

• Analyze workforce data and provide reports on turnover, staffing levels, hiring trends, labor costs, and employee engagement.

• Utilize HR metrics to identify opportunities for operational improvement and workforce effectiveness.

• Develop recommendations to improve retention, productivity, and employee satisfaction.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Hospitality Management, or related field.

• Minimum 5-7 years of progressive human resources experience, including leadership responsibility.

• ADP HRIS and Payroll administration experience. Proficient with Microsoft Office suite.

• Strong knowledge of employment laws, wage and hour regulations, employee relations, and HR best practices.

• Experience managing confidential information and sensitive employee matters.

• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and conflict-resolution skills.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills.

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.

Preferred

• Hospitality, hotel, resort, or luxury service industry experience.

• SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR certification.

• Experience with employee engagement and culture-building initiatives.

Core Competencies

• Leadership and Relationship Building

• Payroll and HR Compliance Expertise

• Employee Relations and Conflict Resolution

• Strategic Thinking and Action Oriented

• Talent Acquisition and Retention

• Customer Service Orientation

• Communication and Influence

• Team Development

• Confidentiality and Professional Judgment

• Project and Change Management

Physical Requirements

• Ability to move throughout hotel property and attend meetings in multiple locations.

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, and use standard office equipment for extended periods.

• Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.

• Most work is performed indoors.