Director of Human Resources

About the Role

The Human Resources Director will be a strategic partner to leadership, aligning HR practices with organizational goals while overseeing the daily operations of the HR department. You’ll ensure SAM remains a welcoming, inclusive, and compliant workplace by:

• Leading day-to-day HR operations and providing responsive support to staff and leaders.
• Developing and implementing policies, processes, and initiatives that support SAM’s mission and talent strategy.
• Overseeing HR programs including compensation, benefits, leave, performance management, and workplace safety.
• Advising leaders on recruitment (including senior roles), employee relations, and organizational change.
• Ensuring compliance with employment laws and keeping policies and the employee handbook current.
• Staying informed on HR trends and best practices to strengthen SAM’s approach.
• Managing departmental resources and budget.

Additionally, you’ll contribute to SAM’s focus on exceptional, inclusive service and participate in institutional learning to advance antiracism, cultural competency, and equity values in our daily work.

FSLA STATUS: Full Time, Exempt

REPORTS TO: Chief People Officer

COMPENSATION: $128,000 - $140,000

WORK SCHEDULE

This role is typically scheduled to business hours Monday - Friday. However, the needs of this role require a willingness to work a flexible schedule in support of the department or organization as self-directed or directed by your supervisor. Please connect with your Recruiter or Manager for more information about SAM’s current hybrid work policy and expectations. SAM’s hybrid work policy is subject to change.

BENEFITS

Benefits include a fully employer paid HMP medical plan or an employee contribution PPO plan, dental, vision, and basic life insurance/LTD/AD&D, Flexible Spending Account, Short Term Disability, Supplemental Dental Insurance and participation in SAM’s 403b retirement plan.

Following 1 year of service and 1,000 hours worked, SAM makes a discretionary 3% employer contribution regardless of participation and provides an employer match program. Historically, this contribution has been made annually.

Additional benefits include paid time off for vacation, PSST, bereavement leave, and jury duty, 11 scheduled holidays, 1 paid floating holiday, a subsidized unlimited Orca card, onsite fitness facility, and an EAP. FT Staff also receive a Patron level membership to SAM, a Tier III membership to the American Alliance of Museums and discounts to museum shop and programming.

ABOUT SAM

Seattle Art Museum’s vision is to be the museum for all of Seattle—a bold, dynamic hub of creativity, belonging, and cultural leadership, shaping the future of art and community.  To create a welcoming community where people find inspiration and discover our common humanity through exceptional art and dynamic, engaging programs. Art is always at the start and heart of what we do. Collecting, conserving, and displaying extraordinary works of art is the governing motivation of our museum. So too is fostering a vigorous exchange of ideas while cultivating connection with the broad array of communities we serve. As the leading visual arts institution in the Pacific Northwest, SAM shares its global connections, powerful exhibitions, and dynamic programs to engage, educate, and inspire. SAM is a vibrant, three-site organization that is supported by 365 employees, 10 executive leaders, and more than 200 volunteers.

WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We’re seeking a leader with both strategic insight and hands-on expertise—someone who thrives in complex, people-centered work and models fairness, discretion, and empathy.

• Expertise in coaching leaders, navigating sensitive conversations, and building trust through transparency and integrity.
• Strong emotional intelligence to balance organizational needs with employee well-being.
• Proven ability to translate complex HR and compliance issues into clear, actionable guidance.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Supervisory experience with the ability to lead and inspire a team.
• Deep knowledge of U.S. employment laws and HR best practices.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to quickly learn HRIS, ATS, and LMS systems.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field required.
• 10+ years of progressive human resources with deep expertise in a business partner or generalist role, working with all levels of the organization, including senior leadership.
• 5+ years management experience required, ability to coach and influence leaders
• Strong knowledge of U.S. employment laws, leave administration, benefits regulations, and compliance frameworks.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree or certification in Human Resources (e.g. SHRM, SPHR, CCP, CERP)
• Experience in the non-profit sector, preferably arts and culture
• Skilled spreadsheet creation, management and data collection

WORK CONDITIONS

Exposure: Work areas are primarily inside, in a climate-controlled environment with moderate background noise.  

Stationary Work: Approximately 80% of time is spent stationery while working at a desk. Balance of time (approximately 20%) is spent moving around the work area. Occasional extended periods of standing may be required when facilitating or participating in Museum activities.

Communication:  Clear and effective verbal and written communication in English with trustees, the public, and co-workers is necessary. 

Vision: Ability to effectively use a computer screen and interpret printed materials, memos and other appropriate paperwork. 

Office Work: Ability to effectively and regularly operate a computer, keyboard, telephone, and other office productivity machinery, such as copy machines and printers, and ability to inspect, prepare and use paperwork, files, equipment, and supplies is necessary. 

ACCOMODATION

If you need assistance applying for a role due to a disability or additional need, please let us know at [email protected].

The Seattle Art Museum will consider reasonable accommodations for all employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions/duties of this position.  If you need an accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact [email protected].  For candidates, we ask that, if possible, you wait until you're invited to a screen, online technical assessment or interview before requesting an accommodation.