Director of Human Resources

Job Description
Join the team behind some of the most popular and award-winning comics in the industry. Dark Horse Comics has been publishing legendary titles and discovering new voices in comics for over three decades. Based in Milwaukie, Oregon, we're looking for a Human Resources leader to support our 140 talented team members.
The Opportunity
We're seeking an experienced Director of Human Resources to lead our HR function and cultivate an enriching workplace culture for our dedicated team. The teams include: accounting, business development, design, editorial, entertainment, finance, HR, IT, marketing, product development, production, retail, sales and warehousing. This is a critical role for the company. The Director of Human Resources will help lead and ensure that Dark Horse is a great place to work in the comics industry.
Reports to: Chief Operating Officer
Location: Milwaukie, Oregon (on-site)
Position Type: Full-time, Exempt
What You'll Do
Leadership
- Foster a positive and engaging workplace culture while ensuring compliance with employment laws and company policies
- Lead Dark Horse's HR function (payroll, benefits, compensation, performance management, workforce communications, company-wide events, etc.)
- Participate as a member of the HR Executive Committee, driving company-wide initiatives
- Regularly recommend improvements to HR policies, procedures, and practices
Management & Development
- Lead and mentor a team of 3 HR professionals, with an extra focus on their professional development and growth
- Create a collaborative, high-performance HR culture through effective delegation and team optimization
Operational Excellence
- Serve as the primary stakeholder for our HRIS system
- Drive performance management processes using HRIS
- Oversee bi-weekly payroll for accuracy
- Manage the comprehensive employee benefits programs and conduct annual benefit reviews
- Lead managers through recruitment and selection processes from job postings through onboarding
- Coordinate employee training and development programs, including compliance training
Employee Experience
- Provide exceptional internal customer service to employees and managers utilizing strong empathy, listening, and critical thinking skills.
- Plan and execute new hire orientation and support manager onboarding efforts
- Lead and collaborate to create memorable company meetings, events, and parties
- Maintain strict confidentiality in all matters relating to the employee experience
Compliance & Risk Management
- Ensure organizational compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws
- Lead implementation of company safety and health programs, including OSHA compliance
- Coordinate with legal counsel on employment matters, as needed
- Prepare and maintain HR reports and documentation
- Manage annual audit processes for payroll, benefits, and compliance
Requirements
What You Bring
Required Qualifications
- Education: Bachelor's degree in Business, Human Resources, or equivalent professional experience
- Experience: Minimum 8 years of progressive leadership experience in Human Resources
- Technical Skills: Proficiency utilizing an HRIS system (Paylocity preferred), Excellent skills in either Google Workplace or Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel)
- Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills with strong interpersonal abilities
- Leadership: Demonstrated ability to serve as a reliable resource to executive management teams
- Alignment with Core Values: transparent in our communications, a company that celebrates its successes, accountability, leaders in the industry, positive discourse, practice empathy, healthy competition, and we are team-oriented.
Preferred Qualifications
- Certifications: PHR/SPHR or SHRM-CP certification
- Specialized Knowledge: Training in employment laws, compensation, organizational development, employee relations, safety, and/or labor relations
- Industry Experience: Experience working in the creative or entertainment industries
Salary Description
$74,000-$85,000, with growth potential to $109,000