PEOPLE SERVICES DIRECTOR (SENIOR HR LEADER)
Overview
We are seeking an experienced People Services Director to lead human resources strategy and operations at a 75-bed acute care hospital. This senior leadership role reports directly to the CEO and offers the opportunity to shape the future of healthcare in rural Nevada by nurturing a positive, engaged, and high-performing workforce of 200+ employees. This is a full-time, exempt position with relocation assistance available.
About the Role
As the People Services Director, you'll be the senior HR leader and strategic advisor to the CEO and executive leadership team. You'll drive initiatives that enhance employee engagement, support recruitment and retention, and ensure alignment with the hospital's strategic objectives. This role combines comprehensive HR operations management with strategic workforce planning in a multi-union healthcare environment.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic HR Leadership:
• Serve as the senior HR leader for the hospital and strategic advisor to the CEO and executive leadership team
• Partner with leaders across the organization to align workforce strategies with business and operational goals
• Lead employee engagement, retention, succession planning, and culture initiatives
• Analyze workforce metrics and trends to identify opportunities for improved engagement, retention, and operational effectiveness
• Develop and implement action plans based on workforce data and organizational needs
Labor Relations & Employee Relations:
• Oversee labor relations activities, including administration of collective bargaining agreements and union partnerships
• Participate in and/or lead union negotiations, grievance management, and employee relations matters
• Manage employee relations investigations, disciplinary matters, and conflict resolution
• Provide coaching and guidance to leaders on performance management, investigations, corrective action, and conflict resolution
• Ensure compliance with labor laws, regulatory requirements, and organizational policies
Recruitment, Retention & Workforce Planning:
• Direct recruitment, onboarding, workforce planning, and retention efforts to support staffing needs
• Support leadership development and succession planning across the facility
• Lead employee development and training initiatives
HR Operations & Compliance:
• Manage day-to-day HR operations, ensuring compliance with employment laws, policies, and healthcare regulations
• Oversee HR audits, reporting, documentation, leaves of absence, accommodations, and policy administration
• Develop, monitor, and manage departmental budgets and HR-related expenditures
• Supervise and develop HR team members while fostering a positive, high-performance work environment
Requirements
Education & Experience (Required):
• Bachelor's degree (preferably in HR, Business Administration, Healthcare Administration, Organizational Leadership, or related field)
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive HR leadership experience
• Experience leading HR functions across multiple disciplines including: Employee relations, labor relations, recruitment, compliance, performance management
• Experience supervising HR staff
• Experience managing investigations and employee relations issues
• Experience advising senior leadership teams
• Experience managing HR operations and compliance functions
• Demonstrated ability to influence leaders and drive organizational initiatives
• Strong communication, coaching, and conflict resolution skills
Experience (Strongly Preferred):
• Acute care hospital experience (strongly preferred)
• Healthcare HR leadership experience in hospitals or health systems with 100+ employees
• Direct union experience (strongly preferred)
• Experience administering collective bargaining agreements
• Experience handling grievances and arbitration preparation
• Experience participating in or leading union negotiations
• Multi-union environment experience
• Workforce planning and retention strategy experience
• Experience leading culture transformation and engagement initiatives
• HRIS and workforce analytics experience
Certifications (Preferred):
• HR Certifications (SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR)
Work Details
• Location: Elko, Nevada
• Position Level: Senior
• Reports To: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
• Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt
• Direct Reports: 1 HR support professional (minimum)
• Vacancies: 1
• Travel Required: No
• Remote Status: On-site required (location-specific)
• Visa Sponsorship: Not available
• Relocation Assistance: Available
Compensation & Benefits
• Competitive base salary commensurate with experience
• Comprehensive benefits package including:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance (multiple levels available)
- Life insurance, accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match
- Paid time off (PTO)
- Tuition assistance for higher education and certifications (including SHRM credentials)
- Mental, physical, and financial wellness programs
- Virtual care appointments and mental health services
- Discount programs
- Relocation assistance available
Why This Opportunity Stands Out
Strategic Leadership Role:
Report directly to the CEO and partner with the C-Suite on organizational strategy. Your decisions directly impact the hospital's success and culture.
People-First Mission:
Part of a healthcare delivery network committed to prioritizing employee well-being so they can provide exceptional patient care. Shape a positive, engaged workforce culture.
Rural Healthcare Impact:
Make a meaningful difference in healthcare delivery in rural Nevada. Lead a tight-knit, community-focused team at a respected acute care facility.
Comprehensive Scope:
Own all aspects of HR strategy, from recruitment and retention to labor relations, compliance, and culture transformation—not siloed tasks.
Multi-Union Environment:
Drive labor relations strategy in a complex, unionized healthcare setting with opportunities to lead negotiations and grow your expertise.
Professional Development:
Tuition assistance for certifications (SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR) supports continuous professional growth.
Community & Lifestyle:
Join a hospital that is part of the fabric of Elko and northeastern Nevada. Build relationships with healthcare leaders and community members.
Leadership Opportunity:
Supervise and develop HR team members while establishing HR best practices and processes that scale with organizational growth.
Screening Questions
• Describe your union/labor relations experience, including collective bargaining negotiations.
• What healthcare HR leadership experience do you have, specifically within hospitals or health systems?
• Have you served as the senior HR leader for a facility or business unit? Please describe the size and scope.
• Describe your experience handling employee relations investigations, grievances, and disciplinary matters.
• Are you willing to relocate to Elko, Nevada for an on-site leadership opportunity?
Interview Process
1. Division/Market HR Leadership Interview
2. CEO Interview
3. Key facility leaders (peer interview panel)