Director, People Programs/Human Resources in Los Angeles, California at VERVE

Verve is a premier talent agency representing some of the most sought-after storytellers in film, television, publishing, and digital - and we're ready to bring on a Director of People who's done being the number two. If you've spent the last several years building the engine and you're ready to own it, this is your seat.

This role is both strategic partner to the C-suite and hands-on executor of day-to-day people operations - from the moment someone applies to the moment they move on. You'll bring structure, sound judgment, and a genuine point of view on how a culture-forward agency attracts, develops, and keeps great people.

People strategy & leadership

Partner with the C-suite on org design, workforce planning, and senior people decisions. Champion DEIB initiatives agency-wide. Bring a real point of view - not just process - to how Verve grows its team.

Recruitment & talent management

Own end-to-end hiring across assistants, and support staff - plus onboarding, performance review cycles, succession planning, peer recognition, and year-end planning. Build career paths and retention strategies tailored to entertainment.

Employee relations

Lead all ER matters - performance management, conflict resolution, investigations, and disciplinary actions - with empathy and compliance. Navigate the distinct dynamics of a talent agency environment with professionalism and discretion. Be the trusted resource managers and employees actually turn to.

Culture programming

Model and reinforce Verve's values through programming that makes this a place people are proud to work - team rituals, milestone moments, DEIB initiatives, and internal events that reflect who we are and where we're going.

HR operations & compliance

Own HR policies, employee handbook, compensation, benefits, payroll, and HR systems (Paylocity a plus). Ensure full compliance with California labor law and federal and local requirements. Partner with external legal counsel on employment matters as needed.

Change management & scaling

Lead the people side of growth, restructuring, and operational change. Use data and employee feedback to improve programs continuously. Scale HR infrastructure to keep pace with an ambitious, fast-moving agency.

Professional development

Experience building L&D programs, leadership development, or skills frameworks tailored to creative or entertainment environments is a real advantage here.

Competitive salary commensurate with experience. Health, dental & vision, 401(k) · Unlimited PTO. Industry event access.

Required

• 4+ years of progressive HR experience, including 2+ years in a senior manager or director-level role
• Strong command of HR fundamentals: employee relations, compliance, talent management
• Proven ability to handle sensitive, complex ER matters with excellent judgment and discretion
• Deep knowledge of California employment law
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills across all levels of an org
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Strongly preferred

• Experience in entertainment, media, talent representation, or a closely related creative industry
• Familiarity with the culture and dynamics of talent agencies, studios, networks, or production companies
• A track record of building culture programs people actually look forward to - not just events, but moments that reinforce how the team sees itself
• Hands-on mindset: comfortable being both strategic advisor and day-to-day executor
• Experience scaling HR in a high-growth or fast-paced environment
• Paylocity or comparable HRIS experience.

This is a full-time, in-person role located in Los Angeles, CA. Employment is contingent upon the candidate's eligibility to work in the United States in accordance with applicable law.