Director of Human Resources bei Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

Description

Director of Human Resources

Reports to: CFO  

Department: Human Resources

Classification: Exempt

Date: October 2025  

Position Overview

The Director of Human Resources leads RMEF’s HR team, championing strategies that support the organization and culture, ensuring we attract, develop and retain top talent.  This role provides strategic management of all HR functions including talent acquisition, employee development and engagement, compensation and benefits, performance management, compliance and payroll. 

The Director of HR will play a key role in shaping the employee experience and workforce strategy for the organization. Working closely with RMEF leadership, this position will align HR programs with organizational goals, manage HR resources and foster a collaborative values-driven workplace where employees can thrive.   

Location: This position is based at RMEF’s Headquarters office in Missoula, MT

Essential Functions:

Strategic Leadership & Culture

• Work with supervisor and CEO to develop, communicate, and execute comprehensive HR strategies that align with organizational goals.
• Work closely with supervisor, CEO and other senior leaders to anticipate workforce needs, optimize organizational structures, and build leadership capacity.
• Lead initiatives to enhance employee engagement, retention, and workplace culture, ensuring alignment with RMEF’s values.

Talent Management & Development

• Responsible for full-cycle recruitment and onboarding. Partner with executive leadership on workforce planning for all levels of the organization.
• Drive leadership and professional development programs, including performance management systems and training initiatives. 
• Develop and execute employee engagement strategies and recognition programs.

Compensation and Benefits 

• Direct the design, administration, and communication of competitive and compliant compensation, benefits, and rewards programs.
• Partner with finance on budgeting and analysis related to compensation, benefits, and HR department 
• Ensure benefits programs are cost-effective, well-communicated, and aligned with organizational and employee needs.

Compliance, Employee Relations & Reporting

• Ensure organizational compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws.
• Oversee employee relations strategy, investigations, disciplinary processes, and conflict resolution.
• Maintain all required government and internal reporting, including demographic, payroll, and HR compliance reports.

HR Operations & Systems

• Lead the administration, optimization, and integration of HR technology systems.
• Oversee accurate and timely payroll processing.
• Ensure accurate data entry, reporting, and records management to support compliance, analytics, and decision-making.

Organizational Support & Special Initiatives

• Partner with executive leadership on organizational design, structuring, and staffing strategies.
• Oversee employee events, service awards, wellness programs, and employee branding initiatives.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Perform other duties as required.

Supervision of Others:   

Supervises Human Resource staff.

Education and Experience:

Bachelors’ degree in human resources, business administration, a related degree, or a combination of HR specific experience and HR specific certifications is required. Ten+ years progressive Human Resource experience with at least 5 years in a leadership role. Professional HR certification (PHR, SPHR, or SHRM-SCP) preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

1. Knowledge and support of RMEF’s mission and the organization.
2. Must have excellent interpersonal, coaching, problem-solving and oral/written communication skills.  
3. Ability to relate to all levels of staff and be able to develop a positive relationship with diverse groups of individuals.
4. Demonstrated leadership skills. Must demonstrate a high level of integrity and have the ability to develop respect and trust with staff and lead volunteers.    
5. Experience using sound judgment and discretion with complex and confidential matters.
6. Ability to work under pressure, juggle multiple tasks and conflicting deadlines simultaneously to respond to employee and organizational needs.
7. Excellent computer skills.
8. Ability to understand data and trends, and analyze information to provide recommendations.
9. Ability to present and train groups of staff. Ability to develop and implement training programs.
10. Strong customer service background and philosophy.
11. Knowledge of the modern principles, practices, methods and techniques of human resource administration. Must have the ability to be creative with Human Resource programs and implement change.
12. Must be a team player.
13. Ability to handle conflict and work under stressful, precarious circumstances.  
14. Demonstrated commitment to uphold HR codes of ethical and professional standards including honesty in communication, integrity in decision-making and strict adherence to confidentiality and date privacy requirements.  

Physical Demands:

The employee must sit or stand for long periods of time; use a computer terminal; reach forward and to the side; bend from both standing and sitting position; and lift items weighing various pounds, including some heavy lifting. Some travel may be required.