APPLY ONLINE:

https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=1e34a693-c727-4bad-a375-635146a58b08&ccId=9200737112200_2&type=JS&lang=en_US&jobId=562841

TITLE: Director of Human Resources and EDI 

WORK STATUS: Full-Time

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

LOCATION: 30 Grant Avenue, San Francisco, CA

SALARY: $150,000 – $185,000

REPORTS TO: Executive Director

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:
Yes, direct supervision of HR team and cross-functional leadership influence

SCHEDULE: Hybrid

WORK SCHEDULE & HOURS:

A general schedule of standard business hours (Monday–Friday). Due to the nature of a performing arts organization, this role requires regular flexibility, including evenings and occasional weekends to support performances, events, and organizational needs. The Director is expected to adjust their schedule accordingly to ensure consistent leadership presence and partnership across the organization.

The Director is expected to maintain a strong on-site presence (approximately 3–5 days per week) to effectively partner with staff and leadership. Limited remote work flexibility is available based on business needs and schedule demands.

ABOUT A.C.T.

Founded in 1965, American Conservatory Theater (A.C.T.) is one of the nation’s leading nonprofit theaters and a cornerstone of San Francisco’s cultural life. For six decades, A.C.T. has been dedicated to producing bold and innovative theater, nurturing new voices, and engaging audiences through transformative artistic experiences.

The organization is in an exciting period of leadership transition following the exit of long-time Executive Director in August of 2025, and the exit of Artistic Director Pam MacKinnon, who will depart on June 30. The organization is being led in this transition by David Schmitz, Interim Executive Director.  During this time, the organization continues to present a dynamic season of contemporary plays, musicals, world premieres, and reimagined classics. Performances take place at the historic Toni Rembe Theater in Union Square and The Strand Theater in San Francisco’s Mid-Market district. A.C.T. is equally committed to education and artist development through the Young Conservatory (YC)—one of the most respected theater training programs for young people in the country—A.C.T. provides rigorous artistic training, scholarships, and performance opportunities for students across the Bay Area.

As A.C.T. enters its 60th Anniversary, this moment of transition presents an opportunity to reimagine the organization’s artistic and organizational future while deepening its commitment to community, equity, and impact.

POSITION PURPOSE:

The Director of Human Resources & Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) is a strategic and operational leader responsible for advancing A.C.T.’s people strategy and embedding equity across all aspects of the organization.

This role partners closely with executive leadership and department heads to:

• Build a high-performing, inclusive, and accountable workplace culture
• Lead all core HR functions, including employee relations, talent management, compliance, compensation, and benefits
• Drive and operationalize A.C.T.’s EDI strategy across internal culture, systems, and external impact

This role is both strategic and hands-on, requiring a leader who can set vision while executing effectively in a complex, mission-driven environment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES:

HR Strategy & Organizational Leadership

• Serve as a trusted advisor to the Executive Director and senior leadership team
• Develop and implement HR strategies aligned with organizational goals and artistic mission
• Lead organizational design, workforce planning, and change management initiatives
• Strengthen leadership capability through coaching, performance management, and development

HR Operations & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, including California regulations
• Oversee HR systems (ADP, Cognito, SharePoint), data integrity, and reporting
• Lead audits (wage and hour, benefits, workers’ compensation, etc.)
• Develop and maintain HR policies, procedures, and employee handbook

Employee Relations & Culture

• Lead complex employee relations matters, investigations, and conflict resolution
• Partner with leadership to foster a culture of trust, accountability, and psychological safety
• Partner with managers to address performance issues and support team effectiveness
• Ensure consistent, fair, and legally compliant employment practices

Talent Management & Total Rewards

• Oversee recruitment strategies that expand diverse candidate pipelines
• Lead performance management, succession planning, and career pathway development
• Ensure equitable and competitive compensation practices
• Oversee benefits, leave administration, and employee wellness programs

Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion Leadership

• Lead and evolve A.C.T.’s EDI strategy across all organizational areas: internal, foundation, and external impact
• Establish measurable goals, metrics, and accountability structures for EDI progress
• Partner with leadership to embed EDI into hiring, advancement, compensation, and culture
• Support and guide EDI committees, affinity groups, and cross-functional initiatives
• Expand EDI learning, communication, and engagement across the organization

Data, Metrics, & Organizational Effectiveness

• Use data to inform decision-making across HR and EDI initiatives
• Analyze workforce demographics, engagement, retention, and equity outcomes
• Partner with leadership to translate insights into actionable strategies

QUALIFICATIONS & QUALITIES:

Required Qualifications:

• 10+ years of progressive HR experience, including leadership roles
• Demonstrated experience leading EDI strategy and initiatives at an organizational level
• Deep expertise in employee relations, investigations, and California employment law
• Experience advising senior leaders and influencing organizational strategy
• Strong operational HR experience across payroll, compensation, benefits, and compliance
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution
• Excellent communication, coaching, and relationship-building skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in nonprofit, arts, education, or mission-driven organizations
• Experience working in unionized environments
• Familiarity with HRIS systems such as ADP or similar platforms
• Experience facilitating EDI learning and organizational change
• Passion for theater, arts, and community impact

Leadership Competencies:

• Strategic Thinking and Business Acumen
• Equity-Centered Leadership
• Emotional Intelligence and Coaching
• Change Management and Influence
• Operational Excellence and Accountability
• Data-Informed Decision Making

WORK ENVIRONMENT & BENEFITS:

This role is based in San Francisco with hybrid work flexibility. A.C.T. offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance; paid vacation and sick leave; and access to live theater performances and professional development opportunities.

Diversity makes us stronger. A.C.T. is committed to diversity in its programming and creating an inclusive work culture and environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you’d like to learn more about A.C.T.’s values, mission, and EDI initiatives, please visit www.act-sf.org.