Walton Arts Center | Fayetteville, Arkansas

Salary Range: $105,000 – $128,000 annually, based on experience.

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 competitive and equitable compensation and benefits programs
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

Qualifications

Education

Bachelor’s degree required
Advanced degree preferred
Professional HR certification preferred (SPHR or SHRM-SCP)

Experience

10–15 years of progressive human resources leadership experience
Demonstrated success managing HR operations while influencing organizational culture
Experience supporting complex or seasonal workforces strongly preferred
Experience in nonprofit, arts, entertainment, or mission-driven organizations is a plus

Key Competencies

Strategic thinking and strong business acumen
Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills
High emotional intelligence and leadership presence
Proven ability to partner with senior leaders and influence decision-making
Sound judgment, discretion, and strong integrity

Work Environment

This role supports operations across Walton Arts Center venues and events. Occasional evening, weekend, and event-related work may be required, along with travel between facilities.

Why Join Walton Arts Center?

At Walton Arts Center, our employees play a vital role in bringing arts and entertainment to life for the Northwest Arkansas community. As Senior Director of Human Resources, you will help shape the culture and people strategies that support our mission and ensure our organization remains a place where talented individuals want to work and grow.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.

Walton Arts Center and Walmart AMP

Latest Jobs

Senior Director of Human Resources