Walton Arts Center is seeking a Senior Director of Human Resources to serve as the organization’s most senior HR leader and strategic partner to executive leadership. This role will shape people strategy, culture, and workforce planning for an organization supporting approximately 111 full- and part-time employees and more than 750 seasonal employees.

About Walton Arts Center

At Walton Arts Center (WAC) and the Walmart AMP, we believe extraordinary arts and entertainment experiences are made possible by extraordinary people.

Serving Northwest Arkansas, Walton Arts Center operates in a fast-paced, high-energy environment supporting world-class performing arts and live entertainment.

Our work is guided by four core values: Relevance, Inclusivity, Sustainability, and Excellence. We are committed to creating a workplace where employees feel supported, valued, and empowered to contribute to our mission.

The Opportunity

This role is responsible for both the operational excellence of the HR function and the intentional development of Walton Arts Center’s workplace culture. The Senior Director will lead HR strategy, ensure strong people practices, and help cultivate an environment where employees can thrive while supporting the organization’s artistic mission and long-term sustainability.

This leader will oversee all HR functions—including employee relations, talent acquisition, payroll, benefits, and compliance—while also shaping leadership practices, employee engagement, and organizational health.

Key Responsibilities

Organizational Culture & Employee Experience

• Champion Walton Arts Center’s values and ensure they are reflected in leadership behaviors, policies, and the employee experience
• Lead initiatives that strengthen engagement, recognition, belonging, and retention
• Oversee employee engagement surveys and listening strategies, translating insights into meaningful action
• Partner with leadership to foster a healthy, high-trust workplace culture

Strategic Leadership

• Serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership on workforce strategy and organizational health
• Lead workforce planning for full-time, part-time, and seasonal employees
• Develop succession plans for key roles and leadership positions
• Establish HR metrics and dashboards that support data-informed decision-making

HR Operations & Compliance

• Oversee core HR functions including employee relations, recruiting, payroll, benefits, HRIS, and policy development
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local employment regulations (FLSA, FMLA, ADA, ACA, HIPAA, etc.)
• Lead complex employee relations investigations and provide guidance on sensitive personnel matters

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead and develop the HR team, including the Employee Experience Manager, HR Manager, and Payroll & HRIS Analyst
• Build strong cross-departmental partnerships to integrate effective people practices across the organization

Talent Acquisition & Development

• Oversee recruitment strategy for all employee groups, including large-scale seasonal hiring
• Ensure effective onboarding and employee development initiatives
• Partner with leadership to identify training opportunities and professional development solutions

Compensation, Benefits & Payroll

• Oversee compensation structures and benefits programs to ensure competitiveness, equity, and fiscal responsibility.
• Ensure payroll accuracy and strong internal controls
• Partner with Finance on budgeting, forecasting, and audits related to personnel costs

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging

• Lead and advance WAC’s belonging initiatives across recruitment, development, and workplace practices
• Support the Board of Directors’ Belonging Committee
• Promote inclusive workplace practices and ensure compliance with equal employment opportunity standards