Assistant Director of Human Resources

JOB SUMMARY

The Assistant Director of Human Resources is a key strategic partner and trusted extension of the Director of Human Resources, responsible for helping to lead the department in alignment with Sanctuary’s mission to attract, engage, and retain exceptional talent. This highly visible role ensures the seamless execution of daily HR operations while actively contributing to long-term initiatives that strengthen workplace culture, compliance, and team development.

As a proactive and people-driven leader, the Assistant Director serves as a vital resource for both team members and leadership, fostering connection, trust, and collaboration across all levels of the organization. This individual is expected to step in confidently when the Director is unavailable and to provide hands-on support across all HR functions, including covering Human Resources Coordinator responsibilities when needed. The ideal candidate is self-motivated, solutions-oriented, and committed to excellence in service, with a strong grasp of employment law, HR best practices, and employee experience strategy.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Note: The following responsibilities are representative but not all-inclusive.

Leadership & Department Support

• Act as the primary support to the Director of Human Resources, helping drive departmental initiatives, execute strategic priorities, and ensure continuity of leadership in their absence.
• Provide daily oversight of HR functions including recruitment, benefits, employee relations, and compliance.
• Act as HR department lead in the Director’s absence, including attending leadership meetings and making department decisions as appropriate.
• Foster a collaborative and high-performing HR team environment.
• Mentor and support the Human Resources Coordinator and ensure their responsibilities are fulfilled when needed.

Talent Acquisition & Onboarding

• Lead recruitment efforts for all exempt positions, ensuring hiring practices are consistent, inclusive, and aligned with company values.
• Oversee onboarding to create a positive and seamless experience for new hires.
• Develop and implement recruitment strategies to attract top-tier hospitality talent.

Employee Relations & Engagement

• Serve as a visible and approachable HR presence for all team members.
• Address employee concerns with professionalism and empathy, ensuring timely and confidential resolution.
• Support the implementation of employee engagement programs and culture initiatives.

Benefits & Leave Administration

• Administer benefit plans including health, dental, vision, life, 401(k), and short-term disability, ensuring employee understanding and compliance.
• Oversee leave management processes including FMLA, ADA, and Workers’ Compensation, ensuring compliance and compassionate support.
• Ensure accurate and timely processing of benefit invoices, COBRA notifications, and benefit documentation in accordance with HIPAA regulations.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure HR practices align with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• Conduct internal audits and policy reviews to maintain compliance and minimize organizational risk.
• Support investigations and corrective actions as needed in accordance with legal standards and Sanctuary’s values.

Operational Excellence

• Recommend and implement improvements to HR policies, procedures, and systems.
• Support compensation planning, pay practices, and wage compliance efforts.
• Maintain accurate employee records and HRIS data, utilizing systems such as ADP Workforce Now.
• Perform additional duties as requested by the Director of Human Resources.

PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCIES

The individual must possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities and be able to explain and demonstrate that he/she can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skills and abilities.

• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills; able to build rapport and trust at all levels.
• Strong leadership presence with the ability to influence and inspire.
• Exceptional organizational and project management abilities.
• Discreet, ethical, and consistent in judgment and action.
• Self-motivated with a “can-do” attitude and willingness to take initiative.
• Calm under pressure and capable of managing sensitive situations with discretion and care.
• Embody Sanctuary’s mission, vision, and values.
• Serve as a role model of professionalism, service, and care.
• Practice open, honest, and timely communication across all levels.
• Promote a culture of respect, inclusion, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Prioritize the well-being, safety, and development of our team members.

QUALIFICATIONS