Director of People & Culture at Downtown Seattle Association – Seattle, Washington

The Director of People & Culture leads DSA’s people strategy, culture, and HR operations in support of a 210-person workforce, including a large frontline Ambassador team and second-chance employees. This role balances human-centered support and strong HR compliance, ensuring employees have clear access to the resources they need to succeed.

Reporting to the COO, the Director partners with executive leadership to align people practices with DSA’s mission and values, fostering a workplace where employees feel supported, accountable, and connected to the work of creating a healthy, vibrant downtown.

This role will be a peer to the functional leaders on the Directors team, with shared accountability for organizational outcomes and exemplifying cross-functional leadership. The Director of People & Culture will hold colleagues accountable for consistent and fair people practices, and will use a people-centered perspective in decision-making.

The Downtown Seattle Association is a fully in-office organization in support of our mission:

• Lead the People & Culture team, comprised of the Senior HR Manager, Recruiting/Payroll Coordinator, and Ambassador Resource Specialist.
• Oversee employee engagement, culture-building, and workforce support, particularly for employees navigating barriers to employment.
• Ensure effective HR operations, including policy administration, employee relations, compliance, and leave management.
• Design and manage compensation and benefits programs; serve as primary liaison with vendors and carriers.
• Thought leader on recruiting, onboarding, performance management, and professional development strategies.
• Partner with Directors and functional leaders as a peer to drive consistent, high-quality practices in recruiting, onboarding, performance management, and professional development across the organization.
• Provide strategic leadership for Ambassador workforce support, including training, advancement pathways, and community partnerships.
• Advance DSA’s DEI strategy across hiring, retention, and workplace culture.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to the COO and executive team on complex people matters.

• 7–10 years of progressive HR leadership experience, including 5+ years managing HR professionals.
• Experience across employee relations, HR policy, benefits/compensation, and talent development.
• Experience supporting frontline or mission-driven workforces; familiarity with trauma-informed or second-chance employment preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of employment law and HR best practices.
• Excellent judgment, communication skills, and ability to lead with empathy and accountability.

Compensation & Benefits

We would expect individuals hired into this position to make between $125k - $165k DOE

Benefits available at eligibility milestones

• Employee Health Insurance Coverage (2 options including fully employer funded)
• ORCA Card
• 401(k) up to 5% match
• Paid vacation days, accrual starting at 10 days/yr and building to 24 days/yr
• 10 paid holiday days
• 48 hours of personal holiday time
• 12 remote work days