Director of People & Culture (HR Director)

Company Description

Kissel Uptown Oakland, in the Unbound Collection by Hyatt, is a luxury hotel located in the heart of Uptown Oakland. The hotel has 168 rooms and suites and over 9,000 sq ft of meeting and event space across four venues. Kissel strikes the perfect balance between style and comfort, being the ideal place for locals to commune and travelers to get a genuine taste of The Town. We are located adjacent to the Hive Entertainment & Dining District and just four blocks from the 19th street BART station.

Role Description

This is a full-time role for a Director of People & Culture. The Director will oversee all aspects of HR and employee engagement, including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, compensation and benefits, employee development, diversity and inclusion, and company culture. In addition, this position will require a large emphasis on creating strategies to help attract and retain talent that supports our goal of being the preeminent lifestyle hotel in Oakland. At a broad stroke, responsibilities fall into four key areas: culture, whole person focus, talent acquisition and general people and culture responsibilities. Skills and Experience the right candidate will be:

• Culture Architect: Drives engagement, inclusivity, and leadership development through events, programs, and communication aligned with Evo’s values.

• Team Advocate: Creates a welcoming experience (meaningful onboarding, FAQs), supports personal well-being (EAP, spouse info), and fosters growth (development, coaching), leveraging local perks and conveniences.

• Talent Magnet: Attracts top talent through local connections, strong branding, social media savvy, and leadership coaching on selection and assessment.

• Compliance Champion: Partners with leaders to ensure managers understand regulations, guides them on HR programs & inquiries, and maintains compliance for a smooth employee experience.

Qualifications

• A minimum of five years’ HR management experience with expertise in recruitment, onboarding, performance management, compensation and benefits, employee development, diversity and inclusion, and company culture.
• Possess strong communication and listening skills, excellent speaking, reading and writing skills, with the ability to influence and inspire others
• Strong computer skills including intermediate or above knowledge of Microsoft Office programs
• Ability to consistently display courtesy, etiquette, warmth and enthusiasm on the phone and in person
• Experience working in a unionized environment, preferably in the hospitality industry
• Multiple language abilities preferred. Fluency in English required and Spanish desired
• Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business Administration, or related field is a plus
• SHRM certification is a plus

Kissel Uptown Oakland, in the Unbound Collection by Hyatt