Director of Human Resources

Portland Japanese Garden – a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Portland, Oregon – is hiring for a Director of Human Resources (HR). The Director of HR is responsible for overseeing all HR functions of the organization, including hiring, onboarding, performance management, termination, compensation, benefits, and payroll. This role supports a current staff size of about 130 employees, across multiple campuses. The Director of HR is also responsible for overseeing the Human Resources Assistant, and reports to the Chief Financial Officer.

The Director of HR will initially be located at our remote office, just off the Sylvan exit of Highway 26, and may choose to work remotely up to two days per week. Upon completion of the Institute campus (2025), located approximately 3 miles from Portland Japanese Garden, the Director’s office is anticipated to relocate to the Institute campus. Travel to and from PJG’s primary campus in Washington Park, and its soon-to-be-developed secondary campus in NW Portland, is expected.

COVID-19 Vaccination Policy: For the safety of our staff, volunteers, and guests, Portland Japanese Garden requires all staff and volunteers to be vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus, including the initial booster vaccine. Candidates must be fully vaccinated by their hire date and must provide proof of vaccination upon hire.

Primary Duties

• Lead key HR initiatives, including HR policies, recruitment, hiring, orientation, compensation analysis, talent development, and employee relations
• Collaborate with Executive Team, by virtue of quarterly meetings, to understand the organization’s goals and strategies related to staffing, recruiting, performance management, and retention
• Provide initial and ongoing training to managers relating to performance management of their staff and disciplinary matters, including proper documentation
• Work with and advise managers on effective ways to motivate employees, communicate performance expectations, discuss employee performance, and recognize exemplary work
• Actively promote an inclusive and equitable work environment, participate in the organization’s DEI committee, and propose policies and practices that support the organization’s DEI efforts
• With assistance from the HR Assistant, oversee all aspects of the hiring and onboarding process, including conducting interviews and new-hire orientations
• Direct employee concerns to appropriate responders in the organization, ensure these concerns or complaints have been appropriately addressed and documented, and all necessary follow-up has been completed
• Work with insurance broker annually to negotiate renewal rates, and oversee benefits eligibility and enrollments, both during the annual open enrollment period, and as necessary for new hires
• Oversee all benefit enrollments and related, which are processed by the HR Assistant
• Process semi-monthly payroll, ensuring accuracy and timely submission (we currently use Paychex)
• Serve as back-up for entering payroll, when HR Assistant is out on PTO
• Provide ongoing training around company policies and procedures to staff
• Maintain knowledge of trends, best practices, regulatory changes, and new technologies in human resources, talent management, and employment law; apply this knowledge to advocate for changes in policy, practice, and resources to the Executive Team
• Ensure the Employee Handbook and internal forms are updated and consistent with current federal and state employment laws
• Track leaves of absence and ensure compliance with all leave laws – including FMLA, OFLA, and ADA – and obtain and verify supporting medical paperwork and information
• Process unemployment claims, and attend administrative hearings as needed
• Conduct exit interviews and oversee the completion of termination checklists
• Oversee the maintenance and organization of personnel files
• Lead or facilitate Staff Hospitality Committee to plan staff events and parties
• Develop and oversee budget for HR Department
• Supervise and support the HR Assistant
• Other periodic duties, as assigned

Other Responsibilities

• Familiarize oneself with the organization and the Employee Handbook
• Get to know fellow staff members, developing trust, establishing credibility, encouraging teamwork, and creating an atmosphere of open, honest, two-way communication
• Be welcoming and friendly with PJG volunteers, Board members, and visitors
• Maintain a high level of professionalism in manner and appearance
• Adhere to Garden Dress Code (business casual)

Qualifications
Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications as described in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the position, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and qualifications for this role.

• Minimum of 5 years of HR experience
• Minimum of 2 years of supervisory experience
• Prior experience in processing payroll preferred
• Thorough knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws
• Ability to handle sensitive information and maintain a high level of confidentiality
• Detail-oriented with exceptional organization skills
• Excellent time management skills, with a proven ability to meet deadlines
• Ability to remain flexible with shifting priorities
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Service orientation, actively looking for ways to help others
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel)

Special Requirements

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position and/or move about the Garden campuses for several hours
• Valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle to travel between the various Garden campuses (mileage reimbursement provided)

Compensation & Schedule

• Wage: $80,000-$85,000/year
• This is a full-time, salaried-exempt position, 40-45 hours per week. Shifts are typically 8:30am-5:00pm, Monday – Friday (includes a 30-minutes lunch break).
• Benefits:
• health, dental, and vision insurance (premium 100% covered for employees), with partial deductible reimbursement
• 401k plan (after 6 months, with 4% employer match after 1 year)
• flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care expenses
• paid vacation, sick, and holiday time
• free access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Applications
To apply, please submit a resume, cover letter, and three work-related references through our online Career Center. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please no phone calls or hand delivered applications. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.